Hi guys and gal's. I just found this forum while doing some more research. I hope there's a few of you who can give me some advice and/or feedback.
I apologize in advance for the length of my post. I wanted to cover just about everything.
About 1 month ago, I found a western painted, desperately clinging for its little life on my Koi pond filter. We're guessing a bird dropped it flying over. We've decided to keep him/her, so we named it Nugget. Rather than always saying he or she, I'll just use it's name.
I'm including 3 photos, the day I found Nugget, with a dime for size reference.
Then, checking out the basking area. Lastly, the tank setup.
The 1st thing I'm trying to determine is, do I have a hatchling or a yearling? Nugget's shell is now about 2 inches. After 2 weeks, I noticed Nugget was and still is shedding skin and scutes. Now, after a month, I can tell Nugget has grown. You'll notice that in the 2nd pic while on the basking tray compared to the 1st.
I've got a 55 gal tank setup with a proper tower filtration system. I've restricted the tank swimming space until Nugget is bigger, you'll be able to see the plastic barriers in the tank. I wanted to make sure Nugget could find the food. The basking light 60 watt uvb ( just out of view ) is 18 inches above. Also, out of view is a 2nd light, just for lighting and the warmth it gives. I've also placed rocks around the tray so Nugget can't slip in-between the tray and glass.
The 2nd thing I'm trying to do is to get Nugget to eat pellets. Right now, I'm trying Zoo Med hatchling formula and ReptoMin. Not having pellets at 1st, Nugget was eating blood worms, tiny tadpoles, and crickets. Now Nugget is spoiled and wants ice cream before supper! Any advice on the transition in diet would be greatly appreciated. Also, again, I learned through research Nugget's had been getting too much protein. I have introduced some greens and fruit. Turns out the one thing the little booger will eat is banana. I assume because it looks like a cricket and is soft.
Lastly, Nugget's color has been dull since I found him ( fingers crossed, I hope it's a boy ). I realize that during shedding, this is normal. However, the new scutes aren't much brighter than the old. Is there something I can feed or do that can help the vibrancy increase?
Anyway, if you decide to look at the photos, you can zoom in on the 3rd pic and see Nugget there on a decor log he or she seems to be quite happy in the house. And has quickly learned I'm Mom! We're already bonding. And I can say Nugget is loved and will be well cared for
Any advice or feedback will be greatly appreciated.
I apologize in advance for the length of my post. I wanted to cover just about everything.
About 1 month ago, I found a western painted, desperately clinging for its little life on my Koi pond filter. We're guessing a bird dropped it flying over. We've decided to keep him/her, so we named it Nugget. Rather than always saying he or she, I'll just use it's name.
I'm including 3 photos, the day I found Nugget, with a dime for size reference.
Then, checking out the basking area. Lastly, the tank setup.
The 1st thing I'm trying to determine is, do I have a hatchling or a yearling? Nugget's shell is now about 2 inches. After 2 weeks, I noticed Nugget was and still is shedding skin and scutes. Now, after a month, I can tell Nugget has grown. You'll notice that in the 2nd pic while on the basking tray compared to the 1st.
I've got a 55 gal tank setup with a proper tower filtration system. I've restricted the tank swimming space until Nugget is bigger, you'll be able to see the plastic barriers in the tank. I wanted to make sure Nugget could find the food. The basking light 60 watt uvb ( just out of view ) is 18 inches above. Also, out of view is a 2nd light, just for lighting and the warmth it gives. I've also placed rocks around the tray so Nugget can't slip in-between the tray and glass.
The 2nd thing I'm trying to do is to get Nugget to eat pellets. Right now, I'm trying Zoo Med hatchling formula and ReptoMin. Not having pellets at 1st, Nugget was eating blood worms, tiny tadpoles, and crickets. Now Nugget is spoiled and wants ice cream before supper! Any advice on the transition in diet would be greatly appreciated. Also, again, I learned through research Nugget's had been getting too much protein. I have introduced some greens and fruit. Turns out the one thing the little booger will eat is banana. I assume because it looks like a cricket and is soft.
Lastly, Nugget's color has been dull since I found him ( fingers crossed, I hope it's a boy ). I realize that during shedding, this is normal. However, the new scutes aren't much brighter than the old. Is there something I can feed or do that can help the vibrancy increase?
Anyway, if you decide to look at the photos, you can zoom in on the 3rd pic and see Nugget there on a decor log he or she seems to be quite happy in the house. And has quickly learned I'm Mom! We're already bonding. And I can say Nugget is loved and will be well cared for
Any advice or feedback will be greatly appreciated.
