Musk Turtle Care Guide (the best beginner turtle?!)

Aquatic turtle kit ► kit.co/TheTurtleGirl/aquatic-...
How do you take care of a musk turtle?? Here's a handy musk turtle care guide to help you out with that question! After owning 6 of these little stinkpots for over a year, I figured it was time to dive into their care and tank setup, from tank size to water depth, to feeding and basking. Keep in mind that research is key and that this video is not entirely comprehensive! That being said, I believe that musk turtles are one of the best beginner turtle species, given their small size, hardy and personable nature, and relative peacefulness with other tankmates.
Musk turtles are a type of chelonian from the genus Sternotherus...which includes the common musk turtle (aka stinkpot or eastern musk turtle), the razorback musk turtle, the loggerhead musk turtle, and more! Their care is also similar to that of the mud turtles (genus Kinosternon).
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CONTENTS
00:00 Stinkpots?!
00:43 Their native habitat
01:05 Tank size
02:38 Do musk turtles smell?
03:18 Do they need shallow water?
04:04 A reminder
04:25 Heating
04:50 Activity level and handleability
05:14 Fish and plant compatible?
06:44 Diet and feeding habits
07:25 Do musk turtles need a basking area?
08:51 Best substrate?
09:51 Should I get more than one?
10:21 Subscribe!

[@nextpagepj9058]

My musk turtle will be 33 years old this year, her name is Squirt. I have only seen her bask a handful of times, and I have never smelled the 'musk' smell they're known for. She did swallow a large piece of gravel about 30 years ago, so i would not recommend using it. It created an abscess in her neck that healed with antibiotics, but she did have a difficult time passing it. (But she did pass it.) Great video!

[@nextpagepj9058]

I should also add for anyone who needs to know, I have never used a heater for my turtle. I keep my home warm and it's done just fine. When I was in my 20s, my mother watched my turtle for me when I was away and she kept it in a very cold, unheated, room. My turtle became very lethargic and wasn't very responsive until she was moved to a heated room.

[@lotteg7508]

Hey! Thanks for this video, later this week I am "rescuing" two turtles that my boyfriend's brother got bored of and has been neglecting. When I saw them for the first time, I felt so bad that I felt obligated to take over, even though I knew nothing about taking care of turtles. Videos like yours help me do a lot of research, so I can make sure I can take better care of them

[@willubmypeekachuu]

I have a common snapping turtle. Obviously he's a large boy. Recently he turned 2 years old and we had to remove him from his 60 gal. Tank. He now lives in a homemade 250 gal. Pond in our yard. He loves it out there and is in his natural element. Ever since he grew up and moved outside, my heart has been empty seeing his tank empty. I love sliders but they still get too large for comfort in a tank the size we have. I am so thrilled to have learned about Musk Turtles from this video! Being a seasoned turtle owner I think this may be my next venture! Thanks for a very informative video!

[@xqyzmmm]

i have a baby common snapping turtle is there anything youd recommend?

[@feralon9570]

I just love musk turtles, they are forever just the most adorable little things. Awesome to see that yours are all doing well and be properly cared for! 💚💚

[@TheTurtleGirl]

they're definitely a great species!!!

[@kouprey1]

Well done video. I've had a Stinkpot and an Eastern Mud Turtle (both females) that I was given as adults 30 plus years ago and keep together. Recorded life spans exceed 50 years. Feeding pellets, algae wafers, a small bit of Medley Treat snacks (dried shrimp, etc.), dew worms (which they love) and very occasionally small aquarium fish. They also eat a bit of flake fish food. There are a variety of Gourarmis and 2 Corydoras in with them and no nipped fins. However they did eat a school of very small Corydoras in short order. A word of caution. Stinkpots can climb and escape. Mine has got out a few times in other aqu configurations with lots of plants against the back wall on the land area. I later found egg clutches hidden behind a stack of magazines on the floor! Basking has been intermittent to non existant over the years but I do provide a heat lamp/UV basking haul out.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

they're over THIRTY!? my goodness! thank you so much for sharing your experience!

