Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am in the process of converting my 150 gallon tank with 80 gallons of water, to a completely filled American Cichlid tank that will have to house a turtle too. I have everything worked out with tank layout for getting the turtle a basking spot, but I need to contain the turtle above the waterline, which incidentally will be near the top of the tank edge. I need ideas of how to keep the turtle inside the tank when he decides to climb out to his basking spot, so I could do with some pictures that some of you have taken of filled tanks for turtles... There will be a very slight current in the tank, and I know that spotteds can't swim very well, so there will be many "hand holds" for him to climb out of the water when he needs to.

I would just fill the tank up only 3/4 full. I have a setup like this full of South American fish such as tetras, cory cats, and bumble bee cats, that all accents the Spot-bellied Sideneck that lives there. It is fully planted, and the turtle lives hapilly with the fish as long as he is well fed. I prefer the lower water level because (1) I don't have to worry about escape, and (2), it makes for a nice variation in viewing points. Watching the fish swim from above and below is amazing, and also the turtle is contained. Just my suggestion.

J

What kind of turtle are you going to house?

Do the American Cichlids require any salinity in their water because I believe that Africans do and depending on what kind of turtle salty water may not be good for them.
Also, how big is the turtle and how big are the cichlids?

If all that is cool, then I think that the 3/4 full idea is the best and you may be able to buy or construct a platform on one end for the turt?

Well, the turtle is an adult male Spotted who is about 3 years old. The Cichlids are Black Convicts, and possibly a pair of Jack Depseys or Oscars. The Cons will get to about 6-8 inches long, the Jacks might get to 9-10 inches, and the Oscars are capable of reaching 12 inches. I know now that the turtle will be able to hold his own against the most agressive fish, as most fish are unlikely to go attacking a turtle in the first place unless he finds himself in their breeding territory, in which case, he will be able to remove himself from the area without too much trouble. Anyway, I've decided to go with the 3/4 filled tank, and I'll be posting progress pics shortly.

Be careful and observe your spotted, as spotteds are not "pond" turtles, and do not frequent deep water in their natural habitat. Make sure he does not wear himself out by trying to swim to the top to get air. They are not the best swimmers, and I know people who lost theirs to deep water. Looking forward to the pictures.

J