Habitat - Indoor :: Tank size for 3 res?

[Silvermist464]

I saw this question on another site, and I was not sure on my answer. So, I thought I'd learn a little more.

I know you should have 10 gallons of water per inch of shell, but what if you have multiple turtles? Is that still true? The person who asked the question thought a 120 would be okay and that adult res needed at least a 30-40 gallon tank. I said no that is not true. Here's my exact answer.

"10 gallons per inch of shell... A full grown male res can get to 9 inches. Females can get to 12. So, I would have at least a 200 gallon tank. 120 just isn't enough. It really does depend on if you get males or females or both. Honestly, I'd stick to just one turtle, or get a pond. "

So, what are your opinions on the matter?

[penelope]

That sounds reasonable. About 120 for two mid sized RES. I can't really say much about 3 RES because odds are they will have to separate the boys and girls at some point.

[Silvermist464]

Yeah, that's what I thought. My friend has two painted turtles. They don't get the best care, but I have warned them several times that they will need a big tank. Especially if one happens to be a girl. But, they don't have a heater, feed only shrimp, their 'basking' light is terrible (doesn't even give off heat,) and their basking area is either too wet or too high up that their turtles can't reach it. Neither has grown much in the year or more that they have had them. Both turtles are well below the two inch mark...

Thanks for your input, Penelope!

[steve]

I agree it doesn't need to strictly apply to tanks with multiple turtles but it will be useful if you have to divide that tank. Having multiple tanks is such a pain ::shaking fist at computer screen::