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Hello everyone!

We have 2 turtles, one is about 1 1/4in and the other one is about 2 1/4 inches; it's been 2 months since I got them when they were the same size, I'd say about an inch. The problem is that I have a very small tank (10 gallons) and the bigger turtle gets aggressive with the smaller one sometimes (bites her neck or feet).

I want to upgrade to a bigger tank that's able to hold both of them with a division, so they can enjoy it all when I'm home but are safe when I leave. I can't have a huge tank because of lack of space and a tight budget :S so I need some advice about what's some "decent size" tank I should get right now, considering a relatively good time of usage before I upgrade. What about a 35 gallon tank? Too small still?

Is there any good chance that the aggression will stop in a bigger tank? I'm starting to hate "the mean turtle" attacking my little one...

well each turtle will need 10 gallons per inch of turtle in their part of the tank so just keep that in mind. so a 35 would probably be too small.

For starters I would recommend a 50 gal for both of them. As far the aggression, you may be forced to give one up for adoption or release it at a local lake that has RES. A larger aquarium will allow the turtles to have there own space thus getting there attention off eachother, but in the long run they will keep fighting maybe not constantly but it will happen and may result in a large vet bill, or death.

You should never release a captive animal into the wild just because you can't care for it, there are shelters and many other people that could take them.

On to your question, ideally you should get a 200 gallon, but like you said space and finances. Taking that into consideration I would get a 55 gallon, a 75 would be optimal but a 55 gallon would work. Your turtles combined are about 3.5 inches, which means they should already be in a 35 gallon. A 55 gallon would allow you another 1.5 inches of total growth, whereas a 75 would allow 3.5 more inches of total growth. If finances are holding you back more than space, you can get what's called a stock tank it's a big metal tub that farm animals drink out of. They're pretty darn cheap and you can dress them up for asthetic reasons. You can also get a rubbermaid or a plastic tank insert, the tank insert would be sturdier, but they're both cheaper than tanks.

Aggression might subside in a larger tank with distractions (plants, hides, etc) however I have noticed that if one turtle is determined to pester another one, then you must physically separate them.

Thanks for all the replies I'd rather have my turtles in "bad conditions" than releasing them... I live in the middle of the Andes lol. I feel more pressure now that I've even read that this kind of turtle is endangered

I'm saving a little bit more to get a 70-75 gallon tank, which will have a division for them to be safe when I'm not home.

Right now I have them both separated in the same tank with a "fence" I built with legos, both turtles seem to be happier; especially my little one.

Now I have another question, should I be especially careful about the support for the tank? I've been using the Tank Calculator tool (Very useful!) and it tells me my tank will weigh around 250kg (575lb); I don't know if a tv table can hold that.

oca&jess wrote:Thanks for all the replies I'd rather have my turtles in "bad conditions" than releasing them... I live in the middle of the Andes lol. I feel more pressure now that I've even read that this kind of turtle is endangered

I'm saving a little bit more to get a 70-75 gallon tank, which will have a division for them to be safe when I'm not home.

Right now I have them both separated in the same tank with a "fence" I built with legos, both turtles seem to be happier; especially my little one.

Now I have another question, should I be especially careful about the support for the tank? I've been using the Tank Calculator tool (Very useful!) and it tells me my tank will weigh around 250kg (575lb); I don't know if a tv table can hold that.

No, most TV tables as for as I know can only hold around 200 pounds max, so I think you must get a stand, or otherwise put it directly on the ground. And yes, you must be very careful! Imagine the tank failing or falling to the floor because of a faulty stand...75 gallons is a lot of water damage!