Hi people, my name is graeme and im new to this forum and so i've set up a new thread to basically get help with my viverium and raising my aquatic turtles when i get them.

basically got a tank setup for terrapins though i kind of regret getting the gravel as i hear it stores bacteria (if that is an actual fact) but i havent got my turt's yet as 2 of my local stores sold out or only have the older/bigger turtles.

I have read 3 books now that have specialised in terrapins from painted to maps and cooters to diamond backs. so i know a fair amount of stuff but prefer some first hand advice from anyone and everyone.

one thing i would like to know and have not read about is about having some fish in the tank with the turtles so help keep the tank clean and rid of algea (i.e catfish, plec's) but im not sure due to fish needing certain temps.

Any advice or critism would be great
Thank's

Hi and

First of all the gravel is a no no, they can swallow it and it does harbour the bacteria and thus making the water toxic!

I personally wouldnt have any fish in the tank as the turt will probably try and eat it. plus when trying to feed it its more likely that the turtle will get to the food first as theyre greedy lil critters!

Best bet is to have a good filter and an algae scraper that you get for aquariums.

What sort of turtle are you thinking of getting?

Musk turtles are highly recommended due to the fact they dont get as big as the common sliders which you come accross in pet stores!