My Turtle Myrtle

[Bublitz3]

I love my African sideneck too. She has become very tame tho I keep from handling her too much. She will bask even if I'm walking around the room, she won't even get into the water if I'm turning the temp up w/ my hand in her tank. She dose kind of stalk me tho if she wants food. Love the pics and I'm glad someone else shares my love for turtles!

[gtr319]

I have 2 RES baby turtles, the larger ones are paranoid when I handle him (cleaning tank or putting them in their feeding bowl) or even when I just walk by and check them out in close distance. On the other hand the smaller one are just so laid back and sleeps all day. I can't wait til they grow big, even though the petstore said they will grow 1 inch per month, I have yet to see that happening... lolz

[Deku]

Nice turtle. Uhh if you're going to recommend people turtles make sure that they know what that entails. The care for a turtle isn't too simple as it may seem.
Most species need large tanks (over 40gallons. Ussually they need tanks of 75g-200gs or even a pond!)
They need strong light(I.e. Good UVB high spectrum tubes, and UVA high spectrum tubes). "basking bulbs" are not good for turtles. They're basically regular bulbs. There was a site someone recommended to me about UV spectrum and which bulbs give what. Bulbs need to be replaced every 6months for full UV ussage. After that the UV may not be as strong as it originally was.
They're messy and thus need frequent cleaning, and stronger filters. For turtles canister filters is the way to go. Ussually getting 1filter -may- not be enough depending on the species of turtle.
They need a specific diet. Do not feed goldfish. They're bad for them(high in fat and harbor parasites do to the conditions they are kept in where they are sold). Feeder fish should be avoided if anything. The diet should be mixed of Pellets(Reptomin is the best imo), Fresh veggies(Kale, tomato, Grapes, Berries, etc), live foods here and there can be(Crickets, earthworms, roaches that don't have those tough shells).

Providing a cuttlebone is important for calcium. Replacing it whenever it looks dirty or every month or so.
There's alot to think about before even getting a turtle. Iam sure you already know this--but alot of people don't really do know what it entails. :x
Very nice turtle though! Looks well cared for.

I own a northern DBT, and Some northern common musk turtles.