Both of mine came from the wild. I consider the box turtle a rescue because she's missing a leg (obviously had it bitten off, there's a bit of bone that wiggles around inside of skin that must've grown over it). My red-eared slider my father scooped up from a golf course when he was the side of a half dollar... so he's been mine since we were both infants! So uh... they're cheap! My slider's aquarium, with filtration system, cost me around $150. You can usually pick them up off of Craigslist for cheaper (and can probably buy a tank with a turtle ready to go that way, too).
That's an awesome deal for the size! and box turtles must love you!
Were the goldfish to balance the tank (I forget what the 'term' for them is... you let them die to boost the ecosystem).
and no point in debating: my pets are pretty rad! Forever friends.
I love aquarium keeping! I don't have the room for one currently, but if/when I move I'm hoping to start up again.
I kept Weather/Golden Dojo Loaches, Plecos, Black Ghost Knives, Mollies, Platys throughout the time I had my tank.
Weather Loach died last lived for 8 years, grew to be about 5 inches long.
Golden Dojo was a little smaller, died only a few months prior to the Weather Loach.
I sold my BGK, he grew to 9 inches long which is a little big for my 30 gallon haha. I'm sure he's still alive and well in his new home though.