Diamondback Terrapin HELP!

[pnshmntMMA]

I'm new to turtles. A friend needs to find a good home for a Diamondback Terrapin female. She just laid some eggs and is not eating. I dont have room for her, but my brother has a very nicely setup and maintained 75 gallon aquarium with some cheap fish and a small ciclid. He is interested in the turtle, but doesnt want to have to change to brackish. Will this girl do ok in a freshwater aquarium? Im also not sure about DBT light requirements, do they require the same lighting and heat as other aquatic turtles? My painteds are thriving and id love to take her in but i just dont have the room. My brothers tank has so much room for her to swim, because its not crowded at all. Assuming shell need a basking platform. I appreciate any help you guys can give me. I am very glad i made the switch from inverts to reptiles.

-chris

 

[stingray]

Hi Chris. Thanks for the nice PM. Depending on her size a 75 gallon would be ok for a while. Females get alot bigger than males. I have always maintained my terrapins in fresh water only because I prefered it over brackish. Although converting an adult terrapin from brackish to fresh could be a little risky. Especially if it has been raised in brackish since it was born. I will not say to try it. You will have to make that decision. I will say is if you do try it dechlorinate the water first.

All turtle, tortoises, and terrapins require some kind of photo period and a place to bask under a warm heat source during the day. Yes terrapins have to have a place to dry dock them selves and bask under a warm heat source during the day.

 

[pnshmntMMA]

Ok thanks. My brother decided to take the terrapin, and is converting from an aquarium to a turtle tank. I've been reading you can slowly ween them off brackish over time. I think we will try that. He constantly tests the Ph of the water and is very picky. She will be happy I think. Again, thanks for the help.