Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i caught a small painted turtle today and put put it in my 55 gallon aquarium with my fish and gave him a log to "hang out" will it be enough? also will he eat my snails?

also i do plan on getting all the proper water treatments and my tank is over filtered.
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Jake Barney

snakes
1.1.1 ball pythons
0.2 corns
1.0 bcc

No, your turtle will not be "OK" without a heat source for bask i.e. the log you put in the tank for it to "hang out." Reptiles are cold blooded. For a painted, basking temps should be 82-88F. You will need to purchase a UVB so the turtle can utalize the Vit. D3 for calcium absorbtion. Next to a window does not work. Glass acts a prism and also filters out about 30% of the natural sunlight. Thus, the nessessity of a UVB bulb so it does not get Metabolic Bone Disease. (MBD)

Also, there is a strong possibility the turtle will eat your fish, or try too. You should release it back where you found it, or set up a different terrarium if you want to keep the painted long term.

it only took me about an hour to realize it woudnt work. after releasing it i set up a small shallow tank and put a baby snapper in it. and yes i know they are big dangerous and dirty but im actualy prepared this time and im used to pets that can bite.
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Jake Barney

snakes
1.1.1 ball pythons
0.2 corns
1.0 bcc