Razorback Musk Turtle

[Cants]

Afternoon,

After careful consideration I have come to the conclusion that the Turtle for me is the Razorback, However having read various care sheets im at a loss to pinpoint exact requirments to suitably house one of the little fella's.

Ideally I would like to house alone, tank size for the first 12 months or so is to be 24x12x12.

Subtrate, am I right in thinking if it cant get it in its mouth its safe? Largish pebbles?

Filter, the Eheim 2213+

Turtle dock for basking, although im aware that they tend to prefer being in the water, heard that they sometimes feel better with a small ridge just before the water breaks so they can sit whilst submerged but have there heads out of the water.

UV Light
40w heat source
Water heater.


Does this sound about right?

Also, with regards to water quality, im presuming that the water needs to be cycled? Most care sheets dont seem to labour the point at all, if any.

So, what have I forgotten?!

Thanks for taking the time to read this, much appreciated.

[Graham]

Sounds about right, Musks are a great choice and 24" tank will be fine for a single hatchling for a year or so. I would personally use a corkbark basking shelf rather than turtle dock though, it's a lot cheaper, more natural looking, and they can get a better grip to climb out. You can also punch a few holes and grow plants through them.

Have you read this caresheet The Terrapin Tank • View topic - Care sheet for 'Bottom Walkers'?

[Cants]

thanks for the fast response!

Yes I have look over that page. Taken note on your suggestion, may very well do that.

Do you keep musks? if so, do they musk often?

[Graham]

As you can see from my sig I have five Common Musks and I'm about to collect a sixth, all rehomers, been keeping them for about 18 months during which time none of them have ever musked. My adult female laid two eggs last month, both of which appear to be developing nicely in the incubator, she and the adult male are mating again so there may be a few more around the end of the month.

[Cants]

Doh!

Sorry I should have read that, I always seem to forget though!

Im going to get it all set up at the weekend and cycle the tank then maybe in 4 or 5 weeks I might be ready for him or her!! Cant wait.

I will put pictures up of the set up when I am done and you (and others)can advise.

Excited now, wont sleep tonight!

Im 27!!

[Graham]

You don't need to cycle it, it'll cycle faster with the turts in there providing something for the bacteria to feed on.

[Cants]

Oh thats brilliant, means I can get him sooner, maybe next weekend if I can track one down!

thanks for all your help Graham, greatly appreciated!!

[labmad]

Originally Posted by Graham

You don't need to cycle it, it'll cycle faster with the turts in there providing something for the bacteria to feed on.

something i was on the verge of asking, nice one

Cants - you lucky sod, i am still looking for both common and razorback musks, but with no joy

Look forward to seing pics when you get them

[Geomyda]

They are certainly worth waiting for:

[ninjastyle]

hey. got any pics of the full razorback setup?