We have found 2 used 55 gal aquariums w/ stands. Both w/ hoods, lights (although I need UVB light instead of fish tank lights), and filters (and the stand w/ doors). One person said theirs is an undergravel filter. I'm not sure about the other, but they used it for a salt water aquar. They both want about $120 each. Does this sound pretty good?
***with the stand included with both tanks I say that is a very fair deal but before you pay get the exact dimensions of the tank sometimes fish tanks are too NARROW that is 55 gal is great but if it is a TALL tank then as your turtle grows it may have a harder time maneuvaring
***undergravel filter is harder to get started (you have to think about cycling the tank etc) so you may just want to forget about using an undergravel filter...if the other filter is an overflow filter (it is actually built into the tank's side/back then it won't work for a turtle tank because you won't be filling the tank to the top because you are going to setup a basking structure...so see the tank first and or get specifices over the phone
I have been reading back posts and if I calculated correctly, most ppl seem to think the Fluval 204 is best for this tank. Right?
***I've heard that Fluval XXX has its problems, from reputation a Filstar X is awesome from my own direct experience a MAGNUM 350 is pretty trouble free
What else should I know or look for about this tank?
***does it hold water, and are the wooden stands actually made for aquarium stands...I know it sound funny but I thought I had an awesome deal and the more I asked the guy finally said that the tank needed to be resealed...the stand is the most expensive thing but if it was not originally made to support a heavy aquarium water then be cautious
One more,,,,, we have one res. She/he was about the size of a 50 cent piece when we got her in May. She's now 3-ish inches or so long. How long do you estimate we'll get use of this tank before having to move up to around 100 gal?
***A LONG TIME...don't over feed her, give her dark green leafy vegetables with lots of calcium, and occasional fruit treats and plenty of exercise (deep water and SUPERVISED exploration time and exposure to real sunlight proper bulbs) in other words give her exercise to develope strong bones (everyone is too concerned with just the shell---leg muscles are very important in aquatic turtles)...a 55 gallon for a well exercised turtle on a balanced diet can last for a good 2 years but it depends on how you setup the basking spot if it doesn't take up swim space then perfect but if you end up blocking off 1/3 of the tank then it may last only a year
