I just received two red-eared sliders for my birthday a few days ago. My boyfriend and I have ourselves a little zoo (2 bearded dragons, a cat, 2 aquariums of fish, and now our 2 new members). So, we are experienced pet owners, but new to the realm of turtles. We have all of the appropriate set up for the turtles, but are curious about feeding them.
Forgive me if my questions have already bee answered. I have been looking over the boards for about an hour and a half now, and decided to just write myself.
My first question is on the second feeding tank. We bought a 10 gallon just for feeding. I've read that it will need to be full of water in order for them to swallow the food. Does this water need to be changed after every feeding? Once a week? Also, does it need to be a certain temperature? I know that they need to be in there for about 15 minutes to get their fill. I'm sure that it can't be an extremes of hot or cold, but would room temperature be fine?
I also have a question on feeding them fish and other proteins. I've read they are mostly carnivorous as juveniles. The pet store guy told us only to feed them pellets, and that feeder fish had no nutritional value. However, we all know how knowledgable the pet store guy can be (ha!). He said the feeder fish were not fed, so they had no nutritional value. Is it a common practice at pet stores not to feed the feeder fish, or am I going to the wrong store?
I definitely intend on feeding them pellets and veggies. I was wondering how often to put some guppies or rosy reds in there? A few a week, a few every other week? Does it entirely depend on how often my little guys want to eat them?
Also, I don't recall ever seeing feeder guppies at my local pet stores. I have been there often looking at fish, because one of my aquariums has only little fish in it (and there is a cannibal in the midst! ). If I cannot locate feeder guppies or rosy reds, is there an other options? Are fancy guppies okay? I know there a little over a buck each, but I don't care that much if it makes my turtles happy.
Well, any help would be much appreciated! Sorry for my lengthy letter..