Habitat - Indoor :: I need advice

[Lihan]

I like my Huggie alot. and i want a problay 30gal. tank. problay some snails and alotta guppies. My parents like Huggie alot too (sometimes even more then me) and i asked them for problay a bigger tank and snails and guppies. I think that will entertain Huggie alot.

The problem is: there is no way i can get them on my own. since a tank can easily cost more than 100. and i need the tank so that i can hold other animals(eco-system power!).

My parents think it's very unnesscery (tank and the extra animals). I just found out that my tank hold only 4 gallons of water so i need some advice on what to do.

I got a happy filter, a good heater.

[Lihan]

lol, after i asked my dad, he said that the 10 gallon per inch rule is made up by a tank seller.

Huggie is almost 1.5 inches and i think a good amount would be 30 gallons so that it would last probably what, 1-2 years?

and after a while after i get a better tank i might decide to breed some of the snails and guppies.

you tell me, am i crazy or just a little bit planning ahead?

[sonyj]

10 gallons per inch is not made up by tank sellers. This general guideline is used by keepers who love their turtles and want to raise their turtles in a happy and healthy environment. And whether 30 gal will last you that long totally depends on how fast your turtle grows. Turtles grow at different rates depending on genetics, diet and habitat etc. They grow more in the first a couple years of life and then slower after that. Around 3 inches at a year old is a good size and an inch a year is considered a good growth rate as they get older.

Just remember the more fish etc that you add into his environment the more tank/water, better filter you will need to accommodate them. Keeping a clean healthy environment with plenty of room and swimming area will go along way in keeping your turtle happy and healthy.

[Lihan]

i know sonyj, I am just saying my dad thought that. but i just don't know how i can get a bigger tank. Since iam not a grown-up.

I need some advice on what to do next as Huggie grow bigger.

[Giddy]

You can tell your dad that the reason so many turtles don't live long is bcause they are sent home in tony little islands and plastic crates.....only crazy turtle LOVERS say you need ten gallons per inch

Your best bet is craigslist.org, your local paper and freecycle.org.

I have never paid more than $20 for a set up and I have gotten a lot of free stuff. No reason to use a pet shop. Good luck!

[fishandcandy]

Tell everyone you know that you need a tank. A lot of people have tanks they don't use. You can probably find someone who has a tank bigger than what you have now.
I do agree with your parents about not needing the extra animals... Try to provide the best life for Huggie first.

[sonyj]

Look on sites like freecycle.org and craigslist.org for free or cheap tanks. Also check local classified ads, sometimes you can find very reasonable tanks in there.

Other options are Rubbermaid storage containers from stores like Wal-mart. For example, I've seen a 45gallon storage bin for under $15. This is a temporary solution but would be much much better than what you have now. It would give you time to find a more permanent set-up.

[marisa]

Check out thrift shops, the Salvation Army, Goodwill if you have any near you. Spring is coming and so are garage sales, flea markets--it's possible to get some good buys from them as well.

[Lihan]

wow, so many sources eh? thanks guys. I am gonna start checking those sources right now, one by one.

[cam722]

I can't add any places/sites to the list of those already given, but I do have a question/comment regarding your signature line..

1 RES- Huggie (another one coming soon!)

If you can't afford the proper habitat for one turtle, why are you even considering another. Unlike other animals, more than one turtle doubles the expenses. If they don't get along, you'll have to provide two complete setups. So you may wish to rethink this.

[Lihan]

I can't add any places/sites to the list of those already given, but I do have a question/comment regarding your signature line..

1 RES- Huggie (another one coming soon!)

If you can't afford the proper habitat for one turtle, why are you even considering another. Unlike other animals, more than one turtle doubles the expenses. If they don't get along, you'll have to provide two complete setups. So you may wish to rethink this.

Yeah you are right cam. I am trying to Maintain one. Let's just say as soon as i get a bigger tank?

[staman]

What setup does Huggie have right now? Things we need to know are

Water temperature
Basking Temperature

Water heater if present?
Filtration device if present?
Lighting: UVA,UVB, and heat lamp for basking spot

[staman]

Sorry i didnt see your remark at the bottom concerning the filter and heater. What exactly is a Happy filter and a good heater.

btw the word is "probably" not problay