Habitat - Indoor :: Can you give me any suggestions about my tank?

[doglovin]

Hi guys. I have 2 RES turtles and they're about 3 years old, 4 or so inches each. I have them in a 120-gallon tank, with a combo light that has flourescent UVB light, 2 moon light bulbs, and a place for 2 heat/sun bulbs...but I don't have those bulbs put in because the turtles like to baske on the RIGHT SIDE of the tank. Other problems with the combo is as follows - the flourescent is a tube so does not shine down enough for them. So...I added a UVB dome on the right side of the tank, as you'll see, plus I've created a basking area there that they like with a sun/heat dome at 150 watts. Should I eliminate the combo light, or keep everything as is? Or do you think if I put the sun/heat lamps on in the combo light on the left, will the turtles adjust and baske there???? I'm so confused - many thanks. Val

[Nettle]

All that is really necessary is the heat light (incandescent) and the compact UVB. A night light doesn't really help anything.

You could seriously fill up that tank more. The more swimming room for a turtle the happier.

Also, the gravel is a serious health hazard. Here's a link to a thread:
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12532

Other than that, very nice tank!

[TheComputerGremlin]

I think that the turtles prefer the right side because of the basking platforms available there. You need WAY more water, fill that baby up! Your turtles will appreciate the swimming and diving. Honestly, I'd keep the combo light, but not worry about buying the nice expensive fluorescents for it. If you keep only the two lamps on the one side, the tank will seem rather dark and they will appreciate the extra light during daytime hours.

[res08]

How do you close the shade behind the tank?

[doglovin]

Hey guys. I close the shade by opening up the top of the tank and reaching through. Pain in the butt actually, but doable

So do you think I should put the 2 sun/heat bulbs into the left side of the combo light and rearrange so they can baske there? Would they "re-learn" easily? Seems to be a waste of the combo light since I haven't been using that feature - only using the sun light at right.

[nicole101294]

that is a very nice tank.

[joeybsmooth]

After you do what these guys suggest pls post more pictures so others can see the change.

[ilcapo21]

I would watch the small gravel. Small gravel could prove to be a choking hazard for your turtles.

[kgielda]

Where do you live in NJ?

[Tortugasmom]

I am so Jealous of how big that tank is..Looks like a very nice setup.
I would toss the gravel too.