Habitat - Indoor :: List of assorted Questions about tanks and turtle health

[sanoske312]

Hey guys as the subject says "List of assorted Questions about tanks and turtle health" ive read over most of the site and its been really helpful but i was wondering about personal experences hopefully someone can help me with most of these questions


1- my turtle mikey is almost 2yrs old and hes only 5 inches i was wondering if that was normal ive seen a few people posting smaller sizes i was just curious about it?

2- at this rate when will he stop growing and any ideas how big he'll get (trying to buy a tank so i dont have to go out and get another tank)

3- which is better a long tank or a high tank?

4- as for filters any suggesting im a full time student so money is pretty tight right now hes in a 29 gallon tank and he seems to be pretty good with his turtle ramp and it almost 3/4 full

5 - any suggestions on how to make changing the water easier

6- ive noticed his water temperature is always changing it goes from 86-74 and the filter is always running so i cant figure out why any ideas on how to steady the temperature?

7- what are some good digital thermometers ?

[packfan1]

Well I will offer some suggestions to hopefully help you. There are others here that are much more knowledgeable, but here it goes.

1. Tank needs to be around 100 gallons. The rule of thumb is that they need around 10 gal per inch and they will get to be between 10-12 inches fully grown.
2. Tank long or high would probably be a personal preference, but whatever works within your budget. You can look at craigslist for deals, many people here do just that.
3. Filter should be a canister. Rena and Fluval are the prefered choices and I happen to have one of each. They are more expensive but well worth it! The filter should triple the amount of water your tank has, that it circulates through the filter.
4. I use a device call a python. You can get it at most local pet stores. Hook it up the your facet and it basically does the rest and fairly quickly.
5. Not sure why you water temp keeps bouncing around..what are you using currently to monitor the temp? What type of heater do you have? Most here use what is called a stealth heater, I use them.
6. Congrates on your turtle. I will give you a sound warning to keep him alone, that being do not get another. They are solitary critters and will attack others if they see to much of them. It could lead to serious injury or death.
I have been going through this currently, no death!

[sanoske312]

Well I will offer some suggestions to hopefully help you. There are others here that are much more knowledgeable, but here it goes.

1. Tank needs to be around 100 gallons. The rule of thumb is that they need around 10 gal per inch and they will get to be between 10-12 inches fully grown.
2. Tank long or high would probably be a personal preference, but whatever works within your budget. You can look at craigslist for deals, many people here do just that.
3. Filter should be a canister. Rena and Fluval are the prefered choices and I happen to have one of each. They are more expensive but well worth it! The filter should triple the amount of water your tank has, that it circulates through the filter.
4. I use a device call a python. You can get it at most local pet stores. Hook it up the your facet and it basically does the rest and fairly quickly.
5. Not sure why you water temp keeps bouncing around..wor hat are you using currently to monitor the temp? What type of heater do you have? Most here use what is called a stealth heater, I use them.
6. Congrates on your turtle. I will give you a sound warning to keep him alone, that being do not get another. They are solitary critters and will attack others if they see to much of them. It could lead to serious injury or death.
I have been going through this currently, no death!

hey thanks for all the sugestions in actually on craigslist right now looking at some tanks

and im using a thermometer that i got from petland discount i thought it was just the thing it self but ive tested two others i really wanna get a digital one tho any ideas? but the only time it lowers to the normal temp is when the ac is on full blast in a 10 by 10 room i live in newyork so its been pretty warm last few weeks

i have a ? about the Python No Spill Clean and Fill how does it remove the water i was looking at it and couldnt figure it out id have to get the 50 feet one just to reach so i was trying to figure it out b4 spending the money on it

i currently have the Fluval level 3 filter in there cost about 30 dollars in petland as a starter filter it keeps the tank clean throughout the week and i change the filter parts every month but ill definitely look into a canister filter

[BullDog]

1. 5" sounds about right for a 2 year old. Rate of growth is dependent on habitat, nutrition and genetics, so there is no set size at a certain age.

2. If you're sure he's male, then he probably won't get much bigger than 9". As packfan said, the rule of thumb is 10 gallons per inch of shell, so that's a 90 gallon tank. I'm not sure when he will stop growing, but you're on the right track - getting a large tank now so you don't have to upgrade multiple times.

3. Generally, long tanks are better than tall, since RES prefer to swim side to side rather than dive. But as packfan said, if you can get a good deal on a tall tank, that'll be fine.

4. Canister filters are very popular with turtle owners. If you're looking at say a 90 gallon tank, you'll want something with AT LEAST 270 gph. This means you're looking at something like the Fluval 405, or FX5, or the Rena XP3, or XP4, or an Ehiem filter (which are generally more expensive, but you may be able to find a deal used). In a 90 gallon, you can't have too much filter. These run from $120-200+ new, but they're well worth it, and you may be able to find a good deal used.

5. Changing water in a large tank - many people use a device called a Python, which hooks up to your faucet, and drains, then fills your tank. Other than that, you can try suction from a hose into a toilet or low drainage basin, or out the window

6. If the water is getting too cool (say in the winter), then you'll need a heater. These are pretty cheap, starting at about $20. To cool warm water, you can try ice cubes or frozen water bottles in the tank. The other thing is that a larger tank will hold a steady temp better, though you will find they will tend to equalize at the room temperature.

7. I can't recommend any good digital thermoms. My first one came with a heater, and the battery is always loose. My second one was the little zoomed one, which was only $5. It's been pretty good, though it does tend to switch off on occasion.