Russian Tortoise Aquarium

[Ethan1]

Is 75 gallons big enough for a Russian Tortoise?

[Bartman]

Yea, but gallons isnt really the key. They need a lot of floor space as they are obviously completely terrestrial. I was told my tank, which is 75 gallons, was good. It measures 4 feet by 18 inches deep. For one this is good its whole life. imo

[lostwithin]

I don’t personally keep tortoises, but from what I have learned of them they don’t do well in aquariums, you should consider a turtle table, some sites have great designs.

Devon

[lisa marie]

I agree with Devon. Turtles need to be kept in wooden cages or very large rubbermaid containers. They get too stressed being constantly visible.

[elfomatic]

Yep. And ideally they should be kept outside.

Aquariums are also bad because they can't get a very good heat-gradient because of the glass radiating heat.

[Tom P]

Where can I get a Russian Tort?? I am in Calgary, Alberta, and I am really interested in getting one.

Thanks

[elfomatic]

There are Canadian reptile rescues you could try.

I think some breeders also ship to Canada.

[Tim and Julie B]

I keep my box turtles in glass terrariums, rubbermaids.....as well as my red foots. They could care less. All of these species are really social. Terrariums look nicer but rubbermaids are easy to clean. So why not build a custom encloser and get the best of both. Most turtles and torts are cities 1 so unles you are a zoological institution good luck getting them across the border. I actually want to look into that again but I don't think anything has changed in the last couple of years. TB

[TheLionsShare]

A fully enclosed enclosure isn't ideal for desert species such as russians.. They need more ventilation than an aquarium or rubbermaid can offer.. Ammonia build up in an aquarium can lead to problems. Redfoots and box turtles come from far more humid environments than russians, which is why they would thrive. Not that many turtles and tortoises are CITES 1 either heh... Many are CITES 2.

[Bartman]

I keep my guy in a melamine enclosure. When he was in a glass aquarium he seemed to not understand he cant get through glass and would claw at it all day. It was anoying for both of us, so I built him a cage.

[Ethan1]

Thanks for the information guys!