[@Willowthedestroyer123]

Thank you! I recently obtained ownership of one of these guys. Hes about 5 years old and his previous owner didnt have the time or motivation to take care of him. His tank hadnt been cleaned in over a year and he wasnt being fed enough. Hopefully he'll have a better time with me :)

[@kitkatyas]

when my grandma was 9 she had a musk turtle. She’s 65, the turtle had gotten out of its tank and it dried out. The turtle is still buried at her house to this day.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

aw man! what a story

[@djarnoldo516]

This is a real danger with muskies. They are amazing climbers, and will climb their way out of almost anything. My muskie Spocky regularly climbs out of his basking bowl with six inch high walls, using his sister Troi as a stepladder. Fortunately, when that happens, he plops back into the water so no harm done.

[@LewisLJ4]

How long would a musk turtle need to be out the water to dry out though?? Mine loves coming out the tank for a good few hours

[@Tito13k]

I had a musk turtle that escaped an outdoor tank one day when it rained a lot, (I was 12 years old at the time) and one year later my mom was raking the leaves outside and all of a sudden we saw the turtle in a pile of leaves, it was significantly bigger but looked dried up, but I still put it in water, an hour later the turtle was swimming and started asking for food lol

[@darkstarwarp]

@@LewisLJ43-4 days

[@maddieg2829]

I got a musky during the pandemic. Im so happy to have found your channel recently and have learned so much more about how to care for and clean her tank. Its been an awesome learning experience. And about the gravel, I did start with her on gravel. I was a new turtle owner and didn't know about the risks until I saw her actually swallow a piece of gravel. It freaked me out and I swapped them for river rocks. So yes they will eat gravel. She's fine though and loves digging around in her river rocks.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

I'm glad that it was able to help!! thanks for watching Maddie!

[@mekenna6214]

haha i have a musky named tortellini and he’s on gravel rn as i’d never had a turtle before either but i’m switching him to river rocks and sand because the gravel is a nightmare to clean (he’s a super messy eater)

[@rasmussrsen3b585]

I have had a musk turtle for around 8 years now, and There was so many this that i questioned, But alot of Those things im not concerned about anymore. Great video :)

[@dmydawelder472]

Love your videos!!! I've had a musk turtle for 6 years and still, lol. He is awesome! I have him, 1 side neck and 5 painted turtle together, and they love each other. Always snuggle together when they bask. Lol

[@possessedragon902]

Ive waited for years for this video! Thank you so so much! Ive had my razor back since i was 16 im 21 now! I love my musk turtle so much!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

that is awesome!

[@shripatjha3763]

one of my fav videos so far, keep up the good work!!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

thank you! i'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@TrulyShala]

The species I’ll be getting in a few weeks! So precious so PERFECT! 💚🐢

[@TheTurtleGirl]

so cool! good luck!!

[@sunkissed6752]

I’m thinking about getting a turtle soon and I’m thinking about getting this one specifically but I’m really nervous about not being able to take care of it properly saw this video really help me out❤

[@raulfit3229]

Subscribed after this awesome video. Keep up the good work.

[@fictional_emo]

Thanks for doing this! I've had Mr. T for 2 years and am still trying to learn how to take the best care of him. We switched to a bare bottom tank temporarily because he caught a minor case of shell rot (he hates basking and wouldn't come out to dry out) and I wanted to reduce any bacteria growth in the tank while he was on antibiotics. He's been given the all clear now after 3 weeks, so next water change, he can have his river pebbles back! I love these little guys ❤❤❤ seeing your tank makes me wish I had more!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

that's awesome Katie!

[@declancorr6571]

Heya Katie J, I've a 2 year old musk turtle myself, I feed mine everyday but I'm not sure if I should, how often do you feed Mr.T

[@fictional_emo]

@@declancorr6571 hey! I feed Mr. T every other day or every 3rd day. He's always super enthusiastic about eating. I try to vary his diet between 3 different pellets. Each time he eats, he gets a different kind. That way he gets all of his nutrients, he gets different flavors, and he stays at a healthy weight :) Mr. T is about 6 years old and is 2.75 inches across the carapace.

