u/Queen-Cheech

Meet Mr/Ms Watson not sure on gender currently. I got this turtle off of a man on 125st in Harlem, Ny 3/10/26. I like to consider him a rescue 🐢 because idk what would have happened to it if I didn’t acquire it. I was happy and so were my daughters. I did lots of research and still decided to add tank mates (4 diamond tetras/ a clown pleco) RIP 🪦 to them after a week. So I decided no tank mates ever again. I’m proud to say it seems to be happy and thriving and loving its space. We have our daily meets at the tank and it enjoys sleeping on the java fern I’ve attached to the driftwood. I feed it green pellets, dried shrimp and dried mealworms. I would like to give it fruits and vegetables but I’m unsure if they’re age/size matters. I took a pic of it next to the tap water bottle to show how small it is. I look forward to saving up for a bigger and better tank setup in the near future. This is just temporary as it is so small and I know it will definitely grow.

I’ve had it for 3 months. So far it’s curious, loves to swim & bask of course. I will be getting a bigger tank in the near future. Oh and it ate all 4 of my diamond tetras and killed my clown pleco. I didn’t witness it happen but I now its guilty. 🐢😂 He’s thriving and loves the mopani driftwood that was added recently along with the Java fern I attached to it. It has been a snack. It loves to rest on the leaves both real and artificial. I feed it green pellets, dried shrimp and dried meal worms. I’ve tried dried cranberries but unless it has a piece of shrimp on it, will be left alone. I’m open to any suggestions as I’m a new turtle parent especially since it’s a red ear slider. Thanks in advance.

So I just recently got a red ear slider. I know, I know not the cleanest choice. I’m a new turtle parent and just want to provide the best possible. My daughters call it Rakai after a popular Twitch streamer because they say he resembles the TMNT. 🤣 Then my 7 year old came home and just decided it is Mr./Ms. Watson since we’re not sure the sex yet. 🤷🏽‍♀️🤣🤣🤣 We’ve had it since March and I have no idea why I decided to incorporate tank mates last week, knowing what the outcome maybe. I bought a clown pleco & 4 diamond tetras. Well they lasted a week before he picked them off one by one. I found my pleco stiff at the bottom of the tank with a chunk missing. Then I woke up today to 2 tetras. I just got back from the park with my daughter and now Mr/Ms. Watson is solo in his tank. Even the Java fern I included is all chewed up. I guess he showed me he doesn’t want any tank mates or nice decor. Keep it simple stupid… Once again I’m new to this and although I’ve done my research I know there is still so much to learn. Here’s a picture of my tank 3 days ago when everyone was alive and well. If you have any suggestions I’m open to them just don’t be too harsh on me I’m learning. Thanks in advance guys.