All Turtles Message Board

wilbur · Level 1 Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 9

Okay, quick question we have a 20gallon long tank for an african side neck. He is about 4 inches long (just shell) and we have the water lvl about 5-6 inches deep with river rock on the bottom. Reason we have it so low is so he can rest on the bottom without having to swim constantly up for air. Now I have read on numerous different posts of different fill depths. So which one should I do?

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 200

You need to find out what that particular turtle species needs. What's good for sliders is not necessarily best for musk turtles not necessarily best for yours. Sliders should have good water, they're great swimmers. Musk turtles need less. I have read of some species that are quite fine with the later level you have, that they can walk on the bottom and get air. Other turtles would be better off with more water and plants/structures/things to rest on near the surface.

Based on that, the one thing I do suggest...I think to be safe, make sure you have enough water that if the turtle was to end up on his back, he can easily get around. If there's not enough water and he's on his back and can't maneuver in the water well, that's probably not good.

There is some limited information at http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheets.htm (go to the sideneck drop-down or look around). Perhaps putting in your turtle name + care sheet into google will turn up some results. Tell us what you find out!

wilbur · Level 1 Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 9

Just an fyi, figured out the little guy is a Pelusios Castaneus, you can read a little about them here

http://www.pelusios.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=39

but because of that, we figured out he likes fairly deep water but that is about all for now.......still need todo some more digging.