Newbie With Turtles!

[becksi2006]

Hi all, I have joined this page as I have recently become the proud owner of two baby musk turtles, I have researched about the care and requirements but I am getting so many different pieces of advice so I have come here to learn a little more.
My babies are only 3 months old and are about 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches long, I need some general advice on looking after them.
I have just purchased a tank which is 36in by 18in by 12 in, will this be suitable for them? I have a very low uvb lamp so would be greatful for any recommendations which will be more beneficial to them, I have 2 filters running at the moment as the water is very mucky.
I have a heater in the tank which seems to stabilise the temp.
As of yet I do not have a basking light but was told I could use an ordinary desk lamp and shine it on the basking area (which I have made for them but they have not yet ventured on to), would this lamp be enough?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys

 

[jones1]

Hi all, I have joined this page as I have recently become the proud owner of two baby musk turtles, I have researched about the care and requirements but I am getting so many different pieces of advice so I have come here to learn a little more.
My babies are only 3 months old and are about 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches long, I need some general advice on looking after them.
I have just purchased a tank which is 36in by 18in by 12 in, will this be suitable for them? I have a very low uvb lamp so would be greatful for any recommendations which will be more beneficial to them, I have 2 filters running at the moment as the water is very mucky.
I have a heater in the tank which seems to stabilise the temp.
As of yet I do not have a basking light but was told I could use an ordinary desk lamp and shine it on the basking area (which I have made for them but they have not yet ventured on to), would this lamp be enough?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys

hi becks
I have recently got a musk turtle as well and it seems everything you are doing is right. the main points you have to follow is the temp of water is between 24 & 30 oC. i feed mine twice a day and have the uv light on for 12 hrs a day. they will eventually bask but you need to get a proper uv for them to receive the correct vitamins as soon as. also make sure that there basking area is accessible easily enough and will be continuesly dry. I have also put a couple of artificial plants in my tank as they enjoy swimming through them. make sure they have a couple of caves so they can explore and sleep in. clean them once a week even if it does not look dirty including filters. and the water depth is minimum height of length of turtle I hope my info is of use to you. what I found out has for me.