Other Turtle Discussion :: small turtles?

[PetriTheTurtle]

Hello everyone.

I am the proud owner of a rather large RES. I love her dearly and I am ready to branch out and get a second turtle.

I am also a middle school science teacher and thought that a turtle would make a really cool class pet. (since I have one already I am aware of how much work i'd be getting myself into).

My question is, can anyone recommend a breed of turtle that would stay relatively small? I have a small tank (i think it's about 20 gallons?) that I could use for a baby, and I'd be able to upgrade to a 40 gallon or so later on. But anything bigger than that probably wouldn't fit all too well in my class room.

Any suggestions of small turtle breeds that might be happy in a school environment?

Thanks!

[sonyj]

Black-Knobbed Sawback Map Males only get between 3-4 inches but the females reach up to 10 inches. It would be hard to know what you are getting at first if you get a baby.

Many other types of Maps stay within the 3-5 inch range for males as well but the females will get relatively larger. It may be worth looking into if you are serious though.

[PetriTheTurtle]

Thanks!

I have a 40 gallon tank right now, but I think it's a little small for my res... I'd like to upgrade. I figure then I can use the 40 gallon for the new guy!

what do you think is the largest size turtle that could comfortable live in 40 gallons? (the tank is completely full of water, the basking area is above the tank)

[sonyj]

I wouldn't go for more than a 4 inch turtle to give him a comfortable, quality life.

[jenaero]

A mud turtle would be cute
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-mismud.htm

Or a map, but you'd have to get a sexed adult male
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-bkmap.htm