Turtle Viv

[Christy06]

Hey guys, im looking for a turtle, not just at this moment, need to learn more about them.

First off i would like to know a good species of turtle that does not grow to big (Preferably not a musk, dont look to nice Imo)

Second, i was wondering is it possible to get a wall mountable Viv? the reason i ask is i dont have loads of room, but my walls are bare and the viv would look well.

Thirdly, what do i need to get, i know spot lights and uv lights combi, but what else, and what would you reconmend, if you have links/pics of what i need it would be appreciated.

Just letting ya know, when i get one, i hope to get it from a rescue centre, its the right thing to do ,plus with a bit of luck it will be big enough to sex, prefer a male as they dont get as big

Thanks

[Turtle Jo]

Other than common musk, there is the razorback musk, or African helmeted turtle. Male maps stay small, but unless you are getting an adult, ie. you get a baby one, you won't be able to sex it for a few years.

Other than that, the only ones you are likely to find in rescues are the sliders and cooters which get very large (particularly the females).. oh, and its not true that the males of every species of turtle are smaller that the females, in some, the males are larger...

As for what set up you need, this also really depends on the species, although you will need a tank, a UVB light source, a heat source for basking (both can be provided by a combined MVB), thermometers, a water heater depending on size and species, an external canister filter and good quality pelleted food.

[Christy06]

thanks for the reply.

Forgot to ask, does anyone know where i may be able to find a good viv/tank for a turtle. Been looking on ebay and not much going.

Thanks

[Ron Magpie]

To be honest, I think you need to do a bit more research before you commit to any particular species/setup. Check out caresheets online, read books, read magazines, read the threads on this site. Turtles of any species are a long-term commitment, and you owe it to an animal that might outlive you to give it the best possible care. If you are prepared to make the effort, though, all (including 'ugly' musk turtles) can be really rewarding.

[Graham]

As Jo says, the only turt's you're likely to get from a rescue centre are those that grow very large, which is why they are there in the first place!

If you want something small you might be lucky and find a rehomer, but not too many people get rid of small turts, being small they are less of a problem to keep.

I too think you should do a bit more homework to find out what species would suit you, and what their requirements are, you can find caresheets for several different species here The Terrapin Tank • View forum - Care Sheets

Lastly, there's no reason why you can't have a wall mounted tank, provided your wall is up to holding several hundred kilos of water and glass, and although the tank may look nice a large external filter hanging beneath it may not be so attractive, TBH a cabinet would be a much better bet if you can spare the space.

[AnythingWithAShell]

The size of tank you need for even small musks would still be sticking right out from your wall! No different to a tank on a cabinet. And as Graham said, the filtration would have to sit on the floor below it anyway.

Turtles aren't really a pet for someone with no spare space!

Do you have a garden? If you do, consider building an enclosure for turtles out there, then you could have it big enough to rescue a couple of sliders/cooters maybe?

Don't underestimate musks, they may not be as brightly coloured as others, but they do have amazing patterns, and absolutely fantastic characters. They are brilliant pet turtles.

[Christy06]

Thanks for all the replys and advice, the reason i asked for a wall mountable was due to Floor space in my room, with the bed, pc, tortoise table (wardrobe and drawers, although these are going sooner than later) i just thought it would be more practicle. But when i gut my room, we shall see how much space is actually available and maybe i could get a normal one.

I dont plan to get a turtle for a while, and i have looked at the care sheets, read through lots on this forum, and found out things, but i think the best way to learn is first hand experience.

The only reason i asked for advice on here for such matters is becasue im not 100% sure how big the turtles get, you lot do from experience, so if i was to buy for example a YBS (which i would prefer and actully want) then after a few years it would out grow his enclosure and i would have to rehome him. Asking for advice prevents such matters. Hence the reason i would like a smaller species,

I know it's a life long relationship, i have a tortoise and i do expect her to live longer than me

[Trillian]

Originally Posted by Christy06

If i was to buy for example a YBS (which i would prefer and actully want) then after a few years it would out grow his enclosure and i would have to rehome him.

I read in another thread that a four foot plasterer's bath is a viable option for a YBS so that makes me feel a lot better as I wasn't sure how I'd afford the full four foot tank setup but those only cost about 30-40 quid.

[Christy06]

Originally Posted by Trillian

I read in another thread that a four foot plasterer's bath is a viable option for a YBS so that makes me feel a lot better as I wasn't sure how I'd afford the full four foot tank setup but those only cost about 30-40 quid.

Serious? It wont look to pretty, but its big + cheap, Thanks alot,

And once again, Sheldon = Cool as name & i will steal it

[Trillian]

Originally Posted by Christy06

Serious? It wont look to pretty, but its big + cheap

Exactly.

And once again, Sheldon = Cool as name & i will steal it

Nuh-uh!