Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I currently purchased 2 florida softshell turtles, and would like some input from people who have them. I currently have them in a 29 gallon tank with a sand bottom, and about 3 inches of water. They have a good size log that comes out of the water and they can easily climb onto. They also have a heat light for basking, although I hear they rarely come out to do so. For a filter I have the new Fluval 504. This is designed for turtle tanks according to the box. I would like to know what types of filters others use, and also does this species need the UVB lighting?? I have looked in books, but does not specify for Softies??? All of my other turtles and torts have the UVB, for shell growth and Vitamin D 3, but is this necessary for the softies also. I do have the light available, but am not sure if they like the bright enclosure or if they perfer a darker area?? Thanks in advance. Matt

Along with your other turtles, the softy's need the UVB light also for the digestion of food. You may see the softy get up on the log daily if you have like a time lapse camera on it, but they do not spend much time out of the water. In the wild they usually lie under shallow rocks with room to stick their long neck out of the water to breathe. Every now and then they climb up onto the banks to bask. Not very often though, so make sure more than anything else there is a place for him to rest in a shallow area. My tank is a 29 gallon...my spiny softy is about a year old...I have taken a piece of plastic and had it cut to the interor dimensions of the tank, glued it in with aquairum sealant, and placed gravel on top of it, and a small rock for him to bask on. He spends most all the time up there, but occasionally does get down and swim a little for exercise. If you want pics let me know i'll take them for you. -Chris