General Care Discussion :: mixing species.

[upchu]

I just got a new 55 gal. tank for my Red Ears, about 8" and 6". Over the summer I got a spotted turtle and have been keeping him outside in a small water garden. With Fall approaching I want to move him inside. Would they do together in the same tank? I don't mind setting the smaller tank up just for the spotted but if I could save the time by putting them all together it would certainly be easier.
Thanks Dave

[Daniel3507]

in a 55 gallon tank there wouldnt be enough room for 2 turtles. if your RES is already 8 or 6 inches than its already too small for that tank. chances are if you put them together there would be some aggresion

[TheComputerGremlin]

6 inches x 10 gallons = 60 gallons; 8 inches x 10 gallons = 80 gallons. So right now, your two RES need 140 gallons (much larger than your 55 gallon tank ...).

Best recommendation, before the cold comes, look on Craigslist or other local resources to find a larger tank for the two RES, at least 120 gallons if you can. Then give the spotted turtle the 55 gallon tank. I wouldn't recommend mixing the two species, RES are notoriously aggressive, and with limited resources (a tank almost 3 times too small), they will see the spotted turtle as the enemy. Look at Swaypippin's recent post about putting two turtles in the same tank: http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17925

[untsmurf]

I agree with the Doc. Your tank is already too small and RES are remarkably aggressive. If I'm remembering correctly, spotted turtles are known for being small, he should be able to live in the 55 gallon his entire life, by himself.

Try and procure yourself either a bigger tank (two 100 gallon tanks would be ideal) for your RES, then you can move your spotted turt into the 55. If you can't do that, try and find another 55 for your spotted turt.

I would not mix the species unless you were capable of getting them a very large pond.

If you can't afford-or don't have room for-two large tanks, you can get rubbermaid tubs or stock tanks (meant to be used as troughs for farm animals). They aren't as visually appealing, but they get the job done.