Baby Razorback Musk questions

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RobE

RobE

Candiru
MFK Member
Aug 17, 2008
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Seminole, FL
I have two razorbacks that are 1" to 11/4" SCL. i was wondering how deep there water should be. I have them at about 2" depth right now but i don't know how deep it should be. On ATP care sheet it doesn't list a depth for the little ones. They do list a depth for common musk at 8" after they hit 1" SCL. I have a place for them to get completely out of the water and uv light. They have been doing well eating like pigs, i just want to make the best enclosure i can for them. Looking for opinions from people that have have experience with these guys. Thanks
 
2 inches deep is fine for right now. In the wild the babies hang near shore in shallow, weedy areas to avoid the predators that lurk in the deep water. Musk Turtles are also not the best swimmers so it's good to keep their tanks somewhat shallow so they don't have to struggle to reach the surface to breath.
 
I have a bare bottom at the moment. Is that ok or should there be some type of substrate? ATP said they like river rock, what does that mean? Small pebbles or larger rocks that they can hide behind?
 
I keep all my water turtles in bare bottom tubs. It's just easier to keep clean and you don't have to worry about any choking or intestinal problems that way. But if you really want to place something in there you can always use ceramic tiles or flat pieces of slate.
 
I would definitely put more than 2" of water, for all my razorbacks starting out I had them in 10" of water. Water depth doesnt matter as much as a place for them to hide, they are very shy as youngsters.
 
mark23adams;3599508; said:
I would definitely put more than 2" of water, for all my razorbacks starting out I had them in 10" of water. Water depth doesnt matter as much as a place for them to hide, they are very shy as youngsters.
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I do agree that a few more inches of water could be added but you have to keep in mind that this species isn't an active swimmer like a RES or Painted Turtle so water depth isn't really that important to them. These guys mainly just walk along the bottom and seeing how these are hatchling, you really don't want to make them struggle to get to the surface for air.
 
If the water is deep enough that they have to swim up to breathe, add a branch or rock that they can walk up to reach the surface. Even a sturdy live or artificial plant will work.
 
Thanks for the input guys. One more thing i have a small stealth heater should i shield it with pvc or will it be ok on its own?
 
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