[@declancorr6571]

Thank you Katie J, I was worried cause I thought my musk turtle was bulging a bit out of it's shell, you might have just saved a wee turtles life and definitely educated a fool lol thank you again

[@fictional_emo]

@@declancorr6571 Mr. T used to look like his jeans were too tight 😅 I totally get it! He's my first turtle. There's definitely learning curve. How much do you give your turtle? Mr. T gets 3 Reptistix, or 3-4 of the smaller pellets. He's got a live feeder supplement and then a protein growth formula. For example on a Monday, he gets 3 Reptistix. Wednesday he gets 3 live feeder supplements. Friday he gets 3 protein pellets. And the cycle continues. He doesn't always want 3 either. I put them in one at a time. If he's hungry, he stays around the front and begs for more. If not, he takes a piece back to a hiding place and plays with it before he eats it, and he won't usually come back for more. Sometimes it's just about watching and observing. :) if you're on other social media, I'd be happy to chat and help out any time. I have Facebook and Instagram.

[@JonathanCarlosGamerOfficial]

Just got a pair of Musk Turtles myself! Thanks for the tips!

[@alk3myst]

I love my musk turtle. Very interesting to watch and the smaller size makes for cleaner water (I am using a 55 gallon tank with above tank basking area (that I have never seen the musk use, my YES used to; but due to it getting very aggressive she had to be rehomed)). My guy swims and walks alot and really loves perching on top of plants or under them. They even dragged one plant entirely into their 'cave".

[@majesticcichlids1630]

Great video, I have wanted a musk turtle so bad. I have really been interested and think they are adorable.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

they are pretty awesome little dudes!

[@remhk6672]

Very helpful and informative. Thank you!

[@seanaustin8516]

I love your turtles you inspired me and my son to get in the turtle hobby⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@TheTurtleGirl]

i love that! keep it up! :DD

[@seanaustin8516]

@@TheTurtleGirl we are my son said hi He’s your biggest fair lol he’s six years old his name is Marsean he said your next KZbin video can you shout out him he said that will make his day #TurtleGirlRock

[@chainsain_faunachainproject]

Cool vid, I have just been asked to take on a musky girl rescue, so needed to get an idea of her needs, thank you for the info

[@TheTurtleGirl]

glad to hear it!

[@renrichards]

They are so adorable!!!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

aren't they? lol

[@jackjmaheriii]

This video is perfect. Thank you!

[@user-go5xp1yf4o]

Turtle lover from China, love your video very much.

[@joshhibbs_nola]

I love this video and I have one of these guys! It is an adult female in a 40 gallon breeder. I will tell you one thing though with your setup and you may have made one or not but put a screen lid on the tank. I tell you this because when they do bask your dock looks pretty close to the top of the tank. They can escape their tank. My female has gotten out twice. My dock was sitting lower in the tank than yours is and she still got out. It baffles me to this day how she did it. She got out one time and I did not find her for a week and I looked everywhere for her. They are great climbers and in the wild you can see them climbing tree limbs that stick up out of the water and sitting on them to bask. These limbs can have them sitting almost two feet above the water line and when spooked they drop right into the water. It is crazy but they do it. Other than that you have an awesome setup and are taking amazing care of your six stinkpots. 🤙🏼🐢🙂

[@TheTurtleGirl]

I haven't seen any of them try to crawl out but I'll keep that in mind! Thanks for the tips and kind words, Josh :))

[@joshhibbs_nola]

@@TheTurtleGirl You’re welcome! 👍🏼

[@emilybueckert108]

I have a red eared slider and have no interest in getting a different turtle but your videos are super interesting and entertaining!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

aw thank you so much Emily! that means a lot!

[@jamesridge3500]

I have a mud turtle so I highly recommend the occasional snail feeding and also I like to keep turtle bones in their to keep their beak from over growing that or a sinking calcium block

[@TheTurtleGirl]

snails are great treats!

