General Care Discussion :: Debating with myself

[Rickiew04]

I'm going to be getting a RES soon, and I'm debating on what size tank to get. A smaller tank is of course cheaper, along with cheaper accesories such as a cheaper filter, etc.. But I want a tank that would last a while (year or two at least) I'm working on a limited budget (college student) and I want an affordable and practical set up for my turtle when I get him. What are your suggestions on what I should do? 20 gallon? 30gallon? Or as big as a 50 gallon?

[DaddySkittles]

Well how big of a turtle are you getting and how many? I'd honestly go with the biggest I could buy and leaving enough money to pay for all the other equipment and a a little cash left just incase you need to visit a vet later on.

[Rickiew04]

I hoping to get one turtle thats about 1in.

[Pizza]

Unless room appearance is important with you, and/or you want to see your turtles through the side, for now, I would purchase a large tub or stock tank, they're really big, and in comparison with glass aquariums, only a fraction of the price.

From there, I would save up until I could go as big as I could, then make the final deal with tanks and accessories.

Unless you're dying to get a RES as soon as possible, I would also suggest holding off until you can get all you want.

RES, grow faster than you think, and easily outgrow small enclosures in years, sometimes even months, and a glass aquarium is pretty pricey, so unless you find one used at a great deal, upgrading continuously will cost you hundreds more, possibly even over a grand if you choose to upgrade in small increments.

All in all, I would go as big as 50 gallons if you could arrange that purchase, or better yet, bigger, 75+ gallons is great. Hatchlings can grow up to 4 inches their first year (40 gallons recommended right there), and their second year, and may even exceed 5.5 inches if their growth is fast paced. Of course, your hatchling has a chance it won't grow to its maximum so quickly, it's all luck and proper health really.

[Rickiew04]

So I should go with the 50 gallon then. Thats probably the maximum I could afford.

[mini]

My experience with my RES is:
I bought mine about 9 months ago. Rockie was about 3 months old and was 1.25" at that time. Now he's 1 year old and he's already 3". This little guy sure grows much faster than I expect. I bought a 10 gallon tank when I first bought the turtle. Now I need to change to a much bigger one like 50 gallons, in less than 1 year. Still looking for a suitable tank for my Rockie... Thus, I agree with the others. Get the lastest one you can afford.

[Pizza]

Unless you've already taken into account used tanks (unless you have no intention of used merchandise), then they are very often significantly cheaper than their brand new counterparts sold at shops, as much as 35-75% cheaper!

If you do have the idea of buying used, be sure to ask for detailed photos, condition (eg. any cracks or glue dissolving), previous inhabitants, any facts that you may want to know (eg. a chip here or a loose frame there), and age of tank if you want.

[Evelyn]

Hi,
My last three turtle tank cost my seventy dollars a peice. I bought the tanks make for turtles with one side of the glass sorter for an outside filter, I love them. Pretty tunk setups are not an interest to me. Ease in cleaning and health are the the most inportant. The last turtle I bought I used a plastic almost clear container, cut one side of the container sorter and added and an out side filter, put in a large rock. I remember bringing the turtle home in a cardboard coffee cup with some water in it. God she was so cute, still don't know what kind for turtle she is. Someone just dumped her in the pet shop, did not want her anymore. Price 8 dollars, worth a million to me. Evelyn

[steve]

I would stick to temporary enclosures (rubbermaids) until you know the sex of your turtle. You should be able to find them at up to 50 gallons.

[Rickiew04]

why until i know the sex of my turtle?

[industrial_girl_2000]

why until i know the sex of my turtle?

Females can grow to be 12" long. (would need up to 120 gallon tank)

Males grow to be around 9" long. (would need up to 90 gallon tank)

[marisa]

You could always get a stock tank.

[pumpkinsherbet]

i'd say the larger the better. a smaller one will save you now, but will cost you more in the long run since you have to upgrade filter/heater/whatever as they grow and the tank gets bigger. if you can't afford a big setup now, go with the smaller and make plans for the bigger

[marydairy15]

Try Craigslist for tanks/stock tanks/heaters/various supplies. You can find really good deals on things that people don't need anymore in your area (if they have it wherever you live).