The "spines" are very tiny projections and are hardly even noticeable. They are only at the extereme front of the carapace and if you get your hand in this area, you have much bigger things to worry about. Remember, they have long necks and can reach around far back on their shell. My own set ups are very simple - usually large plastic storage containers, with or even without sand for softshells, which I keep isolated from the other turtles becase of potential shell damage from claws, etc. I keep my many turtles in a heated room. Unless you keep your house very warm, you may want to invest in a submersible heater. The water in most turtle tanks is too shallow for a vertical heater. The best brand is probably Ebo-Jaeger, but they are moderately expensive. There are thinner brands as well for smaller tanks, or you could even use an under-tank heateng pad, although these are usually not adjustable. Softshells don't bask much, so an incandescent bulb with reflector is not really important. A simple flourescent fixture to fit the tank would be OK. I strongly suggest an inexpensive timer to turn the light on and off - it saves much aggravation when you are busy. One of the wide spectrum specialty reptile bulbs with UVB radiation is desireable but not essential. You should provide most of their Vitamin D in the diet. If you want to put in a basking area, it should be very smooth. A very smooth rock is OK and won't damage the shell, or you can fabricate a platform out of plastic kitchen containers etc. with a ramp of vinyl stair tread or indoor/outdoor rubber-backed carpet (such as a door mat)affixed for climbing out. As mentioned, they rarely bask.

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