Mata mata grow rate?

[Miguel]

Ok, well I kinda like a slow growing turtle. It will give me some time to before I have to get him a big tank. I will reserve it tomorrow Need to clear up some space for the little one before I can pick it up.

is it one the germans matamatas that recently arrived?

Remember that it likes and thrives in amazonian water and, preferably, it would not want to stand on the hind legs in order to breathe...

Does not bask, allthough my babies come half out of the water on top of bogwood pieces...

We can trade experience as we get along with them, what say you?

 

[Loubard]

I don't know. It's a lfs with some reptiles and I just spotted them. I have no information on how they got them etc.

I am now doubting myself if there where mata mata's, but I imidiatly though, hé mata mata! They look just like them. I will go there tomorrow (first thing in the morning probably XD) to check it out and make some pics. I already got another interested person here, so he's probably going to pick up the other one. But I have first pick

I am planning on using a 40x40x40 cm tank for now, with a water level of about 15 cm and a flat pieces of bog wood just sticking out the water for him to rest on out of the water. I will use a Eheim 2217 filter (already cycled) on the tank, I will adjust the flow so that it's not strong for him. I will add peat in the filter (and a bit in the tank) to keep the ph low. I also going to buy a heater guard and let that in (what water temperature do you recommend?)

Does that sound about right? Also, do they mind the light (planning on using a 8w 5500 k tl, the glass covers are dirty and the tube is old so it's not that bright)?

I am also going to buy some swordtail to get him true the first few weeks. I am going to watch him very closely (also because there pretty expensive lol) and report any problems here, so that it can help new owners. I hear there not good beginner turtles, but caring for them doesn't sounds too difficult imo.

I think it would be awesome to have some good info here, how big are your two smaller ones? Did you had problems (except for getting them off live) with them?

Also, final question, should I transport him in water or out of water?

 

[Miguel]

I am planning on using a 40x40x40 cm tank for now, with a water level of about 15 cm and a flat pieces of bog wood just sticking out the water for him to rest on out of the water. I will use a Eheim 2217 filter (already cycled) on the tank, I will adjust the flow so that it's not strong for him. I will add peat in the filter (and a bit in the tank) to keep the ph low. I also going to buy a heater guard and let that in (what water temperature do you recommend?)

Does that sound about right? Also, do they mind the light (planning on using a 8w 5500 k tl, the glass covers are dirty and the tube is old so it's not that bright)?

I am also going to buy some swordtail to get him true the first few weeks. I am going to watch him very closely (also because there pretty expensive lol) and report any problems here, so that it can help new owners. I hear there not good beginner turtles, but caring for them doesn't sounds too difficult imo.

I think it would be awesome to have some good info here, how big are your two smaller ones? Did you had problems (except for getting them off live) with them?

Also, final question, should I transport him in water or out of water?

1- you have to check if it comes up to breath without effort in order to determine the height of the water.
2- your tank is the size of the one I have the two 10 cm's long babies.
3- I use no heater. Fish room temp more than enough. ALso use a small cannister filter with slow flow rate.
4- I add water , aged water, from one of my aro's tanks.

5- Your lighting solution seems tottally apt.

6- at this size one needs to have atention to the size of the feeders. very small goldfish abd guppies are, imo, the best at this stage.

Also quick darting fish are difficult for them to catch at this age...characins, for instance, are difficult.

Go for it!

 

[Loubard]

Thanks for the reply
How warm is your water? I think if I don't use a heater it will be about 22-24 C. I will buy another small cannister for him then. I could also add the water from my big tank, good idea. I will buy guppy for him then, swordtails are a bit bigger. Will he get frustrated if I add some cardinal tetra's? I think I will like the look of a dark tank with some sand, rocks, bogwood, leaves and peat on the bottom with some cardinals and a mata mata

 

[Miguel]

Thanks for the reply
How warm is your water? I think if I don't use a heater it will be about 22-24 C. I will buy another small cannister for him then. I could also add the water from my big tank, good idea. I will buy guppy for him then, swordtails are a bit bigger. Will he get frustrated if I add some cardinal tetra's? I think I will like the look of a dark tank with some sand, rocks, bogwood, leaves and peat on the bottom with some cardinals and a mata mata

great set up you're planning!!

my water is around 26, give or take, without heater..

the cardinals will keep it interested and motivated,, I do it a lot.

Just don't trust on it catching them in suff number to be satisfied....ad the guppies, they are ideal imo, and swimm on the top of the water....

 

[Loubard]

Nice! Thanks bro! Much appreciated. I will keep a heater in the tank, just red the optimal temperature is 25-30 C, wich I cannot have without heater. Will update if I get some more info on getting him.

 

[Marcel_h]

what do you mean, Loubard?

From "this" to "this"??

I'm considering one too their realy nice looking turtles. how big would you house an adult? something like 50x20x20 inch range? Or bigger?

 

[Loubard]

Cool! I can hook you up with one There more where this one came from. I had to set back the date of pick up for mine untill about 3 weeks from now, but I already setting up something for him/her.

I think a 60x30x20 would be much better for a big adult.

 

[Miguel]

I have my adult in a 2 metre long per 60 wide tank....

 

[Loubard]

Nice sized tank Miguel! Could you post a pic of the full tank?