Habitat - Indoor :: Sand for large turtle?

[Chazz]

Does anyone here use sand for larger turtles? I have a turtle that's about 8 or 9 inches and I currently don't have much on the bottom. There are some medium and large rocks to keep her entertained. I'd like to put something there for aesthetic purposes, but rocks are so heavy (bigger rocks can be expensive too) and moving is possible in the next year. A small layer of sand would be nice, but I'm concerned about using it. She's always acting like she's trying to eat the rocks, pushes them around everywhere. Would I just have a big cloudy, sandy mess? And would she just eat it? Thanks for any input.

[steve]

The cloudiness should dissipate. The success or failure of the sand will depend on your turtle. Some RES will endlessly try to eat it, so I would take it out if that happens. Only way to find out is to try it.

[Chazz]

Thank you. It's hard to imagine that she wouldn't try to eat it, what with the gusto she goes after rocks, and anything else including filter intakes :/ It's probably not worth the effort. I'm envious of people with pretty turtle tanks with substrate and decor and fish.

[sflemin2]

My big mommas love the sand but I will warn you, they have a habit of digging it all over to one side of the tank! They love it though . I dont have very much in mine is probably why. Just make sure you read the Sand FAQ ...otherwise you will have a LONG day with it. Make sure you rinse rinse rinse before you put it in the tank and turn your filter off!

[VeipaCray]

See the "optional setup" for new tanks in this thread. It will help you with new sand....

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30145