[@y2shanon]

thats awesome, I want to get so more now!

[@OlivernMaple]

Thankyou for the great care guide so informative and also so cute! Personally I love turtles❤️❤️ btw I am a huge fan of your channel!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

appreciate the support!

[@OlivernMaple]

@@TheTurtleGirl 🥰

[@brokeheartwolf3733]

Aloha! Had one of those, brought back from mainland. It was so, so cool and in my case, easy to care for.❤️yes like snapping turtles.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

so neat! that's awesome!

[@oijosukeiliveinyourwalls5798]

My friend has one too. Its name is slipknot bc it sounds similar to stinkpot and bc we both love the band

[@somdov]

What a great video with great info and energy. Can I ask you know your turtles are sightless?

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

love these turtles

[@MC-girly]

I've had my turtles for 10 years now. They have incredible characters. I would say to avoid gravel as our tried to eat it as babies. Ours like yours only use the basking dock at night, a little frustrating since their light is off then haha we're currently updating to a 5 foot tank so the two we house get more of their own space, they have gotten to the point they bump into everything noe, bless them and we want to continue their years of success together. Thank you for your videos.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

thanks for sharing your experience!

[@artemisialomi6666]

Love your videos so much, I've been binging them in preparation for my husband's new friend. Do you happen to have any experience with box turtles?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

unfortunately not! wish you the best of luck though!

[@zollyActingandTheater]

I hope you can make a vid just like this for painted turtles, I will be getting an Eastern Painted turtle later this summer and I want all the info I can get!

[@slickwilly3480]

My musk turtle loves basking, and I also made a couple little caves for her. She loves the caves! Nice and private!

[@jordanslingluff287]

I owned a musk turtle for 12 years. I can confirm they can let out a pretty nasty smell. Its something like a fart that smells like rotten eggs and some sort of a discharge. It only happened once with mine, although its worth mentioning he was wild caught with some shell rot and pretty stressed when he did it. However it is very common with them in the wild. Its also pretty common to see them basking in shallow water. I dont personally think its for UV but rather to regulate temperatures as the rivers around here can be pretty cold. To cold for them to digest in fact. I miss my buddy and was thinking about getting another. Guess thats how I ended up here. I like your channel.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Good to know! Thanks for stopping by :)

[@michaeldavidsamaniego231]

Very helpful

[@TheTurtleGirl]

glad to hear it!!

[@colleenpierre1247]

omg i lovee your videos

That is a complete Orientation (guide) great Turtle 🐢 Girl 👧

[@TheTurtleGirl]

thanks for watching!

[@zhensun8514]

Thank you for doing this! I got my baby musk turtle two weeks ago, it has been eating dried shrimp, meal worms and crickets, but it shows no interest to any brand of pellet. Any advice on how to get it to eat pellets? Or I can keep feeding the above mentioned food? Thank you in advance!

[@irvingvillegas9451]

Very cute, Thank you for your suggestion regarding feeding, I now feed Pepper separately from the tank and it’s improved her tank quality. Btw Mango passed away. I couldn’t find a vet fast enough because most vets only cater to dogs and cats 😢

[@TheTurtleGirl]

i'm so sorry to hear that :((

[@zacharyward7530]

Wild musk and common snapping turtles actually do put off a pretty rancid smell when threatened to ward off predators. When I was younger I used to go herping and as soon as you pick one up they start to put off a horrible stench. It’s pretty much a nasty rotten garbage smell. My captive bred musk and common snapping turtle never puts off the musky smell. My educated guess is since they don’t have the need to defend themselves as pets, and they’re used to being around humans, they either don’t feel the need to/ never learned how to use the odor defense mechanism. Love the tank by the way. So many little stinkpots foraging away.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

interesting observation! now that I think of it...maybe it also has to do with their captive diet....they don't eat as much variety or don't eat the stuff that makes them stink maybe? thanks for sharing!!

