General Care Discussion :: My Decision: Not to Release... Please Read On:

[PhunkeyPhish]

OK, After the heated posts and doing some research of my own I have decided I am not going to release my turtle. I still say though there is no way for me to move a 90 gallon aquarium with me. However, I have his old 55 gallon aquarium and that aquarium fits into my car and I can carry it by myself. What if I move him into the 55 gallon until I get through law school? It seems cruel to downsize him, but the alternative, although glamorous on the surface, seems cruel deeper down.

I'd also like to apologize if I have offended anyone in my responses. I've just got a lot on my plate now with moving, a lot more than just turtles and tanks.

[TheComputerGremlin]

I mentioned in your other post about finding a new tank in the area you are moving to that is a larger tank, maybe on Craigslist or the local ads. The 55 gallon would at least work for a short time until you can find a larger tank.

[SpotsMama]

I think a 55 gallon home for a few years with a loving keeper sounds pretty darn good. Who knows? During the years you are in school, maybe you'll find an opportunity to upsize the tank. If not, he'll be safe and in a familiar setting and a 55 gallon tank for a male isn't too bad.

The main thing to watch for when your turtle is in a small (relatively speaking) tank is water quality. The turtle waste will be more concentrated, so you need a good filter and may need to make more water changes. If you need to make more frequent water changes, do you have a python? A python is an absolute lifesaver for someone making frequent water changes.

You'll be so glad you made this decision. If people sometimes get heated on certain subjects, it's because they are passionate about their pets. I know you love your guy too and were trying to figure out the best solution for him. He must have been taken well taken care of to have survived all these years.

He's a real beauty, judging from his photo. However, could you please resize the avatar? it's taking up about half the computer screen right now.

How about sharing some more photos?

[PhunkeyPhish]

Yeah I thought about getting a larger tank when I get up to where I'm going, although I am not sure if I will be staying put in the same place for the 3 years of law school. He's been in a 55 gallon the majority of the time I've kept him, although he loves the 90 gallon, three years isn't so long for a turtle.

Thanks for the compliment on him. He really is my pride and joy, nearly 70% of my life with him... which is why this move is so hard for me. I'm gonna do my best to keep him for another 16 years and on

[maryR]

Hey why not get a large rubber made thing from lowes? That would be good for a while til you can find one on CList or something. Alot of people keep them in there from what Ive read on here. Just a thought, You could do an above tank basking on the 55gal and hed have lots more room to swim just dont put anything in the actual tank so its all free for swimming and lurking..

[SpotsMama]

The above tank basking area suggestion is a good one.