Habitat - Indoor :: Suggestions for Fish to Add

[Sethvel1]

Hi,
I recently set up a new tank for my turtle. She was downsized for a little while but is now back in a 125 gallon aquarium. I am in the process of finishing the build now. I still need to build her basking area up top. For this one, I added gravel circulation to maybe help keep the gravel healthier. I will see how it works. It was easily made with cpvc. I am using an FX6 now and am thinking of adding another canister.
My question is what kind of fish can I add that would help keep her tank cleaner? I don't want to go spend money on something that she will just end up trying to eat. Anyone have any suggestions? I could would also take any advise on keeping everything healthy for her, anything I can add during the build process.

[litefoot]

I have done every kind of fish in 60 years. Today I don’t want any in the main tank so to control Piggley’s diet better. Any and all will become a food source ! What any fish eats they will only put back into the tank as there bio load. Their ( #1 and #2). As far as easier cleaning go with the “nitrogen cycle” will help you and your filter better.
If an FX6 all you need is a media setup for a turtle. Even if it's a “4” with turtle media will do the job for you in your 125 gallon. A 6 has a circulation rate of 563g/h and a 4 has 450g/h both would work alone even for a 12” female with a good media setup for turtles. Lot’s of bio media.

When you build your basking area it’s best to make it as large an area as you can. One that can offer different range of temps for your turtle to choose what it wants and when. Too many buy a 10” dock for a 10” turtle to save money. Be creative on the DIY dock helps.

[Sethvel1]

Thank you for your response, it was very informative. I wish there was something that I could put in there with her, maybe something bigger but can't argue with a few years of experience!

[litefoot]

Bigger don't help if a turtle really wants it.

Years ago I acclimated three shubunkins to warm water for Chopsley Sir when he was about 6" , male RES. They are very fast so …
Two were about 8" and one 10". By morning I found him being pulled around the tank by the 10" one , had it by the meat of the tail. Chopsley won ,damage done so I let him eat some then removed it and the others. Turtles are "bad a__" when they want to be !

[steve]

Don't put any fish you're attached to in there and offer plenty of hiding spaces. I have a similar experience as litefoot... my RES would go for the head, tail or vulnerable spot to cripple the fish and then take his time enjoying his catch.