Turtle gods! i need some advice

[Mike D]

Well after loosing all but 2 of my fish due to a power outage that occured last week i have no officially decided to step away from fish. And im 95% sure im going to take the pluge into turts again. its either turts or frogs, i have a nice 35 gallon hex that just became avalible to me

The only thing is i would like a land turtle. dont get me wrong i loved my old painted turts but i would rather not have to set up and elaborate land/water area.

im also looking at getting something thats not seen alot. price isnt an issue to a certain point.

Anyone have any suggestions? want to get a head start on the research end of it incase i come up with any questions.

also forgot to add. the starting tank will be either a 30 gallon or a 45 long. and later will be moved up to the 75 that my rhino is in

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

http://kingsnake.com/

 

[Vicious_Fish]

Sorry but I can't think of a single land species that could live in that tank for life. You could keep a baby box turtle in that for maybe a year. The big problem with that tank is that it lacks ample floor space for a turtle.

 

[Mike D]

what would i need for floor space?

the 75 is 48x18x18 i beleive, and the 45 is somehting like 48x12x14 maybe. the 30 or 45 would be just a temp housing setup.

 

[nuggets]

dont forget to leave it to someone in your will so it doesent get tossed when you die since it will most likely outlive you

 

[Mike D]

oh i have people who would take care of them.

 

[Vicious_Fish]

There really aren't too many "land" turtles out there besides North American Box Turtles. Now there are quite a few semi-aquatic species but as their name implies that need 50/50 land to water ratios. The reptile store near me that specializes in turtles just got a few Rhinoclemmys Punctularia in. They are really neat looking Central American Wood Turtles. And they're not too pricey either. You could probably keep one of these in a 75 gallon for some time.

 

[Riv D]

IMO Turtle care is not something to be taken lightly.
If you get a hatchling, you have to stay on top of them like children, making sure they eat,proper nutrition,preventing dehydration,etc.
I have 2 hatchlings-I thought it would be easy-Boy was I wrong.
If you get an adult you need a minimum 6'x6' outdoor enclosure.
Never underestimate the requirements of any animal. It's a full time job that we choose because we want these creatures to be part of our lives in some way. We love it. And if you're not willing to go all out for them maybe it's time for another kind of hobby that doesn't require taking care of another life-form.
PS I'm not flaming.

 

[Mike D]

those look interesting.

what are some other semi aquatic turts that would work? a semi aquatic would work i think. might actually end up with a real nice looking setup with the water and such, since this setup will be more of a display setup.

 

[Mike D]

IMO Turtle care is not something to be taken lightly.
If you get a hatchling, you have to stay on top of them like children, making sure they eat,proper nutrition,preventing dehydration,etc.
I have 2 hatchlings-I thought it would be easy-Boy was I wrong.
If you get an adult you need a minimum 6'x6' outdoor enclosure.
Never underestimate the requirements of any animal. It's a full time job that we choose because we want these creatures to be part of our lives in some way. We love it. And if you're not willing to go all out for them maybe it's time for another kind of hobby that doesn't require taking care of another life-form.

oh beleive me i know how hard it can be taking care of reptiles. my green igg and my new rhino keep me on my toes lol. this is just something im looking into. theres a slight chance the fish may stay. im not sure yet. i need to find a place that will take the fish i have left. my brother wont take them and i need to call my local guy i deal with.