General Care Discussion :: tank size

[turtlepower90]

Everywhere I've read it seems its a general rule that RES need at least 10 gallons of water for every inch of shell (some sites say even more). Why is it that these little guys need so much space and what will happen if they don't have adequate space over time?

[cam722]

Consider the natural habitat of these turtles.. they come from ponds, lakes etc. The ten gallons per inch is also beneficial for their health. My feeling is anything less and they are basically swimming in their waste water, sort of like keeping them in a toilet bowl. It's also a LOT more work to maintain a small tank than a larger one in that you have to clean it all the time so that they aren't swimming in their own waste. Some with 10 gallon tanks are cleaning minimum of every week if not a few times a week as opposed to those that have larger tanks cleaning monthy with just partial water changes in between.

If they don't have adequate space, they won't get the necessary exercise and it could also lead to health issues and a shortened life span.

[missibsu]

Imagine if you have only one room that you could live in. That includes the bathroom, and everything else that you do in one day. You never get to leave this room. I know that I personally couldn't do it, nor would I enjoy it. Your turtle won't either and since s/he can't control the living environment, then you should do what you can to make it as pleasing as possible!