Habitat - Indoor :: setting up a new home

[furryworm]

I currently have my two RES's in a basic setup which they are happy with. I am going to get a 25 gallon tank for them to live in and I am hoping to do something creative with a basking spot for them. I like the idea of building one raised above the tank that they can climb to. Can anyone give me any ideas on how to do this. also could i get two more RES to play with mine with this size tank, i understand i will need a bigger one later on. many thanks

[marisa]

I'd skip the two extra RES in a tank that size. (Why do you want to crowd the tank? It can lead to bullying and aggression.)

For ideas on above-the-tank basking areas, try doing a search or look in the Photo Gallery for examples. Some really nice ones have been created.

[Safdar]

Ya it can create agression and further terretorial problems

[untsmurf]

The tank is supposed to be ten gallons per inch of shell per turtle. And it's always good to buy as big as you can so you won't have to buy another one a month or two later. Also, turtles are naturally territorial so buying them 'friends' will actually stress them out.

[Kayra33]

I give people that have more than one RES many wonderful praises! I just have one and I take a lot of pride in her care but it isn't the easiest thing to do. I found that out without reading about one before I decided to take one home. But lucky for her I absolutely love animals and would have a farm if I could! My point is that I first got a 20 gallon fish tank and then moved up to a 55 gallon (this is in her first 2 years) and now I have a 125 gallon(she's 4 and about 7"). Did I have to go that big? No, but sometimes when I see people that are on here with 30 or 40 gallon tanks with more than one turtle, I just can't believe it. There was no way that I could keep my girl in a tank that she could barely move in. Now she looks small in the tank and that's the way that it should be. I wouldn't recommend having any more than two turtles unless you are going to have a set up that is bigger than 125 gallons.

[RunninWideOpen]

I think you should keep saving and go for the 55 gallon setups. They're not much more expensive and you can get a whole kit that comes with heater, filter, etc....

25 gallons is barely enough room for 2 hatchling turtles. I still wouldn't suggest getting 2 more turtles. a 55 gallon would make a nice setup for two young turtles for awhile.