Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone! I was given a 40 gallon corner tank, with stand and filters and everything... I believe even a heater. I've had it for a few months and it's just been sittin'. I've been considering putting fish in it, but fish aren't really my thing and I got out of them years ago... the little tank on my computer desk is doin' me in just fine =). I have a collection of sorts going on elsewhere (2 boas, sulcata tortoise, pacman frog, toads, etc.) I've had aquatic turtles in the past as a kid, and miss them. I was just wondering if this would be a decent starting point for one. It is definately more deep than wide, is this okay? Also, what would be an ideal turtle for staying in an enclosure this size? I don't want to plan on buying a larger one or building one outside. If possible, with the sufficient space, would there be room for 2 of the same species? If not, and one of a species would live comfortably, that is also just dandy. Until I get some insight from you guys, I'll research myself.

Thanks and can't wait to hear back!

For ease, tenacity, and small adult size you really can't beat a Mud or Musk turtle. There are many different CAPTIVE BRED species and subspecies available for inexpensive prices. You can keep a pair or even a trio together provided that they are of equal size and the female has plenty of hiding spots to escape from the male's advances. Downfalls; they are not particularly long lived (for a chelonian), they often hide quite a bit, they tend to bite, and they are not known for their good looks.

For beauty, personality, and small adult size you can't beat a Spotted turtle. Most Spotted turtles are very hardy and can become quite tame. They have an average typical lifespan. Obtaining CAPTIVE BRED specimens is almost a must, as they are becoming highly protected throughout most of their range. Downfalls; your state may not allow you to have them, they are pricey, males can be VERY aggressive (you MIGHT be able to keep two females together in the small space you mentioned), people love to steal them, and some will get fungal and/or bacterial infections if not kept in acidic water.

Good luck with your decision. Turtles are one of the higher maintenance herps, and you have a lot of research in front of you. They can be very rewarding if all of their needs are met. One word of advice...they can be very addictive!

if i remember correctly corner tanks are tall, this is ok, but it might be hard to work with. for the light turtles need most bulbs only read 12 inches, so you would need a turtle thats water depth is at thel east 8 in. from the top of the tank. i don't know how tall your tank is so you would have to figure that out. you could buy a flood lamp though, they reach down a ton further and are used as a baskign bulb and a source of UVB/UVA. this is what i use for my animals that need uv and such and they work really well. you can get them from the zoomed catalog for like 50$. they last longer than florescents and produce a ton more uva light rays so they odn't need to be replaced as frequently. 40 gallons is ok for most sliders, maps, and painteds. maps IMO are the prettiest and funnest, plus they arn't that territorial. you should probally get a turtle that stays under 6 in though if you decide to get two and under 12 in. if you only get one. good luck and please feel free to contact me at otis07_@hotmail.com if you have any more questions. happy holidays!