what turtle or tortoise is right for me
Before acquiring a turtle or tortoise you must explore which turtle or tortoise would be best for you. Some things to take into consideration are
habitat-climate,  habitat�s security, indoor/ outdoor enclosures, diet, lighting, heating, vet care,  their longevity.

types of turtles
1: Turtles can be broken into 3 groups aquatic, semi aquatic, terrestrial. Aquatic turtles such as red eared sliders, cooters, Yellowbellies will eventually out grow indoor tanks and need a pond. SMALLER turtles such as musks, muds, and painteds can be properly housed indoors. A turtles home should be spacious and stimulating. This can be achieved with non toxic plants. All turtles need UVB, a place to climb out of the water and bask.
If you are considering a water turtle
You can explore some good turtle set up�s here
http://members.tripod.com/~Draybar/draybarturtles.html
care sheets for aquatics can be found here
http://www.sonic.net/melissk/reslider.html
http://home.earthlink.net/~rednine/slider.htm
http://www.tortoise.org/archives/elegans.html
http://www.geocities.com/bubbysworld.geo
 semi aquatic turtles such as wood turtles, spotted turtles and Malayans need an area with both land and water. This habitat is much easier achieved in an outdoor pen. However, adequate indoor accomidations can be provided with careful planning

See this link for a great indoor semi aquatic turtle set up

http://www.turtlepuddle.org/extras/habitat.JPEG
and one for babies
http://www.turtlehomes.org/species/habitats/amababygrandispen.html

see this link for a good semi aquatic turtle set up outdoors.
http://www.turtlehomes.org/species/habitats/pegasianleaf.html
http://www.geocities.com/sassi49575/photopagelace.html
terestrial turtles such as box turtles do best in outdoor pens. They need a soaking dish large enough to climb into and easy enough to get out.  A hiding spot, a substrate that holds moisture, a proper diet, a secure living area, and stimulating environment.

See this link for some examples of box turtle pens
http://turtlecafe.com/habitat.pl?page=boxturtle
If you are in an area that has predators such as raccoons pay close attension to the secure pens.
This Link will help you to build a secure pen
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/pentips.html

See these links for box turtle care sheets
http://www.sonic.net/melissk/box.html
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/5504/
http://www.tortoise.org/general/boxcare.html
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/care/cornata.html
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/care/ctriungis.html
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/care/cgalb.html
and my personal favorite
http://www.billsboxturtles.com/
Whether you choose a water turtle or a box turtle it is your responsibility to provide the best care possible. All turtles need proper lighting/heat/UVB a spacious stimulating enclosure/tank, hiding places, clean water, secure enclosures, and competent vet care.
The redfoot tortoise is  wonderful personable tortoise that doesn�t get to large.  See redfoot tortoise caresheet here
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/4159/beasley.html
http://www.tortoise.org/archives/carbonar.html
see one example of an outdoor redfoot pen:
http://www.turtlehomes.org/species/habitats/amredft.html
Tortoises

If turtles just aren�t your thing you may consider adopting a tortoise.
A very important consideration before choosing a tortoise is space and climate. For instance large land tortoises such as sulcata and leopards will eventually need full time outdoor enclosures. If you live in a cold state this will be much harder to provide. See the sulcata reality check here
http://www.turtlehomes.org/usa/test.shtml
sulcata care sheet
http://www.sulcata-station.org/
and leopard tortoise care sheets.
Vetrinary care;
The time to find a reptile vet is before you need  one. To find a reptile vet in your area see this link
http://www.anapsid.org/vets/index.html#us

Habitat�s for both turtles and tortoises should be secure and safe from predator�s. See this link to protect yours
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/securehabitat.html

To see other turtle and tortoise habitat�s
http://www.turtlehomes.org/species/
for species specific care sheets see
http://www.turtlehomes.org/usa/caresheets.shtml

We have only touched on some of the more common species of turtles and tortoises. With over 269 species of turtles and tortoises you must do research on the species you are interested in keeping and make choices that are best or both you and the turtle. With the proper environment you will have a wonderful friend that could easily out live you.
Smaller tortoises such as Russians, Are a wonderful choice for a first tortoise. Here is a very informative link about these great little guys
http://www.russiantortoise.net/
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