Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Let me know if anything is wrong with this setup. It is a 20 gallon long. The basking light is there, it just isn't turned on. The filter is a Fluval 3 Plus internal filter. The substrate is river rocks and there are several rocks that are larger, plus the one that actually sticks out of the water under the basking light. The water is about 5 inches deep. I am expecting my baby musk turtle on Tuesday. I am planning to add a few floating anacharis plants this week.

Thanks for any feedback.

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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]

That is one nice set up for a musk turtle!
But, since it will be a hatchling you might want to keep it in a smaller tank for a while. That way you can monitor it's feeding and growth better. There is less likelyhood of and accidental drowning too.
Once it has a little size on it, the larger tank will be better.
I sure wish more people would go to the trouble that you did. Nice job

In my experience hatchlings will do fine in larger tanks. Your setup is great, but a few things could be added to make it even better. Musks arnt the best of swimmers so they like shallow areas where they can rest. I would add in some aqautic plants like Anacharis. That way he can sit on top of them and still be submerged. It will also give him some security. The basking area is fine as long as he can get up on it. From the pic it looks like he might have some trouble getting up on the rock. You may want to create a little ramp by adding more rocks or a piece of driftwood. Not bashing on your setup at all. Its good to see someone has there setup up and ready before they have the turtle.
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

Thanks for your replies.

I added the anacharis yesterday, and adjusted the filter so there is little current. The anacharis isn't moving around anyway. Half of the rock is underwater, so he should be able to climb on it. I am not sure how small he will be, but the tank is right next to my computer, so I can keep an eye on him.

The place I ordered him from called me yesterday and said he would arrive this morning, but it is afternoon and he isn't here yet.
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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

____

sig file edited 1/29/05 [phw]

I would give the place a call. Where did you get him from?
Good luck with your new turtle...
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

I ordered him from animals.com, I had to order online because it is illegal to sell turtles in NJ.

He is really really tiny, smaller than a quarter. He seems to be swimming pretty well, how long can they stay underwater? I can't tell if he needs to be rescued or not, he does get his nose out of the water.
-----
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

____

sig file edited 1/29/05 [phw]

Oh yeah, here is his pic

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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

____

sig file edited 1/29/05 [phw]

Great! Nice little guy.
The points brought out by Chrysemys are correct too.
Now, if you do everything right, you will still have this critter 65 years from now!

He shouldnt need to be rescued as long has you have a nice resting place (the tops of the plants). Unless you seem him struggling to get to the surface, he should be fine. Also make sure you do not have any strong currents or "suckage" from the filter.
Enjoy your new little guy!
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