Musk/Map turtle help with temp./tank size/fish etc..?
I have got a 1 and a 1/2 inch baby map turtle and a 1 inch baby musk turtle in a 15 gallon tank (Don’t worry they’ll be moved to a 55 gallon tank in 2 months) It has a few hides for the musk turtle. Plants to climb on, baking area and a large surface area for the map turtle. It has got a 25 gallon filter also. I have the UV bulb on from 9am – 8pm and then use the heat lamp from 8pm – 9am. Is this ok? Anyway, the question…. Do they turtles need a water heater. The water temp. is around 65 degrees.
Also, how big will the musk and map be fully grown? Should I have more than 1 of either? Will the two be ok in a 55 gallon when fully grown? My LFS said they’ll be fine in a 20 gallon, but I thought that would be way too cramped! I’m hoping that a 55 gallon will be fine, If not i’ll invest into a 75 gallon?
I was thinking of getting a few shoals of colorful tropical fish (I don’t mind if they get eaten). What type of fish should I purchase??
Thanks for your time, best answer gets 10 points!
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Yes they definitely need a water heater water temps should stay around the mid 70′s
And the heat light on should be on at the same times as the UVB bulb they like to bask for the heat make sure the basking area stays around the low 90′s all day. It is fine to turn it off at night they need a day / night cycle.
Depends on the species how large the will get no you should not get more of either turtles are known solitary creatures if yours get along when they are grown great but don’t be shocked if you have to separate them. If you can get a 75 gallon go for it less chance for aggression and turtles love swimming area.
Sure you can keep fish with them if you don’t mind them getting eaten. I keep african cichlids with some, neon tetras, rosy red and white cloud minnows, guppies just no goldfish they are pure fat.
you can go here and check out what kind of musk and map turtles you have
http://austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheets.htm
A 55-gallon tank would be fine for one of them for life.. Depending on the species of map turtle and the sexes of each (males are smaller), the 75-gallon tank might work. If you have the space, a 4′ diameter wading pool might be even better. I’d bump the water temperature up 10° or so.
Feed them tropical fishes if you like. Bait fishes are cheaper and just as tasty.