Other Turtle Discussion :: Introducing a new turtle

[Blue Flamingo]

I was thinking of getting another turtle. I have a 55 gallon tank.I have another tank and stuff if they dont get along. What i was wondering was what sex should it be for a higher chance of them getting along. Also how would you go about gradualy introducing them to one another.(I know about the 90 day qurantine)Also is there a test you can do to see if your turt will be agressive.Such as putting a fake turt in the tank and see how she reacts.


55 gallon tank
large basking area
xp3 filter
Female turtle about 5inches

The new turtle would be 4inches or a little bigger.

[turtledudee]

remember you'll need a bigger tank unless the turts scl is .5 inches!

[CountryGirl68]

It's a trial and error thing, I guess. I have friends that have had a female and male turtle together for years. Just recently, the male wanted to mate and bit the female in the eye. Although he isn't aggressive, I guess he didn't want to take "no" for an answer.

[missibsu]

There is no way of telling if your turtles will be aggressive towards one another. It's just a risk that is taken.

If you are serious about the second turtle, make sure you are looking at one that is similar is size. Smaller turtles can be injured by larger turts. Also think about the current size of the turt you have and double that. Is your tank big enough, and will it be big enough in one years time? How soon are you prepared to upgrade?

[flutterby]

If you do decide to get a new turtle make sure you quarintine it for at least 60 days, 90 days is better.

[Blue Flamingo]

Thanks for the replies. How do you go about introducing them to each other. Do you do it gradually for instance put there tanks beside each others so they can see each other. Or do you just put the new turtle in after he/she is out of quarintine.
(And I have considered all the questions that you asked Missi )

[steve]

If you have a male now, then I would not get another RES. If you have a female, I would get another female just remember about the additional size requirements and nesting options.