Habitat - Indoor :: Set up Idea

[reptile dude007]

Would this be suitable for one or two musk Turtles or one red ear slider?


Also is this a good care video?
http://reptilestv.com/video/turtles/baby_water/01.htm

[TheComputerGremlin]

Wow, that was not a great video. They got the basics, but their setup would be good for hatchlings for like a week. So, don't bother with the in tank filters unless you don't mind upgrading, eventually that would need to be changed over to a canister filter or other high flow filter. The biggest tank you can get it always the best. Put as much water in as you can, 2 inches isn't enough at all. And I loved the "start with a baby turtle" statement. Besides that they're illegal (I assume this video is not from the US), they are significantly more challenging that a slightly older turtle.

As for your setup, you have "heat lamps" but no UVB. Don't bother with 2 heat bulbs, one heat and one UVB is needed. You also don't have a filter. The filter is the best thing you can get, ever, esp in a 100 gallon tank. That sized tank is just downright hard to remove all of the water and dispose of it and fill it back up again. I'm not sure about what you mean with "land" either. But it looks like you're off to a good start.

[reptile dude007]

Wow, that was not a great video. They got the basics, but their setup would be good for hatchlings for like a week. So, don't bother with the in tank filters unless you don't mind upgrading, eventually that would need to be changed over to a canister filter or other high flow filter. The biggest tank you can get it always the best. Put as much water in as you can, 2 inches isn't enough at all. And I loved the "start with a baby turtle" statement. Besides that they're illegal (I assume this video is not from the US), they are significantly more challenging that a slightly older turtle.

As for your setup, you have "heat lamps" but no UVB. Don't bother with 2 heat bulbs, one heat and one UVB is needed. You also don't have a filter. The filter is the best thing you can get, ever, esp in a 100 gallon tank. That sized tank is just downright hard to remove all of the water and dispose of it and fill it back up again. I'm not sure about what you mean with "land" either. But it looks like you're off to a good start.

Thanks I thought that water was to shallow. It is I believe. Most pet stores I have been to have 1 or 2 inchers. But I know they have to be 4 inches to be legal to sell.

OK so I need UVB and a filter. For a filter can I use two or three 55 Gallon over flow filters? By land I mean I would cut a peace of plexiglass and put it in place with aquarium silicone. And ether put gravel ( I don't think this is a very good Idea because the turtle might try to eat it.), Large River rocks, or Eco earth.

[TheComputerGremlin]

If you have 2-3 55 gallon filters sitting around, you can certainly try them out. But to really get the turtle water clean, your best bet is one of the canister filters. Yes, they are a bit of an investment initially, but so worth it. I've had one running for over three months now and the water is always clear with no smell. I've got a Rena XP3, but with that size, I think you'd need an XP4 or a Fluval FX5 (?). You can find them on sale here and there, sometimes on ebay or in the local papers (just remember you have to replace ALL of the media, so I wouldn't pay more than $75 for the filter if it was used). I don't know how urgent this is, like if you just got a turtle or if you are in the planning stages. You can certainly survive without a filter for a few weeks, it'll just get exhausting on your part (25% water changes 2-3 times a week). But if you've got time, look for sales before you get your turtle.

[mikee]

I don't want to be too hard on the turtle video. It is lacking a lot.

[reptile dude007]

If you have 2-3 55 gallon filters sitting around, you can certainly try them out. But to really get the turtle water clean, your best bet is one of the canister filters. Yes, they are a bit of an investment initially, but so worth it. I've had one running for over three months now and the water is always clear with no smell. I've got a Rena XP3, but with that size, I think you'd need an XP4 or a Fluval FX5 (?). You can find them on sale here and there, sometimes on ebay or in the local papers (just remember you have to replace ALL of the media, so I wouldn't pay more than $75 for the filter if it was used). I don't know how urgent this is, like if you just got a turtle or if you are in the planning stages. You can certainly survive without a filter for a few weeks, it'll just get exhausting on your part (25% water changes 2-3 times a week). But if you've got time, look for sales before you get your turtle.

I have loads of time. I don't have the turtle yet . I wouldn't mind I do that for my budgett's frog but he is in a 20 l. I know where I can get one of those (I think) I find them at petco/petsmart every now and then for about $150. I cant find the post but I read that there is a type of musk turtle that can live in a 40 gallon for life. I know that the diamondback terrapin can live in a 55 gal for life.