Mexican Musk Turtle Question

[rothenfluh]

I have a 45 Gal “H” freshwater tank with a few small spotted puffers and a black ghost knife. I really want to get a young Mexican Musk turtle (I know they get vey big and I plan to get a much bigger tank in the future.) I have never had a turtle and I have a few questions.

• Because my tank is almost 3 feet deep, is this too deep for a young musk turtle?
• The little puffers (about 2”) are pretty aggressive; will they bother a turtle that is twice as big as they are?
• I know they are almost entirely aquatic, do I need to provide a basking area?

Any advise about what I need to do for the Mexican Musk would be awesome, including the best places to get one about 4” or so.

Thanks!

 

[dirtyblacksocks]

I would worry about the puffers for two reasons:
1 they will probably nip the eyes and tail of the turtle
2 if the turtle ever decides to nip back, puffers are toxic and will kill it.

Your tank is a little high for a baby turtle - something over 4-5" would be fine. Provided you can give it a peice of driftwood or somthing to hang onto that goes from the bottom of the tank to the top level of the water.

All turtles that don't have flippers require a basking area - but will survive without one. You'll also need a UVB light.

 

[coura]

Your current tank is totaly unsuited for such turtle, get a 20 gallon just for the time being and your good to go(but dont forget the at least 100 gallon that will eventualy be needed) dont use very deep water. You will also need to make your reserch on thouse critters