Soft-shell turtle

[Dirty187R]

OK I recently aquired a spiny soft-shell turtle that I am not 100 percent sure on the species. this turtle is very small like a bit bigger than a half dollar so I am assuming that is very young. It was caught in a large (damned) lake in INDIANA in water that was about 40-50 foot deep approximatly a half mile from shore. The lake has strong currents so I was wondering is it normal for this juvenile to be swimming in this area or was it washed out. It was caught by my younger brother we looked at it then we released back into the lake, it was trying to cling to the pontoon boat like it was in trouble so I scooped it up and decided to take it home and throw it in my 55. I realize this turtle can get very large and I am prepared to release it if it doesn't do well in the aquarium. The aquarium is full to the top, but the turtle can get on the powerheads and a large peice of driftwwod that sticks out of the water which it does frequently. It seems to be healthy, and active other than the fact that it hasn't eaten yet. I would like some advice on a what would be good to trigger the turtle to eat. I have flakes and pellets for the DANIO, and firemouth cichlid that is currently in the aquarium. I caught the turtle on monday afternoon so it has only been in the tank for a short period of time.

Give any advice that you see fit.......

[sump'nfishy]

i would set up a 10g with a sand bottomm,about 6" of water, good cover and a decent sized basking area(driftwood would be perfect) it'll feel more comfortable and do better in such a set up and then feed it live woms(black worms, tubiflex and earthworms should be welcomed) as well as frozen foods like beefheart, mysis shrimp and bloodworms and perhaps small live guppies(although not as good as the previously listed foods) and then after you get him eating and growing try to get him onto a good quality pellet food as well. i doubt the turtle was that far out willingly, probably caught in a current or something like that.

[MMaddox]

Make sure you use a "heat lamp" with an incandescent bulb that produces UVB rays (very important!). These are easy to find in pet stores, and are made for reptiles. Also, try to make sure the turtle can get some indirect sunlight once or twice a week. UV is necessary for vitamin D, allowing proper calcification (not as important in softshells, but still shouldn't be overlooked).

Lucky you - I want a softshell!

[sump'nfishy]

there is no such thing as an incandescent bulb that produces UVB spectrum light, however they do produce UVA in abundance, however it is UVB that is needed for calcium abosrbtion. only florescent and mercury vapor bulbs are currently being produced for the purpose of UVB lights.