Habitat - Indoor :: Turtle Tank Refugium?

[papoopeepoo]

I've looked this up on the site, but there's only on or two posts concerning the idea.

My 135 gallon tank is already showing signs of algae problems after 1 month, mostly because it's near a window.

I'm considering using an older, smaller, tank that I have lying around as an under-tank refugium. I would put in various types of live plants, and maybe a snail or two, to help control the nitrate levels, and to take nutrients out of the water to help reduce algae buildup. I know the concept is generally used in Marine/reef aquariums, and not in freshwater turtle tanks. Regardless, my line of thinking goes like this: I want to gain the advantages of freshwater plants in my aquarium without having them within reach of the turtle (because he'll just eat whatever whenever).

Has anyone ever tried this? What were your results?

[Daniel3507]

sounds like a good idea. i know of one person who used live plants and blocked them off with egg crate so they couldnt be eaten. might be easier

[papoopeepoo]

egg crate might work, but my problem is i have no substrate in the turtle tank.

[Kemul]

Below is my latest tank setup:


I have plants in my tank, they're on the right. What I do is that I put substrate in
glass bottles, then carefully put the plants in the bottles. That way, the turtles
can't get to the substrate while the plants have something to hold on to. Putting a
barrier between the plants and turtles will prevent the turtles from destroying the
plants.

Just wanted to share

[Chrisbarnett]

It's not going to be as effective as you think. I've read about people using refugiums on freshwater tanks and they were simply dissapointed with the results.

[theartbook35]

It's not going to be as effective as you think. I've read about people using refugiums on freshwater tanks and they were simply dissapointed with the results.

75% of turtle care is trial and error, my friend.

Depends on how you set up the refugium in the end.

If you have an aquarium for fish only, well, you an just use the refugium for them instead if it doesn't work for the turtles.

I do complete water changes once a week to avoid algae. The tank isn't next to a window, but it is parallel to the window about ten feet away and still gets hit with a ton of sunlight during the summer. I haven't a clue where the 40 gallon is going to go, hopefully my dad and I will have enough money for a tank stand that my cat can't eff with. He screws with the current one right now, and we put up all sorts of guards to get him to stop giving my turtle's underwater earthquakes. In reality my cat just likes to watch them swim, he's one of those cat breeds that loves all species but other cats.

I really don't mind cleaning the tank that much, even when I upgrade to a bigger one. Gives me something to do on the weekends. If you live with other people, then it becomes a family project ^___^

[ccoliva]

I have a refugium for my turtles tank and they love it. The water is cleaner, the turtles are much more active. I cant stress enough how much it worked for me.

[steve]

Hi Ccoliva, I don't think a clear picture was posted. Would you be able to post one?