What is the smallest tank possible I can get away with for two Painted Turtles? I have a normal 40 gallon. I already know that they will soon need something wider. I want to keep width whatever I get as small as possible due to where I need to keep my turtles. I have a pet store that can sell me a 40 or 50 gallon that are wide. I think by looking at the 50 gallon, it might work. Can I have some input on that?

Red ear sliders need a lot of room. The general rule of thumb is 1 inch of shell per 10 gallons of water (so a 4 inch turtle should have 40 gallons tank).

Think bigger and remember, if you have 2 turtles at 4 inches each, you need to make it 8 inches of shell. And LOTS of filtration. I would suggest a canister filter.

I have been suggesting a few different set ups to a friend of mine who has 3 turtles at 5 inches each. Either putting together one of those pre-formed ponds you can get at Home Depot. The 180 gallon one ran only $125. It would not get filled all the way and you would have to put in some floating/docking resting points, but its much cheaper than a tank of even 55 gallons new.


OR this waterland tub. WATERLANDTUBS Warning, they are expensive but great for the animal.

__________________
My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Id say a 50 gl would not work either. Need to go with wider, like shown above.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

OR, here is a 110 gallon waterer for livestock. only $65 if you can get to a tractor supply company or any other local livestock store.

Tractor Supply Company - Stock Tank 110 ga

__________________
My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.