Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have read several different answers. How many gallons of water do you need per male or female RES to house them comfortably and safely? Thanks.
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Jeff
0.1 Wife
1.2 Kenyan Sand Boas
1.1 Smooth-Scaled Sand Boas
0.1 Doberman
1.0 Pitbull
1.0 Collie

Some people use the rule of thumb of ten gallons per inch of adult turtle.

Katrina

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Jeff
0.1 Wife
1.2 Kenyan Sand Boas
1.1 Smooth-Scaled Sand Boas
0.1 Doberman
1.0 Pitbull
1.0 Collie

Instead of asking what the minimum amount of water or space is for keeping your turtle, try imagining what is the maximum amount of space you could offer to your pet.
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That was the whole point behind asking that question. Now it makes since to me to find the minimum amount you need to provide before you can determine a maximum. Let me see if I can explain this. What if I thought that a 55-gallon tank would be ok for a male about 6” long and a female about 10” long? Lets say that in this 55-gallon tank you have 25 gallons of water. Now according to Katrina who kindly provided me with the answer of 10 gallons or water for every inch of adult turtle. I would be 135 gallons short of what the minimum would be, I will never know if I was providing the necessary amount of water for my turtle, unless I had asked.

Now that I have asked that question, and had it answered, and because of what I have learned by studying what I am interested in before I go and get a turtle (unlike a lot of people do), I have determined that I would not be able to provide the amount of space that a turtle needs.
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Jeff
0.1 Wife
1.2 Kenyan Sand Boas
1.1 Smooth-Scaled Sand Boas
0.1 Doberman
1.0 Pitbull
1.0 Collie

Jeff,

Have you considered fostering? That way you get to "test drive" a turtle or two, without the long-term commitment. It's still a commitment, just not as lengthy. Also, since many "rescued" turtles come from inadequate situations, a 30 gallon tank or Rubbermaid with a basking spot for the winter for an adult slider may seem like heaven if he's been in a 10 gallon without heat for his whole life.

Katrina

Do you have any conections in NW Florida or know of any websites to check? I would even be glad to drive a couple of hours to help someone out.
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Jeff
0.1 Wife
1.2 Kenyan Sand Boas
1.1 Smooth-Scaled Sand Boas
0.1 Doberman
1.0 Pitbull
1.0 Collie

Go to www.anapsid.org to check for a herp society or rescue near you, and also visit www.turtlehomes.org - they have someone in FL, but I can't remember her location. Still, you can fill out an application with Turtle Homes, and they can call you when something in your area needs fostering. Also consider giving your name to a local animal shelter - most of them get in turtles, too, and few know how to care for them properly.

Katrina

It is always best to do your homework first. There are option for you though if you do want a turtle. Some of the smaller muds or musk turtles are great and don't need HUGE tanks.

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Jeff
0.1 Wife
1.2 Kenyan Sand Boas
1.1 Smooth-Scaled Sand Boas
0.1 Doberman
1.0 Pitbull
1.0 Collie

Im sorry. I guess you are the one out of 100 people who doesnt try to just meet the bare minimums.
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