aquatic turtle questions - Paw Talk

mm_simb · #1 04-20-2005, 02:07 AM

I've been wanting to get a new pet and I've been debating between a turtle and a hermit crab. I've always wanted a turtle. Are there any turtles that don't grow that big? I would be having 2 if I get some, is that fine? Is it possible to keep a turtle in a 20 gallon for it's whole life (this being if the turtles don't grow that big)? I'm thinking of building the tank myself with the help of my uncle because a 20 gallon with all the accessories are over 400 dollars. What accessories would be in the tank? I'm not planning on buying one any time soon. I just want to know my different options. Thanks

ninja_smurtles · #2 04-20-2005, 04:12 AM

If you can find male map turtles they grow up to about 7" and 30 gallon is the bare minimum for them so I think it would be hard for you to find anything that would do ok in a 20 gallon tank. 400 dollars is very expensive I have a 60 gallon tank and it cost me about £120.
Or if you could find them, a chinese reeves turtle grows between 4-6" and a 20 gallon tank should be ok for 2 of them.

here is a web site that gives a small bit of info on quite a few turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs and the hermit crab if anyone else is interested.
http://www.futurepets.com/reptiles/reptcarepopup.htm

Good luck whatever you choose.

mm_simb · #3 04-20-2005, 04:58 PM

I read about them...I think those would be fine. I wanted a slidder at first since they are easier to find but I think they need a 55 gallon minimum when they get older. Maybe if I find a job I'll get some. The reeves turtle sounds pretty good but I'm not sure where I would find any turtles at all.

Ravnos · #4 04-21-2005, 12:12 AM

A 55 gallon would be too small for an adult slider even, they can easily get to 12 inches shell length - while the most common turtle seen in pet stores, they make the worst pets simply because of this.

My suggestion would be a common musk turtle. Common musk turtles rarely get bigger than four inches or so and don't require as much of a land area as a slider, cooter, painted, or map turtle needs. They also do not require a basking lamp. They are majorily carnivorous, but do just fine on Reptomin turtle pellets. One could do just fine in a 20 gallon - though, larger certainly wouldn't hurt.

Rav

mm_simb · #5 04-21-2005, 12:24 AM

Would these turtles only be found at rescues or are there stores that sell them? I can't seem to find any turtles at all except for the slidders.

Ravnos · #6 04-21-2005, 01:54 AM

They are sometimes found at stores, unfortunately sliders are much more common.

Rav

ninja_smurtles · #7 04-21-2005, 03:53 AM

I can only ever find sliders in shops too.
I was very lucky to find my mappies.
One thing you have to know is that turtles are very expensive. VERY!!!
I have spent tons on tanks, lighting equipment, vets bills etc

mm_simb · #8 04-21-2005, 04:19 PM

Yea, I've seen how expensive is. I really like them though...ever since I was little. I'll probably get one once I have a job.

ninja_smurtles · #9 04-21-2005, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mm_simb


	Yea, I've seen how expensive is. I really like them though...ever since I was little. I'll probably get one once I have a job.

i read that they were gonna be expensive and I knew that but did not know it was gonna be that expensive.
What are they gold plated?

No I love my smurtles and they give loads of enjoyement so I advice you to get a little one when you get a job.
Keep me posted

mm_simb · #10 04-27-2005, 02:05 AM

They started selling the slidders at my petsmart already but like I said, I probably wont get one of those. They also have another kind but it's a land turtle. Forgot the name of it. But I just found out that it's illegal to sell musk turtles in any store in texas so I'll never be able to get one of those locally unless I catch one

ninja_smurtles · #11 04-27-2005, 06:32 AM

That is sad to hear I was looking forward to seeing your turtle.
I would love 1 of those musk turtles they are soooo cute but they only sell sliders here too and there is no way I can go out and catch one

Maybe you could get a box turtle or a tortoise?

mm_simb · #12 04-27-2005, 04:05 PM

I was thinking of the box turtle. Maybe if I can't find the musk one I'll get that. I know my uncle has a stream next to his house with some turtles. Most of them are snappers but he said there was another type there. I would hate to take it out of it's environment though.

elfomatic · #13 04-27-2005, 05:36 PM

I wouldn't take one of of the environment if I could help it ... try national rescues such as turtlehomes.org. They are always coming up with rescued turtles.