Habitat - Indoor :: Tank mate?

[RedEaredJade]

Hi, everyone. I hope I'm posting this in the right place. I'm new here and still figuring it out.
I recently upgraded my 6", male, 10 year old, RES to a 55 gallon tank. I know it's technically 5 gallons too small, but he has an out of tank basking area so the whole tank is swim space. I also have a filter that can handle about 200 gallons, or 100 gallons of turtle water. Haha I'm also gravel vacuuming regularly.
My question is this, would it be okay for me to add a tank mate? I'm thinking of a rubber lipped pleco. I know each turtle is different as far as if they'll think the fish is food or not, but do you think my setup could handle it without being cruel to either animal? Or is there another "tank mate" that might be a better option? Algae isn't really an issue for me, so I'm planning to suppliment their diet. I just love how, frankly, odd algae eaters look. I'm doing my homework before adding any animal, but I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance!

[Kansasslider]

I have 4 large goldfish and 2 perch in my tank. I say go for it but others will probably say No! Its up to you. Why don't you swap the gravel for sand?

[RedEaredJade]

I'm actually using big, smooth river stone, so I don't think anything will get stuck under it. I also feed my boy in a separate tank. But will obviously feed the fish in this one. The reason I'm using stones is because I've been warned against sand by the professionals I've talked to at the aquatics specialty store (except for in necessary cases such as egg laying females) I went to(and personally don't care for the way it looks). They said sand impaction was as common and a turtle eating a small rock and getting it stuck... So, I went with big smooth stuff that he'd have to by the biggest slider on the planet to eat. Haha
Has your turtle ever taken a snap at your fish or eaten any of them? Or have they hurt it?
Thank you so much for your reply!

[Kansasslider]

They only snap at them during fish feeding time. They are not trying to eat the fish just the food. I have sand in my tank and my 4 turtles don't eat it. If they do get some in their mouth they spit it out. Its cool if you don't like the way sand looks. Its not for everyone.

[RedEaredJade]

I bet that's actually fun to watch!

[steve]

I don't know about the rubber lipped pleco, but they usually need hiding places from the turtles. I've found plecos to very boney, so I've avoided them in my tank.

[RedEaredJade]

I had planned to use some of the river rocks and aquarium safe silicone to create caves for any fish that might be in there. If you avoid Plecos, what do you keep with your turtle?

[steve]

My tanks are particularly bare. I'm hoping to add some driftwood down the line. I do have some pool filter sand, but have not added to my tanks yet.

[RedEaredJade]

Oh, okay. Are there any species you'd suggest to keep with a turtle?

[steve]

No, but don't spend too much on them and don't be too attached to them

[RedEaredJade]

Haha Fair enough. I'm now thinking that perhaps a large apple snail might be a possibility.

[ljapa]

Oh, okay. Are there any species you'd suggest to keep with a turtle?

No, but I'll relate a story I've told here before. When we'd had our turtle less than a month and when she was the size of a silver dollar and in a 20 gallon long tank, my son wanted to add fish. I was reluctant, knowing they wouldn't last. He begged and we bought some black neon tetras.

Tobie left them alone. We eventually moved Tobie and the fish to a 55 gallon. With the larger water volume, I decided we could add more fish. We got regular neon tetras. They were fine for a few weeks. Then, one morning the seven neons were six, a few days later just five. Then four.

That's when they got moved to another tank. Some of the black neons have passed. I've added more. They've never disappeared.

Of course, I don't expect them to last forever.

I guess, I'm trying to say that you can try fish. They may even last, but don't get attached to them.

[RedEaredJade]

Thanks, ljapa. I think what I've decided to do is take the tank, heater, and filter I used to use for Jade, my RES, and use it for fish. This way I get the fish I'm wanting, Jade gets to keep his space, and no one gets eaten! I really appreciate everyone's input.

[JPTurtle]

Hi there RedEaredJade, I'm new here too!.. if your looking to add some tankmates I would suggest cichlids, I have had cichlids with my female res for years now and have had zero problems. Cichlids are fast so they can get away from your turtle and can be aggressive and territorial. My current cichlid even bullies my slider around, no harm done, but he stands his ground. My slider won't even look at him. I've never put a pleco with a slider but keep in mind those things can get upwards of 15" I've seen some that are almost 2ft. I personally would consider getting a little bigger tank if you really want one, but that's just my opinion. Others probably have more experience with plecos than I do and know exactly what they can handle. And I would definitely get a larger one or let it grow some before adding it in with your slider, that way it will have a better chance of survival if your slider takes a liking to it. Hope this is helpful!

[RedEaredJade]

Thanks, Jpturtle! I really appreciate that. I think I might just look into cichlids. (-: As far as plecos, I was looking at a rubber lipped pleco. Those get to 6".