Habitat - Indoor :: mixing turtle species

[davis_student]

I am not sure that this can be done but is it possible to have more than one type of turtle in the same tank? I just am finishing setting up a 40g tank for my girlfriend that was originally going to have 2 RES. She asked if we can put anything else in instead of 2 RES. Is this possible? Thanks

Josh

[megcornell]

RES are notoriously aggressive so putting something more placid like a painted in with it can be a recipe for fighting. That said, there's a good chance any two turtles will fight. If it were me, I'd go with one turtle. A 40 gallon is the perfect size for one RES for the first year or two. Hatchlings grow about 4 inches in the first year so that 40 gallon won't last too long for two. And with two turtles if fighting occurs they will have to be separated which means you'll need two whole set ups which can get very expensive.

[davis_student]

hmm i knew if they fought that id have to seperate them but from 3 different aquarium pet stores that I have talked to all said that I can put 2 RES in this 40g breeder tank for a couple of years. I was going to buy them at one of these stores and the turtles are already at 4" roughly. I know here the rule is 1" shell is 10g of water but all three stores said that it would work. Is it the mess to be concerned about with 2 turtles or space?

[Dormant]

hmm i knew if they fought that id have to seperate them but from 3 different aquarium pet stores that I have talked to all said that I can put 2 RES in this 40g breeder tank for a couple of years. I was going to buy them at one of these stores and the turtles are already at 4" roughly. I know here the rule is 1" shell is 10g of water but all three stores said that it would work. Is it the mess to be concerned about with 2 turtles or space?

it's a space issue. they need the swimming room. if you noticed, pet stores will often put like 10 red eared sliders in a tank not suited for them. i would take what they say for the most part with a grain of salt.

[megcornell]

The issues with 8 inches of turtle in 40 gallons of water are both the water quality and the space allotted to each turtle. Turtles produce a lot of waste and it would really compromise their health to have them in such cramped conditions. Not only that but in the said cramped conditions aggression will be likely because the turtles will each be trying to establish the tank as their own.
Remember also that turtles are solitary creatures by nature and they don't see other turtles as companions but instead as competition for food, basking time, and mates. Turtles are more than happy to live individually.