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They are voracious eaters, whatever they eat, they tear apart.

They definitely need lots of room.

But they aren't all bad, they just need to be taken care of, they aren't a pet that you toss in some food every once in a while and forget about the rest of the time.

How I care for my turtles

        I feed my turtles Reptomin brand floating food sticks.  They get dried shrimp on occasion.  They get vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, zucchinis/squash.  You can feed them lettuce, but mine really don't care for lettuce.  I also feed my turtles meat, such as some cooked scraps, like brisket and ham, and stew meat.  When they are in the mood they will also eat live fish.  Feeding them live animals is beneficial, it gives them exercise by chasing fish, keeps their hunting skills in shape and gives them nutrients.  You can feed them crickets and worms, but its best to get crickets from pet shops so they are clean.  Rosy red minnows are a good size to give to turtles and you can get them for around 10 for a dollar at most pet and fish stores.

        You have to learn to be a little strict when it comes to feeding your turtles.  They will learn to follow you around and basically beg for food.  They will eat nonstop if you let them.  Eating too much will make them grow too fast and their scutes on their shell will fall off too early and their skin will become flaky.

        Turtles also need a good strong filtration system.  They are messy and have a lot of waste.  They are tolerable to green water, but you want the water to be clean and free of bad bacteria.  They need to get enough heat and UV light for their health and food digestion.  If they cant get out of the water to bask, they could get shell rot, which is just as gross as it sounds.  Turtles can also get runny noses, you will see mucus bubbles coming out of the nose.