What to keep in a 4ft tank?

[bassfisher91]

^agreed. Make sure you read up on your turtle too. Softshells need a thick sand bed and the water should not be deeper than the turtle is long. They prefer to sit in the sand and use their long necks/snouts to breathe from the surface. I've had several and they are really quite boring. I apologize if you already knew that but I hate seeing people keep turtles like various sliders in tanks with no land or softshells in 2 foot deep tanks...sure they might survive for a while but it will catch up with them and they will die a slow death. The only turtle which is suitable for a "regular fish tank" would be a fly river turtle but they cost a pretty penny.

 

[bassfisher91]

I should elaborate on the softshell turtle part. They can obviously swim and a deeper portion wouldn't hurt along with a basking area out of the water but a shallow area is very important. Mine never left the shallow part though but every one is different. I think you can see why something that requires land and shallow water and is an extremely piscivorous creature is not the best companion for most fish. I would just throw in a few feeder guppies for some action if you decide to go that route.