As a recent owner, I literally just gave them to a friend of mine on the 8th, I say if you have the space get them.I kept them for 9 years & am thinking of ways I can get them back. I am also a monitor fan though I only have 1 exmanthicus for now. When my pockets no longer allowed for varanid keeping I moved to heavy turtle keeping. However pelomedusa were 1 of the 1st 4 turtle species I kept during my varanid phase. They are very personable & eating machines. Durable & thrive on any thing. Watch for agression towards other turtles. A solo 1 should have at least 30g. Mine didn't bask much but did come out when the lamps were off.