musk turtles. help.

[superjacko]

before anyones has a moan, i didn't put myself in this situation intentionally, i just need some quick advise not a lecture as i already know
i decided the otherday i want some musk turtles, i wanted a turtle for ages but never got one because they get larger then i could accomodate, then i found out about musks and that they stay very small, so i'd have the room for them.

so i went to the aquatic shop on monday and placed my order, because of where i live anything ordered takes about 2 weeks, then is quarentined for 3 weeks, so i had plenty time to research and set up their home. i got a call on friday, 4 days later, "can you come and collect your turtles please they are sat on a shelf in a bag and we have nowhere to put them!" i was not impressed, i've had no time to even get them any food or anything! atm i have put them in an exoterra rub with about 2 ins water and a rock! help!

can anyone tell me the essentials so i know they are ok while i sort them out a propper tank. like i said i know i shouldnt have taken them if i know nothing about them, but i fancy their chances with me rather then in a dry sealed bag on a shelf!

cheers
mike

[mariekni]

have you got a heater and uvb lighting?

[superjacko]

nope! litterally, i went to the shop, said i'd like some musk turtles, 4days later they are insisting i come and collect, i don't even know what these guys eat! i should have had about 5 weeks to prepare not a few days

[mariekni]

i would complain to them as they obviously havent quarentined (sorry if thats spelt wrong ) them! giving them bloodworm, daphnia, river shrimp, meal worm, reptomin will be ok i'm sure someone else can tell you a larger diet for them. they need a heater though!

[superjacko]

ok i'll get them in a glass tank tomorrow and get a heater and filter, what kind of light?

[Dean Cheetham]

They need a UVB and heat lamp above a basking spot, they eat everything that has already been mentioned, a water heater is needed i would say as they are going to be small, make sure they can get out of water in different places in the tank.

[superjacko]

thanks for the replies guys! so how deep do they like the water? Would an exo terra be suitable for these guys? Would only allow about 4" of water.

[Dean Cheetham]

I would advice just a normal plain cheap tank for them maybe look on freecycle in your area people are always giving away tanks, if they are very small still i would give them like 4-5" of water and slowly add more as your turtles grow. i would say mine are around 6-7 months and i have a water depth of like 7-8" of water.

[Dean Cheetham]

You might also be better off getting a tank big enough for your turt/turts fully grown, straight away otherwise you could have to upgrade a few times as they get bigger. my 2 are in a 4ft tank and they love all the room to run around.

[mariekni]

yeah i agree with dean about 4/5 inch of water adding as they get bigger. when they are grown dont be afraid to put extra water in though. some will say they are poor swimmers but in my opinion they are stronger swimmers that people give them credit for!