Questions about Common Musk Turtles.

[fishcatch22]

Hey guys, I've been thinking about getting a turtle for some time now, and I decided if I got one the Common Musk would be the best choice, as they stay small and I don't want a huge turtle. My question is is do they need UV-B, as I've heard sources say that since they are nocturnal, and that they do not require it and only need a passive heat source in one area for basking instead of a basking lamp type setup. Is this true? Also, would a 20g long be good for a single specimen?

 

[Vicious_Fish]

Just wanted to tell that is a great choice for a beginner turtle. I wish more people would consider them instead of RES.

A 20 gallon long is going to be a bit small for an adult but it's fine to start off a baby in one. I wouldn't go any smaller then a 40 breeder for an adult. They might be a small species but they are quite active. They don't swim a great deal but do walk along the bottom so a tank with a large footprint is recommended.

UVB lighting is not important to this species seeing how they rarely if ever bask but you should still give them the option if they choose. My pair of Stinkpots have a basking area with a UVB bulb. I figure they are exposed to it in the wild so why deprive them of it in captivity. But they hardly ever bask now that they're adults. Babies are more likely to use a basking area. Keeping the water in the mid to high 70's usually keeps them from needing to bask for warmth.

 

[fishcatch22]

How about a 30g? Trying to go as small as possible here... smaller= less likely GF (and her stepfather who technically owns the house) will freak out... you don't know the strings I had to pull for the 5g I have now :/ Not that I like keeping things in small containers. I suppose getting a small aquarium to start with and going bigger as time goes on might let me "work her into it", so to speak.

So, just make sure to keep the water warm, and provide an UV-B basking spot should it so choose? I have an old 10g hood I could stick a UVB in, but you say its better to limit it to the basking area?

 

[Vicious_Fish]

A 30 gallon breeder will be fine till down the road when you can get a larger tank. As for the 10 gallon hood, it's not going to work. Fluorescent bulbs barely give off any heat so it won't work for a basking light. You'll have to get a in incandescent light bulb.

 

[xoparis]

Good choice! These guys are awesome! And absolutely adorable when you get them as hatchlings! (Show him off to the girlfriend and she will fall in love!) I hand feed mine as well, so they're really interactive.

 

[fishcatch22]

A 30 gallon breeder will be fine till down the road when you can get a larger tank. As for the 10 gallon hood, it's not going to work. Fluorescent bulbs barely give off any heat so it won't work for a basking light. You'll have to get a in incandescent light bulb.

I didn't mean for basking, I meant strictly for UV-B. And its not a hood, actually, its just the strip0. I was just wondering if that would be adequate for UVB in the basking area.