My Fly River Turtle...

[Sploke]

All turtles require sunlight. Enough said. Its better to have a basking spot and not find out if the turtle will get shell rot. Giving the animal the option and observing is the best bet. Cork takes up absolutely no swimming space but the turtle may get too heavy for it. You could also try a turtle dock.

First off, the florida softshell (Apalone ferox) and the fly river turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) are two completely different species, different genera, different parts of the world...what works for one does not work for the other.

As far as needing the normal UVA/UVB light that most basking turtles need, is questionable for FRTs. Penetration of UVB light through water drops off severely after the first few inches, so for a turtle that never leaves the water, it is questionable that the desired spectrum is even reaching them enough to have an effect.

Also, since FRTs do not bask, the inclusion of a basking area would be pretty wasteful; you would be better off with the extra water volume. Most keepers recommend some sort of structure near the surface though as a resting area.

 

[lookit]

Great turtle -- nice face!

 

[Sploke]

Alright, lets keep all further comments on topic to the original post. If there are further questions on captive care of C. insculpta or any other herp, feel free to create a new thread in the terrariums and paludariums or Gen. FW forums. If anyone has an issue with that, feel free to take it up in PM. Thanks.

 

[Reefscape]

Alright, quit it folks...Either keep it civil, or stay out of the thread. Any further deletions will cause infractions to be handed out....Sheesh, chill out...

 

[Juice]

Nice turtle!



:huh:

 

[Madding]

Thanks for the comments all. No problem about the derail - I actually almost forgot about this thread and seemed to have missed out.

Thanks to all who helped clear up the difference between FRT and other softshelled turtles such as the florida. Saved me some typing.

As for the UV light, this deep tank is temporary. The 500 gallon is only 25" tall, and I think that will help with the non-UV light and also make it easier for the turtle to grab some air.

Bear in mind that the turtle in the photos is approaching 14" long, and that's without stretching its neck. Getting breath is nothing more than a kick of its feet.