Turtles and fish

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I have 3 turtles(2 sliders and a juv map) and 2 tiger oscars in a 240gal. I have 2 FX5's stuffed w/ specific media and nitrates are still a struggle. I'm not having huge issues w/ ammonia as predicted, but my media is specifically chosen. I was having an issue w/ my turtles attacking my oscars, but they learned to defend themselves and now they watch one another's back so all's well now. But it was touch and go for a little while, and I'm sure, for other people it often ends up bad for the fish. Anyways... I wouldn't suggest a stinkpot because they stay too small, and they are very shy, so the oscar will probably pick on it, and they like pretty shallow water. Sliders do cause trouble but I disagree w/ Jamo3030 and think a map turtle would be an acceptable tank mate. Males stay pretty small(5in or so), and though some of them do like fish. In my experince, it's the sliders not the maps to watch out for. But, i warn you. To keep a turtle is no easy undertaking. They need to have a basking platform. Most WILL get sick with out one. There are some turtles that won't but most need one. It takes up tank space and puts more on your power bill w/ the light that they'll need to have. You'll need extra filtration, extra circulation, AND clean the tank often. Finally, you have to make sure EVERYTHING is turtle proofed. As arraigning, you gotta keep in mind they can drown, and if they can destroy it, they WILL. Cords need to be kept out of the way or they will get bitten, don't bother w/ suction cups, they will soon be useless, and again, make sure everything is 100% safe. If there's any doubt, fix it. Don't forget turtle pellets. I'm not trying to discourage you. I just want to make sure you know it's not just something you plop in and leave it alone. I've adopted 2 of my turtles because people believed that, then were going to release them because it got to much. Well, good luck, and hope everything goes well for you and ur pets, do lots of research! Here's some info on the pink bellied side-necks, it says they're mostly carnivores, so be careful: http://www.hahareptiles.com/Merchan...re_Code=haha&Product_Code=PBS&Category_Code=T . BTW all turtles are sexed the same way, exactly as described :D I included a pic of my platform.

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I plan on trying peacock bass and matamata, and mayb something other stuff from the amazon area. I wont get the matamata till the fish are fairly well grown. even full grown male will be ok in a 220g
 
swervo513 said:
will every turtle destroy plants?
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Usually. Some will dig them up, and most will probably eat them, or at least bite them, same w/ plastic plants(turtles aren't very smart in general). But some won't devour them and the plants will just get nibbled on.

W/ the mata mata, they like more shallow water and are VERY lazy. They want to stretch their neck out to breathe, not swim to the surface. Plants are ok because they're pretty inactive, and like to hide and I don't believe it would eat it, but just incase it decides to try a tidbit of waving plant, make sure any plant is non-toxic to turtles. The plants might get trampled on, and/or smashed. Also, sand is recomended to avoid hurting their shells, no rock decor eather. Driftwood. I think your main problem w/ one of those is they are mainly carnivores. Fish is their staple food. But, they get around 18+in, so whatever size tank, as long as the turtle can easily turn around in it. Idk what kind of fish you could safely put in w/ it. It'll probably get nipped no matter what you put in w/ the turtle. Fins are tasty too! Here's more detailed info: http://www.reptilechannel.com/care-sheets/mata-mata-turtle.aspx Oh, in general, when it comes to turtles. Males are usually fairly smaller than females :)
I've had real success with my map turtles as long as you have resting, and hiding spots. They are also scared pretty easily so a place where people aren't walking past all the time would prob b best. With a large enough peaceful fish, and a male map turtle, I don't forsee a serious issue. A smaller fish, it will go after. But w/ a larger fish, you might just get a fin nip if the turtle is hungry enough. I think no matter what kind of fish you put in w/ any kind of turtle, there will always be a nipped fin here or there. Turtles are fun animals. Mine are always good for a laugh! Here's info on mississippi map turtles: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-mississippi_map.htm
 
hey ever since i started fish keeping i've always been inspired by this tank http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0wan_akdcY and i always wondered if i could put a turtle in my tank like that and i can give it an above tank basking area would that turtle eat fish the size that are in the video
 
What a cute turtle! I thought I saw a little head poking out! Turtles have to be some of the cutest creatures alive. Well, depends on who you talk too. Neat tank. Looks like lots of turtle traps though. Hopefully all's well! I think peacock bass get to big to be w/ a smaller turtle. I decided on oscars not arows or gar(which I REALLY want), because of my map turtles, well... singular now ;( I picked a big fish, that couldn't in any way even possibly eat my turtles. My other two are both above 7in, so no worries. But my map is only 4in, so had to pick something that wouldn't b able to get the turtle in its mouth. Out of my 3 wants, tiger oscar was the safest choice. Sure nuf, here we are. My decisions have worked out. I was having trouble for a little while w/ turtles biting my oscar. But adopted another one, they paired up, now they protect each other
 
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