They do well when set up the same as sliders. They do tend to be a bit more sensitive so you will need to keep your water clean.
Mine feed well on Krill, scallops, cocktail shrimp, crickets. They take minnows once in a while and will even eat leafy greens (dandelion, escarole, chicory, turnip greens). I find that my males tend to eat the greens more than the females.

Males stay fairly small in all species and Texas map females don't get that large either.

Plan on a 55 gallon tank as the smallest size. Provide good filtration (I use Filstar canister filters. They are reasonably affordable and one of the easier canisters to work with). Also provide a basking ramp, UVB light source and heat source for the basking area (as well as a tank heater).

I use mercury vapor bulbs (Mega- Ray bulbs) in a CERAMIC light fixture for the basking area. This provided UVB and heat all in one bulb rather than messing with two fixture.

Temps are same as sliders (water 72-75) basking (85 to 90 degrees).

Hope this helps.

Steve

[ Show Entire Thread ]