Musk Turtle Questions

[mel262011]

I am getting a musk turtle from a friend tomorrow. I just have a few questions. How do you take care of them? Do they need a basking area? What do you feed them? What temp is best for them? I have a basking area and light. I also have a UVB light. I have everything that I need for a turtle, but I am just wanting to know what the care is for a musk turtle. The turtle will be in its own tank, a 20 gallon tank. I have only had RESs that is why I am asking. Thanks!

 

[Len B]

The RES setup will work for for a musk,and the same diet will work also.I have a small musk turtle and a young cumberland slider in the same tank for the winter.The outside enclosures are different, mainly the water level is less for the musk. Congratulations on getting a musk, they are quite personable little fellows. Len

 

[Turtleswagg]

no basking area but i have high plastic plants that float on the top and they occasionally lay on them. feed them pellets and some type of deli meat once a week is what i do. gravel is what i have and it seems to be a big part in my musks routine so i suggest it. filter and a good size aquarium will do

 

[mel262011]

What about lights? I know I need the UVB light, but what about the basking light?

 

[Turtleswagg]

no basking, they pretty much never bask

 

[mel262011]

okay, just making sure.