Your Reptile and Amphibian Resource and Information Site

Back to Turtles Forum   Forums   Home   Members Area  

Turtles Forum

Kaush   Tpau15   Brandnew.  
 Member  Message

 #2074211


Kaush
View Profile

 Musk Turtle

What kind of requirements do musk turtles need? I know they are a small species so what is the minimum tank size for one/a pair? Can they be kept with tropical/coldwater fish? Do they require a basking area or UV, because they are nocturnal so I would think not but I am not sure. Are they at all handleable? because of their musking ability are they not handleable?
09/20/09  05:54pm

 #2075433


Tpau15
View Profile



   Message To: Kaush   In reference to Message Id: 2074211


 Musk Turtle

That depends on the species of Musk turtle that you were thinking of getting. Razor Backs reach about 6 inches long, but the common Stinkpot only reaches about 3 or 4 inches long. The general rule for any turtle is 10 gallons of water per one inch of shell length. The water depth should be fairly shallow, so, at most it should only be about 1.5 times the length of it’s shell. The water should be slow moving as well; no strong currents. They are not brackish water tolerant. The water needs to be heated and maintained at 78 F. Water quality is VERY important for Musk turtles; they easily become ill in poorly maintained water. Buy a canister filtration system; they are easily maintained and provide good water quality.

They require lighting; heat and UV. A "dry land" portion needs to be provided for basking under the lights and heat. These turtles are diurnal (active during the day.)

Musk turtles are carnivorous (meat eating), although, they will accept occasional plant items, so keeping them with fish is not a good idea, unless you want to feed them an expensive meal.

-tpau15
09/23/09  03:18pm

 #2075849


Brandnew.
View Profile



   Message To: Tpau15   In reference to Message Id: 2075433


 Musk Turtle

that sums up pretty much everything.

however you can keep then in deeper water when older, iv got a musk turtle which is about 2" long. she lives in a 3x2x2 aquarium full to almost the top, leaving just enough room for a basking area.

musk turtles can do well in deeper water provided that you provide deco underwater which it can stand on and reach the surface/ climb up to the surface on. i have ocean rock and dead coal branches as its an african cichlid tank.
i havnt had any prblems wth this setup, previously however it was kept in a tank with 3"of water when young.
they can swim but prefer to wlak along the bottom or on things underwater.

iv got mine with a bit of a mix-match of fish atm. some african cichlids like tropheus and fairy cichlids. but also a jack dempsey, jewl cichlid, 2 pictus catfish, two brissle nosed plecos (a small species)

turtle turtle doesnt bother the fish cos they are all larger or the same size as him, they are fas, have short fins and are most of them are considered ’aggressive’ within the fish trade so hold up well against a turtle.
plus the fish are much faster than plodding little turtle lol.

housing more than one musk can be a challange. when young its ok, but with age they become territorial and can injure eachother. just bne careful.



09/24/09  08:34am


Back to Turtles Forum   Forums   Home   Members Area