Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, here is the deal. I had a ribbon snake for about 5 years, and he died a few days ago. Now I have a 20 gallon long tank that is empty and I want to fill it

I have a pair of RES, so I am not new to turtles. My RES are getting a pond this summer, and will be vacating their 55 gallon tank. I am thinking of getting a baby musk turtle and putting him in the 20 gallon for now, and upgrading him to the 55 gallon eventually.

I guess what I need to know is how their care is different from RES, and where I can get one. Turtlesale.com is out of stock and it is illegal to sell turtles here in NJ, so I have to order them online. I can see I am probably going to need to hold off until it gets a bit warmer here, but I wondered if there were any sites that are recommended?

I am already gathering that musk turtles bask less and are bottom feeders.

Thanks for reading
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A mans got to do what a mans got to do. A woman has to do what he can't.

Mom to:

1 little boy born 7/19/04
2 male RES, born 1999
1 ribbon snake, age unknown
3 FBT, ages unknown
1 female bearded dragon, born 5/2002
1 male lab mix, born 5/24/03
1 female calico cat, born 6/7/04

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sig file edited 1/29/05 [phw]

Musks need shallower water than RES do. For a hatchling 4in of water is fine. When they are adults you can go as deep as you want as long as you have a shallow area in the tank where they can rest. Although they may not bask as much as other turtles, they still do need to have the option. Lighting and Heating requirments are pretty much the same. Be sure to have a UVB light and keep the water around 75-80 degrees. Musks are more carnavoris that Sliders. You will want to provide them with a little more meat. Feed them a variety of pelleted food along with fish, insects, and occasionally greens like romaine lettuce and aquatic plants like anacharis. Well that pretty much sums it up. If you have any more questions just ask.
Chris
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Hey whats up, I'm Chris and I currently have 0.1 Midland Painted turtle, 1.0 Western Painted turtle, 0.1 Red Eared Slider, 1.0 Bearded Dragon and a 55gal African Cichlid Tank