I have kept a prize winning Common Musk Turtle for about 11 or 12 years now. I have never had a problem with gravel and neither should you so long as it is too big for the turtle to ingest. Larger rock on the tank bottom should also be ok but only as long as they are secure and cannot be toppled by the turtle. If they fall off one another onto the turtle, or if they form crevices into which the turtle can crawl, the turtle could possiblybecome wedged between or under them not allowing it to reach the surface for air.

As far as filtration goes, be very careful about current with hatchling musk turtles. A weak current from a filter is best. You don't want the turtle not being able to reach the surface because of the current, it might drown. Since the tank is that big, which is a great size for so small a turtle, there will probably be an area with less current that the turtle will discover is easiest regarding where to reach the surface.

As to those temps, a basking spot of up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit is ok, 85 is acceptable. My Common Musk Turtle rarely basks. In my experience, a water temperature of 79 is actually on the high side for them. Mine have preferred temperatures that were in the mid to low seventies. It even does well with temps in the hight 60's in the winter - it continues to feed and remains active - just at a bit slower pace. I find higher temps, those anything above 75 degrees seem to stress my Musk Turtle if the higher temperature is maintained for more than a couple of days.

Best of luck with it, hatchlings can sometimes be a bit difficult but are well worth the effort you put into them. If it makes it to a few months old and grows well in that time, you will be able to expect a turtle that will live to up to 50 years of age. Definitely a long term commitment - longer than most marriages.

Best regards,
Glenn B

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