Turtles

Question
Hello.  I have a very small pond (60 gal), 18" deep.  I kept goldfish and they did very well but I brought them in for the winter and now may keep them in a large aquarium.  The pond also attracted a frog who I hope is hibernating now.  I am wondering if my small pond could support a turtle.  However, I do not want to bring one in and have him not survive next winter.  I live in Silver Spring, MD just outside of DC.

Many thanks!!

Answer
I also live in MD so I am familiar with our weather.  This year, so far, it's been warm enough that your pond probably has had little ice.  But, there is the potential to get cold such as tonight when a pond your size will probably get a good amount of ice.  In order to sustain fish or a turtle in your pond over the winter, you would need to add a de-icer and probably a small air stone.  I really would not suggest keeping a turtle in a 60 gallon pond over the winter.  It's just not big enough.  See my pond winterization and turtle pond pages for more on winter and turtle ponds.

http://www.fishpondinfo.com/winter.htm
http://www.fishpondinfo.com/turtles/turpond.htm

Good luck!