Hi! Introduce yourselves here. :: Hello Friends total noob here so bare with me please!!

[turtlex1]

Hi guys!

Im new to the whole RES scene.

For starters I have 1 RES names Penolope not sure if its a girl lol and ive been lurking these forums for a while

I just recently upgraded to a 60gal and was wondering if theres a filter someone could recommend me that would not set me back to much financially. My turtle is still pretty small probably 2.5 inches or so. I would like to know if theres a filter I could buy now that would last me at least a year or so before i had to upgrade.

I would also like to know why people put sand. Is it for the looks? or is there another purpose?

sorry for these nooby questions any help would be appreciated!

thanks!

[SINI5T3R]

if you post pictures of its tail area, feed, and maybe a full shell shot, we can tell ya if you have a male or female and welcome to the site!

[steve]

Hi, welcome to the site.

For 60 gallons, the XP3 should be fine. I keep a bare tank, but a lot of people do want to add some sort of substrate and sand is the safest choice.

[missibsu]

Welcome! I too use the xp3. At 2.5 inches they are a little small to be sexing though. I have a Penelope and Peter, but Peter used to be Phoebe, so it happens.

[turtlex1]

awesome thanks for all the replies guys!

[Jaysea]

Welcome, I also use a rena xp3. As for the sand, my turtle loves to play in it for hours, digging for treasure and stuff. Bare bottom didn't give her that option. I also like how it looks. Got any pics of your little one, like mentioned above if you can take pics of its front feet, and of its tail from the underside we could maybe tell you the sex. If it's below 4" it probably wont be accurate tho since the turtle usually has to be 4" for you to be able to correctly tell the sex.