Planted Turtle Tank

[Sebastion]

I have a pet painted turtle and would like to put a couple plants in his 40 gallon tank. I'd prefer something that it would grow on it's own without my attention. Im gonna put some java moss, but I want to know what type of plants are sturdy enough to stand the attack of a turtle, or is resourceful enough to survive with him. He destroyed my last plants (idk what they were just some petsmart ones), but now I have a 20 gallon bigger of a tank so he will have more room. Also as a side note is a magnum h.o.t. Strong enough for a 37 gallon tank?

[Fishguy2727]

Plan on anything going in a turtle tank as being food for the turtle eventually.

I would do a lot more than a Magnum on a turtle tank.

[Sebastion]

Well he's like a baby-ish turtle, about 3 inches

[Fishguy2727]

That doesn't change anything. It is still a turtle. Never plan for now, plan for adulthood.

[Sebastion]

Also I will have a filter from my old tank tetra fauna recommended for 15 gallon

[Fishguy2727]

That doesn't count for much, especially in a turtle tank.

[The_Desacrator]

I have a turtle in my tank and he is a pretty happy camper. I haven't seen him try to eat my plants. I have Amazon Swords and Anubias nana.

[melosu58]

Movrd to the planted tanks forum.

[Wy Renegade]

Since Painted Turtles are omnivores, anything you put in there is going to be food, as was already stated. Is this a fully aquatic tank, or is it a true turtle tank - terrestral with some water for it to get in? IME Painted Turtles do not spend a lot of time swimming, and without adequate spots to get out of the water, they will exhaust themselves and die. They are also extremely messy and can foul a tank very quickly. Plan on daily water changes in addition to whatever filtration system you are adding to the tank, and as was stated you need to plan a lot of filtration!

[Sebastion]

Ya, I understand how to take care of turtles, ha them since I was 8.(6 years). He has a place made out of bricks and slate. The lamp us about 8 inches away from his basking spot. And there are fish circling him for food. I'm thinking of getting a gravel vacuum to help water changes and stall full cleaning. As for filtration I'm using recomended 55 gallon magnum h.o.t. And recommended 15 gallon tetrafauna filter, and drops to help create bacteria to eat wastes Also sorry about multiple posts I just learned how to edit

[Fishguy2727]

No need to add the bacteria, once the tank is cycled they are there.

What lighting do you have exactly? What exact brand and bulb?

[Little Stinkpots]

what kind of painted turtle

[Sebastion]

I have a western painted turtle, and I will tell you the lamp brand when I get home

[Little Stinkpots]

i know you said that you know how to care for your turtle but this has alot of good information. if anything read the recommendations for enclosure. this is a great care sheet.
ATP - Care Sheet: Western Painted

[Little Stinkpots]

this will also help with you plant question.