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Let me start by saying I was trying to make a 6 year old happy and became a new "Mom" of 2 RES. I listened to the Petco people as I see a lot of people start out doing and have a 20 gal. tank. I have upgraded to a 55 gal. but am having trouble trying to figure out what kind of filter will run on a tank which is less than 1/2 full. I have basking rocks and lights and everything else that I have read off your very helpful website.
I feel stupid that I can't figure this out myself..but figured with the experience here that I could get advice! By the way "Elliott Sadler" is about 5" long and "Bob" is about 6". I understand that this tank is not big enough..but I'm doing the best I can for now. With 2 dogs, 2 cats and now my 2 new buddies..it's hard to afford it all at once
By the way..if Elliott does the "claw shake" at Bob...does it mean that Bob is a Bobette??

That tank would be a good size if you brought one of the turts back. The claw shaking can be a mating thing or a territorial thing. He could just be telling the other turt to get out of his space. At that size, you should be able to tell what sex they are. Here's a link that will show you the difference. Scroll down a bit to see the comparison pics. http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Info/info.htm

As far as filters, you could go for a canister filter like the fluval 404 or something similar. I have a fluval 4plus but with my 50 gal tank, it's not really keeping up and I'm looking to upgrade. The canister filter sits outside the tank, and the intake tube sits in the water. Lots of people here have them and will be able to tell you more about them. Maybe it'll help me make up my mind too

Read all the Stickys on this site. It'll give you the basic info on what you need for a happy turtle. Check out the sections on lighting too. Do they have a basking spot? Fill the tank up as much as you can without them being able to climb out. The more water, the better, especially in a smaller tank.

OK..so how much water should they have??
I have a large rock for them to climb on but it is not very tall for basking..obviously the petco board is worthless. I realize the tank is not what they need but am working on it. I just found the Fluval info..Petguys.com has a 304 for under $90 plus S&H. Should I go with the 404 so it will work with the larger tank size that I will be shopping for?
Where can I find good prices on tanks?? I am so sorry for ignorance on my part I am trying to get over my turt insecurities and provide these guys the best that I can! Thanks for the help!!

in the wild, they are found in deep water so give them as much as you can. Instead of the rock, you could buy a basking platform that suctions to the side of the tank. it'll adjust to the water level. There are several kinds out there so just check what the pet stores have. For tanks, you really gotta shop around and compare prices. One store near me was selling a 50 gal for $300...I got mine for $79 at a different store. Huge difference, so look for a bit before you buy. And yes, go for the 404 or something more powerful. That way, when you upgrade again (and you will ) you won't have to upgrade the filter.

ok..we'll give it a shot..thanks for your help and for taking the time:)

that's what we're here for

make sure the water depth is deeper than the length of the shell but also make sure they can't climb out. they are sometimes determined climbers and i've seen them do some incredible things.

check the online deals section for xp3's and fluvals.

steve

Go with the bigger filter so you won't have to upgrade. You could also consider putting them in something like a stock tank--not as expensive, easy to clean and cheaper.

You're turtles are large enough so that they could easily handle a deeper water level (and you'd have more options for filters).

I would nix the idea of the suction cup to the wall platform.. at 5 and 6 inches your turts would not leave it on the wall.. What I would do is go get some white pvc pipe, (no glue needed) a nylon cutting board, a real slate or ceramic tile and make a basking platform. You can do this cheaply and easily and with the platform you can definitely raise the water level ALOT! When I had my 55 gallon tank the platform was 10 or 12 inches high (tank i think was 18 or 20.) This will also open your filter options up greatly.. I would go no less than the 404.. (I had a Magnum350 pro on my tank. which is fine for a 55 gallon, no larger)