Aquatic or terrestrial? Aquatic any N.Amer species is generally hardy. Musk, mud,map one of the many slider species. If you want a land turtle then you have to get a box. Three toed and Eastern are the most comman and easiest to keep.
Set ups: Please read up on what ever species you decide to get before hand. Their needs can vary. If you are getting hatchlings don't house them in more then an inch and a half of water for their own saftey. Hatchlings aren't strong swimmers yet and can drown. I house hatchlings in either 10 gal or rubbermaids. Rubbermaids are great because they are easy to clean. (Water changes are very important in housing aquatics.) You can move the Ruddermaid around and not worry about breaking/cracking it. For hatchlings a simple tank is best for cleaning. I have a bare bottom (no gravel) and a few fake plants as well as a rock they can climb out on. Unless you want a display tank then use as much filtration as possible but I would wait until they are bigger. Just remember aquatic turtles need a lot of cleaning because they produce a lot of waste. Be prepared for this.
If you want a good beginner turtle. Why not adopt a red eared slider? people are always looking to give them away. That is a good way to get experiance because the turtle is already well established!
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