Habitat - Indoor :: Exo Terra: Aquatic Terrariums

[busywithbeans]

Hello all!

My wife and I are looking at getting a baby RES soon. I had a box turtle for 15+ years growing up as a kid, so I do have experience with turtles, just not aquatic turtles. I have done a ton of research on RES, and so I obviously know about the 10 gallons per inch of the turtle rule. However, I am having a hard time finding the "right" turtle tank.

I am intrigued by these: http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/aquatic.php, but because of the odd sizing, I'm not sure if any of them are suitable for an adult RES? Basically, I want to get a lifelong tank right off the bat, and not have to upgrade every time the turtle grows. So my question is: are any of these terrariums that Exo Terra makes suitable for one adult RES? If so, what size (small, medium or large) is the bare minimum? I apologize if this had been brought up before, but I can't find any good reviews/threads on these specific turtle tanks anywhere.

What I find odd is how the 10 gallons/1 inch rule seems so well known, yet I can't find any specific turtle tanks that are bigger than 40 gallons. So if there's so many 12 inch female RES, why are there no 120 gallon tanks made specifically for turtles? Seems like all the big reptile aquarium manufacturers don't make anything past 40 gallons, which just seems weird to me.

Thanks in advance for the help/replies!

[steve]

Any equipment made for turtles will carry a premium and not offer any real benefit. Since you will have a hatchling, you won't know the sex and that will have a huge impact on the size of the tank you decide to get. As for more expensive turtle-specific equipment... that's a relatively new thing. Regular aquariums are fine, more available and more cost-effective.

[busywithbeans]

Any equipment made for turtles will carry a premium and not offer any real benefit. Since you will have a hatchling, you won't know the sex and that will have a huge impact on the size of the tank you decide to get. As for more expensive turtle-specific equipment... that's a relatively new thing. Regular aquariums are fine, more available and more cost-effective.

Thanks for your reply Steve! I totally get what you're saying, but it still doesn't completely answer my question as to if one of these tanks would work or not in the long run. Can you take a look at the spec sheet and let me know? http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/tu ... _large.php Again, since the tank is shaped differently than a breeder tank, and since it claims to have an "extended water surface," there's a bit of confusion (for me at least). I tried checking my local pet stores/reptile shops to see it in person, but they only have the small size available, not large, and I know for sure that won't work for an adult. I just really like the look of this tank is all, so if it will in fact work for an adult RES, I would love to get it.

[n3hihz]

Hi

Those tanks will def not be enough for the long run. The foot print (LxW) is the exact same as a 40Breeder tank however 1 side has a shorter glass at 12" even if you fill it to the 12" line you would have less than 35G of water. Your turtle at 4" already needs "40 Gallon" unless you're planning on daily waterchange and 10x filtration. If you're getting your turtle as a hatchling you'll have 2-3 years tops with that tank. That's my thoughts on it. Feel free to correct me if Im wrong anyone.

[busywithbeans]

Hi

Those tanks will def not be enough for the long run. The foot print (LxW) is the exact same as a 40Breeder tank however 1 side has a shorter glass at 12" even if you fill it to the 12" line you would have less than 35G of water. Your turtle at 4" already needs "40 Gallon" unless you're planning on daily waterchange and 10x filtration. If you're getting your turtle as a hatchling you'll have 2-3 years tops with that tank. That's my thoughts on it. Feel free to correct me if Im wrong anyone.

Thanks for your input. I've decided to just go with a 90 gallon tank and not mess with this one.

[Rubicon]

They look super cool but hold nearly no water.