Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello I live in ohio and have just acquired a 30 long aquarium...I was thinking of getting either a box turtle (I know this isnt the box turtle forum) or a tortoise and was wondering which type would work for a 30 long. I could have outside for part of the year also. Im looking for a very outgoing animal. Also I am a beginner.

Neither.

A box turtle or a small tortoise species (Russian, Greek, Hermann's) would require at least 8 sq ft. A 30 long is maybe half that. And 8 sq ft is a minimum. An outdoor pen with 15, 20 or more sq ft is even better.

If you want a turtle, a small variety of mud turtle could work in a 30 long. Maybe even a pair. The three-striped mud turtle stays around 4 inches.

Check the mud turtle forum.

well now im thinking of getting maybe a baby leopard or redfoot and Im sure It could stay in that for a little while before it gets too big....how fast do they grow

Why not a Galapagos tortoise, or maybe one of those Leatherback sea turtles?

A Thirty gal long is fine for a baby boxie or a little Redfoot for about a year. Then you can upgrade. My little boxie is in a 20 gal planted vivarium and she is a year old. Most of the time she is buried and doesn't need much space. In about another year I will start putting her outside for the summer and soon for good. My older boxie is in a 75 gal. planted vivarium when she is in the house. My two year old Cherry head is in a 75 gal. planted vivarium also when he is inside. Thirty gal long is fine for now. I personally like vivariums (planted ) for forest dwelling species as it holds the humidity very well.
this is the little Eastern in a 20 gal. viv

Two year old Three Toed in a 75 gal.

Two year old Cherry Head in a 75 gal.

those look so cool!!! What type of plants do you put in those and also how personable and easy to care for are box turtles???

geez no need to get smart dude just looking for an opinion

>>geez no need to get smart dude just looking for an opinion

You didn't seem to be listening to my first response, so I thought it didn't matter what I said.

As a beginner, you may have ambitious plans. "I'll start with something small and then get a larger setup." This happens a lot. A leopard or red foot would require a much larger setup as they mature, and you may find that you can't really handle it in a couple years as it approaches mature size.

I think a mature leopard or redfoot would require more like 20 sq ft. These are animals that get at least 12" (shell length).
Much more room than needed for a box turtle or russian tortoise.

That's why I recommended something that could actually live its entire life in the 30 gallon tank that you now have. A mud turtle is interesting, active, and relatively easy to take care of, once you have a handle on water quality issues.

I suggest starting simple. Don't get overly ambitious. If you find that you really like taking care of a turtle, you can move up to something more demanding.

I started with small lizards, but tried too soon to get a tortoise. I lived in an apartment and couldn't provide a spacious setup. I had to sell the tortoise (a red foot). Now that I have my own house, I have the room to create both indoor and outdoor enclosures. I also find it easier to do so for a 3-toed box turtle, since they are native to the area. My russian tortoises take more effort since the local weather is often too damp and cold forthem.

Best of luck whatever you do.