If this is going to be your first turtle I would stay away from a softshell. They are much more difficult to care for compared to a snapper, Red Earred Slider, Painted, etc. The can easily damage their shells because they are so soft and they absorb water through their skin so the tank water has to be kept very clean.

Also, I would not house a snapper or a softshell with eachother or any others turtles for that matter. Both species can be very aggressive and prefer to be kept in an isolated tank.

I would suggest going with a painted, RES, or mud/musk as a starter turtle. But if you have your heart set on either a snapper or softshell I would go witha snapper. They are much more hardy. Just be prepared to purchase a large enclosure some time down the road. I have a common snapper and he is over a year old. I have kept him in a 20gal long tank for his entire life. He still has plenty of room.

The essential equipment you will need is a filter, basking light, and some rocks, plants other material to create some hiding places for it. Good luck. Make sure to read up on any turtle before you buy it.
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Mike
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2 Painted
1 Musk
1 Common Snapper
1 Cooter
1 Map
1 RES
1 Corn Snake
1.1 Water Dragons
2 African Frogs
1 Toad
1.0 Degu
1.2 Chihuahuas
0.1 Cat

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