Habitat - Indoor :: How to keep my temporary turtle happy...

[yeshuaskid]

We are caring for my daughters class turtle over the summer. We have lots of other pets and make sure they have all that they need. My problem is that this turtle, Squirt, is in a tank that is much too small for him. He is about 6-8 inches from head to tail and lives in a 20 gallon tank. By my calculations he should be in, at the least, a 60 gallon tank. We've tried to make him as happy as possible. He has a sand bed, two large basking stones, and a nice cave to hide in. We also take him outside at least every other day to stretch out and get some sun. I hate to give him back to the school next month because he's going to continue to be in this small tank.

Is there anything else we can be doing to keep this little guy happy?

[megcornell]

You're right that the tank is too small. The best thing that can happen to Squirt is to get a larger tank. The first step I'd take is discussing that with the teacher. It could even become a class project.
In the meantime, fill his tank up as much as you can to allow him maximum swimming space. You may want to look around the site and see the above tank basking areas some people have built as they give turtles a lot more swimming space.
If the teacher doesn't want the responsibility would you be willing to keep Squirt and upgrade him yourself? If not, you may want to start looking into reptile rescue groups as another option.

[yeshuaskid]

We are definitely willing to keep Squirt just so that his quality of life is better. The only problem I'm having right now is where to put a 60+ gallon tank in our house. We already have a 90 gallon marine tank, 5, 10, and 15 gallon freshwater tanks, and 20 gallon hermit crab tank. Squirts 20 gallon tank fits where it is but a bigger tank won't fit in the same spot. Could I go with a 40 gallon tank and build a basking area above it?

[TheComputerGremlin]

Yes, anything you can do to maximize the swimming area will help. As a temporary housing, you can buy a giant (like 55 gallon) rubbermaid container at Walmart. The only consideration with that is that you need to inspect the container daily for leaks or cracks and discard it if it's damaged. But it's a cheap alternative.

Speak to the teacher and explain what the turtle needs: larger tank, good filter, basking area, basking bulb and UVB bulb, water heater. It should come out to around $400-500, esp. if you can find a tank that is used. Ask the children to do a fundraiser to get money for the needed supplies, like a bake sale, car wash, etc. It's an excellent tool for their education! Send the teacher our way if s/he needs more info, we're happy to provide!

[mikee]

Anything you can do to get him into a larger tank would be better than where he is now. When you get the larger tank you will have to get a larger filter. He will need one that will pump at least 5 times the water volume you have in the tank. Good Luck!! M.