Feeding and Nutrition :: For sure source of calcium/sucker fish

[JNZBCBnLIL]

Is there any for sure source of calcium so I know Leo is getting the right amount? I have cuttlebone in there and I have seen him/her biting at it but I don't see this very often and I want to make sure s/he's getting the correct amount of calcium.

Also, I'd really like to get one of those sucker fish that suck on the sides of the tank to clean the algea and waste but I'm not sure if I should for fear that Leo will hurt it or it will hurt Leo! if I get one that is a little bigger do you think it would be okay?

[cprcheetah]

If it's in the tank, there is the possibility that it will become Leo's dinner.

[SpotsMama]

My turtle really loves freeze dried, calcium gut-loaded crickets. Your Lil Leo is so tiny, though, I don't know whether he could handle a cricket. Maybe when he gets bigger.

Someone on here puts some sort of calcium block in the filter where it disolves and puts calcium in the water. I also think I've seen differing opinions as to whether this type of calcium is the type that a turtle's body can use, but you might look into it.

[scripta_elegans]

I would say that as long as he is eating some cuttle bone, you're probably okay. I don't want to mis-quote Steve, but I am pretty sure he said a pea sized amount a couple times a week is enough for a full grown turtle? I know there are a couple posts on the amount of cuttle bone turtles need, the only issue is finding them. As for the sucker fish, he might be okay, or he might be eaten. I would guess that eventually Leo might decide the fish looks tasty, and snap! snap! gulp! No more sucker fish. I have ghost shrimp in my tank right now, and they seem to be keeping it cleaner as far as food particles and turtle poo. I haven't really had any algae, so I don't know what they would do with that... They are good for the turtles to eat though, so when they do eat a few, it is no problem.

[marisa]

I'd just keep a few head-sized pieces floating in the tank so he can nibble on it when he feels the need to (they're programmed to seek out/eat calcium). Leafy greens like dandelions are good, and most reputable pellets contain a small amount of calcium as well. Getting calcium from a variety of sources is good.

[CountryGirl68]

they're programmed to seek out/eat calcium

That's exactly what my vet told me. In fact, he mentioned that if the turtle begins to eat the basking dock (those made out of plaster of paris), it probably means he is craving calcium.

[marisa]

Yes, this is true. It's also thought by some that eating gravel/pebbles is is sign that they're looking for calcium as well.

[JNZBCBnLIL]

He hasn't been trying to eat the dock yet and this morning I actually woke up to him chowin down on the piece of cuttlebone I had floating around in the tank! I just wanted to see if there was any way to make sure he was getting the correct amount of calcium he needed but he seems to be seeking out that cuttlebone and attacking it regularly! lol