Best Type Of Turtle To Start With?

I'm considering a turtle tank for my sister, it would be hers but I'd probably be doing most of the work with it. What's the best type of turtle for me to start with, red eared sliders are the most common here but I don't think I could get a big enough tank for one of them.
If you could include the biggest tank size I'd need for your suggestions that would be helpful.

 

musk turtles or terrapins. the kinds that stay tiny. scarface

 

That was fast lol, thanks. I'll have to see if anyone around me sells those or if the lfs will special order turtles like they will fish.

 

Musk turtles are widely regarded as beginner turtles, because of their small size and relative ease compared to basking turtles.

Pet stores usually sell red eared sliders. I had difficulty finding musks until I went to a couple reptile expos, where I was finally able to get a razorback musk.

29g or 20 gallon long will do fine for one, 40 gallon breeder being ideal.

 

Musk turtles are widely regarded as beginner turtles, because of their small size and relative ease compared to basking turtles.

Pet stores usually sell red eared sliders. I had difficulty finding musks until I went to a couple reptile expos, where I was finally able to get a razorback musk.

29g or 20 gallon long will do fine for one, 40 gallon breeder being ideal.

See and I thought all of them absolutely needed a pretty good sized area to bask on out of the water. I see they should still have an area like that, but they pretty much stay in the water constantly.
If I can't find any of them, what would be the second turtle on your list? And only because they're just impossible to avoid, how are red eared sliders as a first turtle?

 

Some of my favorites include razorback or common musks, 3 striped muds and there are albino musk s but too rich for my blood. A lot of turtles are friendly but yeah some get quite large and need a basking area more than others. The ones I mention dont.

Diamond back terrapin is a dream of mine.

 

See and I thought all of them absolutely needed a pretty good sized area to bask on out of the water. I see they should still have an area like that, but they pretty much stay in the water constantly.
If I can't find any of them, what would be the second turtle on your list? And only because they're just impossible to avoid, how are red eared sliders as a first turtle?

After musks, I have no idea on a second "best" turtle for beginners. But I believe if you have done the proper research and have funds for good housing, most any turtle species shouldn't be difficult. Musks are simply easier on the wallet, when initially starting out, and their smaller size doesn't hurt either.

I really can't say much about red eareds, but they require a larger initial investment than musks.

 

After musks, I have no idea on a second "best" turtle for beginners. But I believe if you have done the proper research and have funds for good housing, most any turtle species shouldn't be difficult. Musks are simply easier on the wallet, when initially starting out, and their smaller size doesn't hurt either.

I really can't say much about red eareds, but they require a larger initial investment than musks.

Alright that makes enough sense, I'll see what I can find and update you if I do end up being a turtle owner.

 

See and I thought all of them absolutely needed a pretty good sized area to bask on out of the water. I see they should still have an area like that, but they pretty much stay in the water constantly.
If I can't find any of them, what would be the second turtle on your list? And only because they're just impossible to avoid, how are red eared sliders as a first turtle?

I'm a new RES owner, he's not a problem at all. just keep the water clean like you would any other tank and you're golden. Just be careful taking it out of the tank, they are suprisingly fast little guys, and no elevated surfaces, they don't seem to understand the concept of falling off and getting hurt. I like to set mine on a towel in the floor, and let him explore for about an hour. obviously don't let anyone step on tgem, and be cautious with other animals in the house. My dogs just sit there and watch him waddle around, but one of my cats has been known to swipe at the turtle.

 

I have nothing against RES really, it's more a matter of they get a pretty good size which means a tank I don't have the space of money for right now. If those weren't issues I would happily get a tank for 1-2 of them.

 

I have nothing against RES really, it's more a matter of they get a pretty good size which means a tank I don't have the space of money for right now. If those weren't issues I would happily get a tank for 1-2 of them.

I definitely understand that, I didn't plan on having a trurtle at all. Mine was actually given to me by someone who couldn't take care of it anymore.
Mines young and still pretty small, about the palm of my hand and for now his 10gal tank seems to be okay, once he gets bigger though I'm probably going to buy a kitty pool or something for him. Money wise though he isn't a huge dent in my already small paycheck, but it really depends on how many you have. (I only have one)

 

Will males fight with each other?

 

Will males fight with each other?

They probably will when they get older. If you do want to get two males, try getting them both at once while they're still fairly young. They'll fight regardless but I doubt they would seriously injure one another.

 

That's good, from what I understand males are the smaller ones correct?

 

That's good, from what I understand males are the smaller ones correct?

I think it would depend mostly on the species, Aquatic species usually have the smaller males I believe. Male semI aquatic species like RES tend to be bigger than the females. You may want to do some further research of your own, I am in no way an expert by any means.