Baby RES questions: heat, depth, food

[Alannah]

Hi all,
I'm sorry, I'm sure some of these questions are answered elsewhere on this board, but I've gone through several threads and still have some specific questions.

I have a baby RES, less than 2 inches long. He is in a 10-gallon tank, with a floating dock, large gravel (more like big pebbles), and a basking light. I was unaware that I needed a UV light, so I'll be getting one asap. Any guidelines on buying one?

I'm sure his lethargy is due to the water being too cool--I don't have a heater or a thermometer yet. I've seen varying figures, does the water need to be 75 degrees, or closer to 85? What's the best way to heat the tank? Brands?

I've had him for about a week, and he hasn't eaten in all that time. I bought ZooMed aquatic turtle food, but he won't touch it. He sleeps constantly now, which I assume is due to cool water. Lack of eating bc he's trying to hibernate? (He hides almost constantly, moves very slowly, and has slow reactions). Anyway, he's really freaking me out, and I want to get him big and healthy and strong. Should I try Reptomin baby or some other commercial food? Or is it worth it to get bloodworms? Frozen, right?

I read somewhere that water in the tank shouldn't be so deep that they can't comfortably reach the top, but that is way too vague for me to figure out. How many inches above the gravel?

Thanks for any help; I love this little guy!

[Jennicat]

http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

I've always found anapsid.org to have great resources on turtles, snakes, and other scaly things, hopefully this will help?

[That_girl]

I am curious where you got your RES from? In most states, it's illegal to sell them under 4 inches long.

[Alannah]

Chinatown, of course. I didn't realize it was illegal until afterward.

[That_girl]

Thanks for letting me know. :)

I would suggest finding a forum dedicated to turtles or reptiles in general. I belong to a couple of different forums dedicated solely to geckos, and the knowledgable people there have helped me out numerous times. I even had more knowledge than the exotic vet I had to take one of my geckos to.