Turtle Help ( Mississippi Map)

[cory mccabe]

i need a couple of questions answered.. ive done some research and most tanks need to be pretty big for a turtle or two.. my tank is 60 litres with plenty of plants and rocks i was just wondering would it be okay because there is lots of swimming room and most videos on youtube are roughly the same size as mine?. are plec fish and red tail black sharks okay with turtles because i curently have them. what is the best meal for turtles and also can they come out of the tank to walk around? and is it easier to take them out for the toilet or leave them in. also how many water changes weakly is needed?. thanks cory

 

[fishy55599]

you could fit about 2 musk turtles in 60 litres (which is what im gonna do as it same sized tank)
I think plecs would probally be okay as they are peaceful
they can be fed bloodworms as turtle food which is brought from stores
you can take them out the tank but not best thing to do as it disturbs them (dont do it too often)
turtles should stay in the tank most of the time
about 2 water changes a day.

Also you will need a uv tube/light for them.
also someway to get them out of the water in the tanks (low water level, or things to climb on.)

this is all from research as im getting 2 musk turtle in jan

 

[cory mccabe]

okay thanks for the reply.... so do you have any suggestions on how to change the water quicker and eaier than usual? i need ideas and also what is the water condition needed and heat? any other ideas let me know please? thanks

 

[Davo86]

okay thanks for the reply.... so do you have any suggestions on how to change the water quicker and eaier than usual? i need ideas and also what is the water condition needed and heat? any other ideas let me know please? thanks

Hi there, unfortunately 60 litres is too small for any turtle species period,
IME one musk turtle would require an 80L with a pair being fine in a 125L for life, Any smaller and you will struggle with maintenance due to their solid waste (containing much more concentrated levels of ammonia compared to fish)

Mississippi maps sizes vary between Males and females, and a single male being the smallest at approx 4-5" would require a tank of at least 125L IMO, although larger the better, If you are unfortunate enough to obtain a female then you could easily be looking at a 10" adult which would require a tank of nearer 125G

General rule if mixing turtles and fish is to not be suprised if and when the turtle catches the fish and kills them, The shark may well be fine but a plec is bound to get stressed/harassed with a turtle always on the prowl

 

[cory mccabe]

thanks for that reply but i just wanted to say i have seen videos of turtles and fish together in tanks smaller than mine and they seemed fine. but is it deffinently too small?

 

[Davo86]

thanks for that reply but i just wanted to say i have seen videos of turtles and fish together in tanks smaller than mine and they seemed fine. but is it deffinently too small?

A smaller tank is only going to result in the turtles being slowly poisoned over time, For a turtle to be healthy its tank really does need sufficient volume and filtration, treating a sick turtle is not easy, so providing it with a suitable home saves you from any potential future problems.

I mean with incredibly good maintenaince and double filtration you might be ok with a single Musk turtle in a 60L
but considering Mississippi turtles will get anywhere from 5" to 12" a 60L tank, even for just short term, would just be cruel IMO

 

[fishy55599]

I am not gonna get 2 then only one.
ut as for fish you can have fast ike zebra danio.

okay thanks for the reply.... so do you have any suggestions on how to change the water quicker and eaier than usual? i need ideas and also what is the water condition needed and heat? any other ideas let me know please? thanks

just same routin as fish and same conditions.
as for heat you will need a uv lighting tube.