What would be the easiest to take care of and cheapest choice of pet.?

Question

I have a tank already but i was thinking either a Aquatic turtle,yellow belly or red ear slider, A snake or tropical fish(mainly clown loaches).I have a 20 gal tank for now.

Answer 1

Definitely DO NOT get a turtle.

Remember that turtles need:

- At least a 40-gallon tank (your 20-gallon is way too small!)

- Tank cover

- A submersible water heater

- A water filter

- A UVA/UVB flourescent bulb, and fixture

- A heat lamp for basking, and fixture

- Thermometers

- Platform for getting out of the water and basking

- Water dechlorinator

- Water test kit

- Extras like electric timers, river rocks, decorations, etc.

Approx. Total: $138 - $308 USD

Now factor in the cost of food, electricity and vet bills for the next 40 years.

Snakes come with a similar list, and are about equally expensive.

Answer 2

A worm.

Answer 3

Anything but tropical fish.  They are not easy or cheap.

Answer 4

Wow... you have your options open for any kinda of pet you wanted... You could even get a gerbil or anything like that if you wanted... I have always had a passion for wanting a TURTLE so I would go with that one.  And you could always have one of the others as a pet later on down the line.

Answer 5

remember you need UV lighting, heater, and filter too!

other than that, the rest is cheap.

birds are really cheap too and easy to care for (get a finch/canary/other if you dont want to spend time taming parrots/parakeets)

Answer 6

Tropical fish.  Aquatic turtles make HORRIBLE pets.  They are not easy to care for because of very specific environmental requirements, almost always develop shell rot when kept in captivity and will eventually require a significantly larger tank than what you have.  Snakes are a little easier to care for, although they have very specific environmental requirements and can be prone to several health problems.  Also, most species of snake will also outgrow the 20 gal. tank you have.  Fish are relatively cheap, won't usually outgrow the tank (just make sure to do your research on any species you are interested in to avoid overstocking the tank or buying fish that could outgrow it) and are very easy to care for.

Answer 7

Tanks also make great cages for hamsters/rats/mice if you are interested in furry pets.