I know someone who has three maybe five inch long turtles and a couple of very large, 8 inch sucker fish. They keep them in a five gallon aqaurium and I think it is cruel, the fish can't swim anywhere and the turtles are always biting off peices of their fins. It is really sick. I have thought about stealing them but it is my neighbor and they would see me.
2006-12-02 14:35:01 · 4 answers · asked by Maizy * 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
That is definitely not enough room. I don't know what kind of turtle that is, but it doesn't not sound like they are properly being cared for well, at all. Turtles generally need 8 times their shell diameter in space. So a 5 inch turtle needs an enclosure that is at least 15 inches by 15 inches. They also need basking space and enough water to comfortably swim in. The one inch per gallon rule is bogus with fish, and does not even come close to applying with turtles.
Stealing them is not a good idea. Maybe you can see if you could take charge of them, or take them? Tell them they will die soon but that you will take them and nurse them back to health. Tell him you'll give them back (but don't, of course - once they're in your possesion, keep them and take care of them, or give them to someone who can)
Or contact your local Humane Society, or even the police. This is animal cruelty and they have law enforcers to punish people like your neighbour.
Congratulations to you for being so caring. I'm glad to know that someone is ready to help these turles and fish, even if their owner isn't.
2006-12-02 14:42:16 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, turtles require lots of water. They need clean, fresh water as they tend to do something like shed their skin constantly. I had a yellow bellied slider several months back. I found it when it was the size of a quarter. I researched some web sites and I put it in a five gallon tank fully equipped with rocks and fake plants. I even had a filter running in the tank and the water had to be changed at least once every other week. Yes, it is cruel to keep a tank like you describe. Eventually I let my turtle go because it was way too much work for what it was worth. Oh, don't steal the turtles. Just let them know what they are doing is wrong.
2006-12-02 22:43:17 · answer #2 · answered by gablueliner 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
25 gallons would be about right. The rule is 1 gallon per 1 inch of fish. If it hurts you that bad then tell your neighbors or buy them a tank yourself.
2006-12-02 22:41:37 · answer #3 · answered by SED757 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wat zoe said...she always answer my fish questions and they work!
2006-12-02 23:25:17 · answer #4 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