[@turtleanton6539]

Very cool

[@blue_erasingon]

I’m getting a dwarf turtle and I needed this lol

[@TheTurtleGirl]

happy to hear it helped!

[@pennywv8636]

I got my baby southern painted a few weeks ago and I’m hooked. I would love to get a musk if I can find a place to put another tank.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

that would be great!

[@herpermike_]

Odoratus are the most perfect little turtle for almost any person who wants a turtle to add some fun to their tank! They have an amazing personality and are very noticeable and definitely steal the show when you try to take any pictures of your aquarium lol. They pack so much personality into such a tiny little body and I honestly think that every tank should have at least one lol

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Yeah!! Theyre pretty amazing!

[@felixxu8939]

Hi turtle girl, can you make a video of how to hibernate your musk turtles, i saw a lot of ways hibernating (fridge or low leveled water) but I’m not sure how it works specifically and whichever one is better for common musks/ loggerheads and razorbacks. Thank you! (Btw ur vids really helped me, keep up the good work 👍🏻)

[@TheTurtleGirl]

appreciate the suggestion! I've never actually hibernated my turtles so I don't think I'll do a vid like that anytime soon, but will definitely keep it in mind if I ever do!

[@djarnoldo516]

Turtle Girl, what pellets do you feed your adult muskies? I feed mine OmegaOne twigs cut into four pieces, shaved cuttlebone for calcium, and they get fresh fruit for dessert -- they love it, and they always have a fresh leaf of green or red leaf lettuce in the tank to nibble on.

[@Slimy_Animations]

How much water should my malayan box turtle need? back then i put it in a tank with a lot of water and it died in just one day, my new turtle in about 3 inches how much water should i have

[@harrywu6604]

Wow, musk turtle is so cool. Can it close its shell like box turtle?

[@jodiecrane3863]

Hello, may I ask where did u buy your LED linear light across the top of the tank please? Its so difficult to find one the right size for a longer tank! Thank you!

[@ibsolutions6727]

I need help. I bought a pet turtle for the ist time i m only feeding him/her pellets. i am having just an aquarium bowl and about to get a proper aquarium for him buf unfortunately i noticed, his behind legs side area gets swollen and it feels like air filled sacs. What to do as he is nomore able to move his legs for swimming and i am worried.

[@Calumblack14]

Thanks for this now i can look after groot better

[@ashleydawn8989]

Been thinking of getting a water turtle for a little while, have seen a few of your videos mostly water turtles, do you own any desert tortoises? Do you think they are easier for maintenance or for beginners maybe?

[@0530frank]

my 2 musk turtles for some reason looove basking lol i guess they see the red ears doing it so they want to tag along.

[@cal.w5269]

I’ve had my musk for 5 years and I love them greatly. His name is Sookie!! For when I though he was a female at adoption lol

[@TheTurtleGirl]

haha so awesome!

[@Ueglqbroqvrj]

I'm looking into getting a razorback. I heard that razorbacks should be kept in deeper water. True or false? And what size tank should I upgrade to once it's an adult?

[@anthonyruth5606]

My musk turtle goes on his platform but only to sleep on and not all the way half shell in half shell out idk why bc i have huge pieces of drift wood that stick out

[@nekrosoft13]

What is that green moss like plant on the logs?

[@chrisbrock3425]

i have a 9 month old razorback musk turtle and her plastron seems to be kind of soft but the top of the shell is fine is this normal? she has a cuddlefish bone in her aquarium but i dont think she eats it any recommendations?

[@seaslug1002]

i have two baby (a few months old) musk turtles and they're both in a 10 gallon rn. the store i got them from said that would be good but im looking to separate them into separate 10 gallons. is that enough room?

[@UtukushiDAE2007]

Thank u for the tips. Have you uploaded any video like this for asian yellow pond and red bellied cooters?... I happen to have recently acquired my dream turtles and these i have observed that the yellow pond is much too shy but pig eaters while my cooters often stay in the water and would go up very seldom to bask rather just have their noses up above water.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

no I haven't! thanks for sharing!

