Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello. I was thinking of buying a 55 gallon for my softshell hatchlings. I have two smooths hatchlings now in a ten gallon. I would plan on adding a snapping turtle hatchling as well in the 55 gallon. Would this be big enough for the softshells to live in for a long while? I ask because I found a place where 55 gallon tanks are $79.99 with a hood/lights included. This seemed like a really good deal! Let me know what you think. Chris

55 gallons is more than enough for a couple of hatchling softshells. In fact, an adult male softy would probably be quite happy. I wouldnt mix softshells with snappers, however. Sounds like trouble to me!

a 55 for them would be great. DON'T put a snapper in there with them. I have a Redbelly Cooter that someone had as a pet and put a snapper in with him. He now has no left front foot and no right back foot. Your softies would be too vulnerable. They would eventually be a meal for the snapper or at least damaged severely. Not worth the risk AND the snapper will out grow a 55 gallon tank.

I have to dissagree on tank size. Fifty-five gallons is much too small for an adult softshell. Females have been known to reach a maximun size of 14 inches. Males about half that. You need to think in the 100 gallon range for an adult.

Apologies -- Actually yes long term a larger tank would be needed if you end up with a female. 55 gallons would be alright for a some time but an adult female is pretty large. While they could stay in a 55 a gallon tank it would not be a confortable experience for a female that will be probably be wider than the tank. If you have gotten the 55 already don't worry they will be fine for some time and you can just put the $$ aside in anticipation of getting the bigger one when they need it.

BTW -- even if upgrading to 100 gallon tank -- do NOT get that snapper!!

I have right now a 29 gallon for my 1 yr old softy, plenty big for the time being (I went with 29 because thats the size limit for my apartment, i'll be getting a 75 in the spring), but how can I determine if my softy is male or female? I mean should i just lift its shell and look? lol....seriously though...if someone would let me know i'd appreciate it. -Chris

What specie do you have. Florida softies are larger than spiny and smooth softies. It may be too young to tell but a male will have a long thick tail and the female's is rather small and does not extend to far out from the rim of the carapace (top part of the shell)

Ok sounds good. I haven't got the 55 yet but I am planning on it. How long do you think it will be before they outgrow it? I would hope a minimum of two years? They are both about the size of a quarter now. Let me know what you think. Chris

They will take much longer than two years to outgrow a 55 gallon tank not to worry. You will have plenty of time to figure out the long term situation for your animals.