General Care Discussion :: New Aquarium Suggestions

[alkaiser]

Hey all!

It's Alkaiser, and even though before I used to come here and write worried topics about how my turtle was going to die or how his shell was, it turns out that he is doing very well as he is still very active and healthy even after keeping him for 5-6 months. (October to Now, I think)

This is a big deal to me, well because even though I didn't know much I still went and got the help and supplies I needed. Heres an update on my current situation:

*Turtle is about 2-3 inches long but still small enough to fit nested in my palm.
*Currently using 29 Gallon tank (70 Gallon filter Aquaclear)
*3 small algae eaters, who keep him company and are also doing uhhh okay
*1 guppy (He won't eat the last one, apparently)

I'm still feeding him NutraFin Grammarous Pellets (14-16) and he seems to be doing fine, I just hope he's not too skinny. Though I realize turtles have a bit of pulled back skin so that they can 'hide'

Vegetation: Anacharis
Decoration: Turtle paperweight thing found in petstore.

Anyways, its getting about that time, I realize, to start planning my new aquarium but I'm somewhat concerned that I might not make the right decision, I'm thinking that being a turtle he obviously isn't going to be comfortable with fish aquariums forever and I'll have to get something more specialized for his needs.

Anyone know of any custom kind of jobs and such out there? Like a good aquarium website for turtles that has tank ordering?

I'll be saving for it, and will probably implement it if he grows about another 2 inches. (I might end up getting another fish aquarium to bridge the gap.)

Another important question: What is good decoration for turtles and what vegetation can I put in?

Another one: When should I think about getting another turtle? A year? Two years? (Companionship for the other, of course)

[sonyj]

I'm currently looking into a new habitat myself. I've decided on a stock tank (all of Marisa's posts on how great stock tanks are have paid off ) I've found a 100 gallon Rubbermaid one for $68 at a local feed store. Knowing I never could get a glass aquarium of equal size for this has convinced me.

As far as vegetation, any live plant safe for fish aquariums is fine for turtles. Also, you can use fake plants for them as decor and resting/hiding areas.

Turtles do not need companionship. In the wild they only come together to mate or compete for the best basking area. Remember that if you do decide to get another one then it should be quarantined for at least 90 days to be sure it won't pass on any illness to the other one. If there is a difference in size then they should not be kept together since the larger one could hurt the smaller one. Also, there is the possibility that they may not be compatible and will have to be separated into their own set-ups.

[hannah.26]

If you want a custom tank you should look around at sites for fish keepers. My boyfriend had a custom 200 gal tank made that turned out really nice. I don't remember where he got it though.

There are some really good fish forums that have sections just on hardware (tanks and stuff). They could prolly help you get what you are looking for. The salt water guys are really into custom jobs too. Even though they are into fish they can help you design something that would work for your turtle.

[marisa]

Hallelujah, a convert to stock tanks!