[@oliverswales8962]

My two musk turtles love to eat plants had to learn that the hard way

[@Herwaa]

Mine is not moving as much, it spend a lot time without moving, I thought it could be brumation, but the temp is not low. Any ideas what it could be?

[@shaneh2755]

I have a question, I have a male eastern painted turtle. I recently found a musk turtle in the wild. I have had him in his own tank for over a week. I'm wondering if the musk and painted turtle will get along in the same tank. For reference, my painted turtle is around 6 inches, the musk turtle is about 4-5 inches. Thank you for your help! I want to liberate the musk into my 55 gallon tall along with my painted turtle.

[@jenniferbarrett9291]

I got two hatchlings about a month ago. The female stands on her hind legs when she sees me, so I named her Dances for Dinner (Dani).

[@drwowzers6051]

Could I put a frog or fire belly newt with these? Just wondering

[@johndupree5974]

Why are your turtles sightless? Just wondering, my almost 60 year old musk turtle still has amazing vision!! And is a daily basket, and eats floating pellets…totally flaunting all the musk turtle rules!! He’s a rebel!! 😂 love you videos in turtle care, very informative, thanks!!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

They were actually like that from before i adopted them…some fish pecked their eyes :( see this vid kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJPOpGWgp7B9oZI

[@laceyklein6888]

Where did you gwt the mossy stones in the tank they are so pretty

[@joshualopez9814]

It's just some Greenstone and other types of rock and wood and after a while the wood and rock would develop that cool green look it's called fungi I think

[@AyoWyldChild777]

Hey I just got my musk 4 days ago nd she is not eating,😞 should I be worried ? Also I started out with a 10 gallon tank is that to small?

[@MindsetCCG]

Did you acclimate the puffers to water i don't think so

[@kelliehutzley5021]

love it soooo

[@TheTurtleGirl]

:) thanks for watching Kellie!

[@triplestriker3]

I had gotten a musk turtle a few days ago and it had recently today :(. I don’t know why but it rarely been in the water it has always been in the basking area chilling. Do you know why?

[@coolgal13]

I just ordered me a baby girl eastern musk turtle 🥰🥰 i got all the setup stuff ordered a few days before she arrives I still need to come up with a name 😭 why is it so hard to thing of a name for a cutie. It’s also not my first eastern musk but I didn’t realize how bad they are at swimming as babies and I had 2 drown one got stuck and drowned and the other drowned because my water was too high and that was 2 years ago I was so upset but I decided to finally try my luck with just one baby and I got very shallow water like 2 or 3 inches of water so the baby doesn’t drown until it can get stronger and is okay at least the first 2 lived a month before drowning 😢so I’m scared for this baby but hopeful since it’s a learning experience

[@allankang7374]

Mine escaped his tub by wedging himself between the filter and the side of the tub wall. If you use a hang in tank filter inside a tub, make sure your filter isn't creating an escape opportunity for them to climb out in the middle of the night. Luckily mine didn't go far and I found him under a rug the next day. These guys are great climbers!!!!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Thats crazy! They’re surprisingly agile for being so little. Thanks for sharing

[@brandynsmith5614]

Should i be turning off both the basking and the uvb light at night or is just uvb going off enough? First turtle wanna make sure shes resting okay ❤

[@muursnorthwestamexem8581]

Where did you purchase

[@richardstilwell6043]

I had no idea about a musk turtle when a neighbor had one and i rescued it, it sat with 2 glo fish for over a year no filtration and no food i rescued them and they have been doing the best for over 4 years now. Although ive had no luck adding any fish the musk wont have it.. so they are by themselves lol

[@VicenteSoto-md2uc]

I just found one on the river in mo at a float trip

[@wishfishsneakers2822]

where did you find a musk turtle to purchase

[@iangel2815]

I just rescued a baby, just a tiny bit bigger than a quarter. Is shallow water fine until they get a bit bigger? Im just worried about putting a bunch ofwater in their and they bask alot, maybe because its a baby. When should i add more water?

