General Care Discussion :: Can I put a small turtle in a tank with a larger one?

[writervs.world]

I got my turtle when he was about the size of a quarter and now he's about 4 inches long. I want to give him a play mate, but he'd be about the size of Tucker when I first got him. Would Tucker eat the new turtle? Is it safe to get another one that small?

[n00bEmpty]

Depends on your turtle. It's likely (not 100%) that Tucker will dominate the other one and hog all the food and cause stress to it. But sometimes in cases then they'll get along. If they're the same size then it'll be fine. I heard somewhere that turtles are solitary animals.

[writervs.world]

Sorry, confused, so it's not likely? I mean he's a softie, he won't even touch the live fish I've given him and I just measured him, he's five inches.

[n00bEmpty]

It's likely. The only way to find out is to actually do it. Just remember, Tucker can turn aggressive at any moment and bite the little thing. So yeah. Also, have you noticed him chasing the fish in any way?

[steve]

First, a new turtle should be quarantined for 90 days. Turtles kept together should be of relatively the same size/age. The tank must also be large enough to accommodate them (tank size and filtration strength). We recommend 10 gallons of tank per inch of shell length. 2 turtles at 5 inches each should be in a tank that is at least 100 gallons. Don't forget RES can easily grow up to 8 - 11".

Also, RES usually don't do well together in tanks... especially if one or both is a male.

[writervs.world]

Thanks. I don't think I'll try it. Of course after I posted that, I woke up and all the fish were gone....But I didn't know about the gallons per inch. He's been in a 10 gallon tank since I've gotten him, I'm about to move him to a 20 gallon.