Welcome to my Turtle site.

If you are going to purchase a turtle, think carefully before you decide which kind you're going to get.

You need to keep in mind that some species grow very big.
Some can easily be as big as a 12 inch dinner plate.
So as you can imagine they are going to need a lot of space.

A full grown turtle, for example the Red Ear Slider or Cumberland Slider, which you often see in pet shops where they are only 2 or 3 inches, is going to need a minimum tank of 55 gallons, and this is already too small.
That's for only 1 full grown turtle.

Keeping a tank bare will help because they will demolish just about anything you put in the tank.
Don't bother with plants in your tank because they will consume them within 5 minutes.

There are some smaller kinds like the Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus).
The musk will be about 5 inches.
Or you could consider the more active Southern Painted (Chrysemys picta Dorsalis).
The Southern Painted is the smallest of the Chrysemys picta's.
The female Dorsalis will not grow bigger then 5.5 inch and a male stays under 4.5 inch .

Always try to purchase your turtle from a breeder as they can carry less diseases and have less stress.
They are also most often healthier than imported turtles.

You can also look around in different turtle forums for more information and ask around if you have any questions.

If you give your turtle the right accommodations and right care then you will have a nice and pleasant roommate for the next 30 years..... or more !!

Roy Walthaus

Chrysemys Picta Dorsalis

Outside on the Balcony