Musk turtles and fish together.

[ipreferaflan]

My friend has just told me she's put some baby musks in with tropical fish.
I don't know my stuff about turtles, but this alarmed me!
Not sure if it should have done.
Is this okay?

[Graham]

The main thing that would concern me is that a tank suitable for tropical fish probably isn't suitable for hatchling Musks, I can imagine the water may be too deep for them, and they need lots of places where they can climb to the surface and rest there.

The Musks may or may not be a threat to the fish, while they are small the fish are probably fairly safe, but Musks are attracted by movement and may try to take a bite, and those tiny jaws are more powerful than they look!

[ipreferaflan]

Hmmm... I've told her to move them to a spare tank.
Wish I could take them off her hands! haha.
I'll tell her your advice and try and get them to be more comfortable.

[Graham]

Tell her to read a Musk caresheet The Terrapin Tank • View topic - Care sheet for 'Bottom Walkers'

[ipreferaflan]

She thinks it's too much effort.
She's 'loaning' them to me. I'll read up and try and do my best with what I have!
Poor little things.

[AnythingWithAShell]

Well done you for taking them

They're fab turtles, great characters. Theres loads of owners here, so if you need any advice, ask away.

[ipreferaflan]

I'm not sure when I'm getting them. I really want them to be comfortable asap. You think they'll be okay for another few days? I really don't think they have anywhere to rest but they've been kept that way for about a month apparently.
She also told me she hasn't been using UV with them. They need this don't they?

[Graham]

Yes they do need UVB.

[AnythingWithAShell]

If they've been in there for a month, then they're obviously managing, although if the water is deep and they have no resting places, they could well be struggling. Although, if the tank has any plants in it, they could be using these to climb to the surface, and if an internal filter is being used, they will probably be resting on that, if it's near-ish the surface.

Does sound like they really need a house move though

[ipreferaflan]

I'm getting them hopefully later on today!
Main problem is; I don't have a spare filter. Will they be alright with regular water changes for now?
I will be using fresh rain water. Is this okay?
I don't really have spare UV lighting, I may have to alternate one of my frogs bulbs with the frogs and turtles.
As soon as I get more money I will buy stuff for them.
Gravel as bedding which I know isn't ideal, but I'll keep an eye on them when they're feeding.
Anything else I've missed?
Cheers for the help guys.