[@jonathanvaljan9969]

Awesome

[@TheTurtleGirl]

thanks Jonathan :DD

[@southstudios4425]

Fact, common musk turtles are also in Texas, i wild caught some today - released them, there area is quite barren food wise, might move them

[@beowulf2146]

where do i get one?

[@n0tzade]

Do they need a basking spot?

[@apss5736]

cool turtle

[@TheTurtleGirl]

thanks!

[@lydiegriffiths4343]

you tell about keeping the adults at room temperature. I don't know where you live, but I live in the UK, therefore, room temperature can go down to 57 degree F, particularly since I don't believe in heating my house too much...

[@mariahatori8225]

Can i ask if why does my turtle dropped the tip of its tail?

[@kurotsuki7427]

I want to have my turtle in a shallow water tank cause i would like it if i can get a 40 gallon that is wide and long rather than deep. haven't found a tank like that yet. edit, i also love keeping some faster fish and plants in my tank. she tears up the plants but I just see that at enrichment for the turt.

[@anthonys2905]

what size is your tank?

[@celesteporter3381]

i have a question abt substrate... ive had sand in my musk tank and yes while my guys LOVE it, the sand always turned black and had a fowl smell... any suggestions on what sand to use?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

interesting. I would rinse the sand before adding it and regularly vacuum the tank with an aquarium siphon.

[@JenniJeanG]

I’ve had my musk turtle for around a year and a half, and I have everything you mentioned covered except I have a bare bottom tank. Are there any alternatives to substrate?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

hmmm....like I said I prefer sand.. you could also try tile for the bottom

[@mikaliamarie7218]

Hi, I have an almost 2 year old male musk turtle and have been considering getting another one, he’s in a 75 gal tank. I was wondering if you have noticed any kind of aggression with your musks, like the internet keeps saying, and if it’s better to get a male or female? I took in an adult slider from someone who neglected her and they stayed in the same tank for a while until I got another tank and he seemed to like the company. He rode on her back all the time lol. He was tank mates with a pleco since I’ve had him as a baby and there were never any problems until the slider killed the pleco months later and the turtles were separated after that sign of aggression, I just don’t want to get another and them possibly not get along. As well, I have a small turtle tank off of Amazon for a hatchling, but not sure if it’d be necessary to start the new baby out in there. If so when could it be added to the 75 gal? I’m wondering how it would do with such deep water as I started with only a ten gal half way full for my musk turtle. I really trust your opinion after seeing some of your videos here and there for years, and I hope to hear back from you, maybe even answered in a video. If anyone else has any advice or experience I would really love to hear it.

[@elianaparris6]

hello!! i watch your videos literally everyday in hopes of learning all that i can before buying a turtle. i just went to your very first video to see where you got your northern diamondback terrapin and they are not selling turtles at the time. would you happen to know any other reliable places to buy healthy terrapins? it would be great if you could make a video or just reply here :) also thank you so much for all of your videos they have been SO helpful!!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

thank you so much for the kind words Eliana! I'm honestly not sure at this point...as I haven't been in the market for terrapins for a while. You might try asking DanTheTurtleMan, as he breeds and also has a lot of connections in the turtle community :)

[@elianaparris6]

@@TheTurtleGirl of course! and awesome i will contact him. thank you!!

[@liquidoflifeaquaticsandmore]

I just found your channel! Awesome information! Right to the point and fun to watch and learn! I do have a question..why are your turtles blind?

[@_.KaamyaAgrawal._]

They are so adorable! Sadly im in a hotel and my turtle is at my home:( its been 5 days since he's/she's at my home aa- im litteraly speeding to go to him/her but thanks for this vid!!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

aw bet you can't wait til you get home

[@_.KaamyaAgrawal._]

@@TheTurtleGirl Yep! Im back at home and mah turtle was litteraly just chillin in the basking area- 🤔✨

[@jantzy5313]

My hatchling basks all the time. Is this normal?