Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just a topic for general discussion. I have till spring but I like to hear ideas.

I'm planning on putting my bigger snappers outside when the wetaher breaks in april.
I was planning on using galvanized horse troughs and building nice deck-like surrounds. Lots of plants and things . The tanks are pretty cheap and I can build around them completely. I did this before for some koi and it looked cool.
Last night I was talking to a carpenter at the bar. He said just make big "tanks" out of plywood and use 2 part epoxy paint to coat them . That way I can make them custom size,( 12' x 4')its easy to drill holes and fit for pumps and things. He said as long as you put it together good, you can seal the seams with adhesives and just epoxy everything.
That sounds cool to me. I'm good with wood and I like the idea of building to whatever size I want.
Anyone have any experience?
I want to make them long running along my garage.
Probobly keep them 4' wide just to keep with the width of the plywood. I would appreciate any ideas. I think if I plan this out, it could look really cool. I have a small chicago backyard so I am limited .

you might search the forums.i just read a post last week.someone(i don't remember who)added a link to a site with plans to build just what you describe.i don't remember the link either.i'm searching.if i find it i'll pass it on.good luck!

I saw that one. Great site for plans.I just wondered if anyone has any experience with this kind of building.
Sounds like it would work great. I like the fact you can make it any size you want. This carpenter guy said you could actually just bondo over the seams and the screws and stuff. Then the 2-part epoxy paint over everything.
If I kept it rectangular, I don't think it would be that hard.
Also need advice on filters and fittings and things.
I want to plan this as maintenance free as possible. Easy water changes and whatever. My big guys are dirty and I don't want s cesspool after a month. I also work a lot, so I don't want something I have to clean a ton every night.

check out "filtration" in the main turtle forum from 11/26.
remember,if you do deceide to build a tank to include a drain in the bottom.if you put a garden hose adapter on the end you can water your lawn/flowers with stinky turtle water.

Thanks, that helps.
thats the kind of thing I need to know. I'd like to hear anyones experience with outside filters and things too.
I'm planning on having two large tanks 4' x 12"
One set higher than the other slightly so it can flow into the other.
Small livebearers to keep down the bugs and mosquitos.
Thats another question, how do you keep form having those fish always sucked into the filters?
I think I could build this all out of wood real nice. Just want to think it through as much as possible. Everytime I do something like this, you always think of things after that would have been better.
I just want something that looks nice and also clean.
If you've read my previous posts, I'm still having trouble with my big guys. If they don't feel like eating that day( which they do all the time)
The water can be really fouled out from left over chicken and whatever.

Anyway. Appreciate what anyone thinks of. Think about it for a while. How would you do it if it were your yard?

TRY USING ONE OR TWO PCV SHOWER DRAINS IN THE BOTTOM.THEY WON'T RUST & ALL THE LITTLE HOLES MAKE A GOOD PRE-FILTER.THEY ALSO CONNECT EASILY TO PVC TUBING.PVC IS VERY EASY TO WORK WITH AND CAN BE CONNECTED EASILY TO FLEXIBLE HOSE FOR YOUR PUMP/DRAIN.
I HAVE HAD GOOD LUCK WITH 2-3"BLUE GILLS FOR BUG CONTROL BOTH IN MY SLIDER/SIDE-NECK TANKS & WITH MY ADULT COMMON SNAPPER.
THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAD WITH FILTERING MY OUTSIDE TUBS CAME WITH PLANT PIECES.I PUT WATER HYACINTH,WATER LETTUCE,& DUCKWEED IN MY TANKS AS SNACK FOOD/COVER FOR MY TURTS.THEY CHOP IT INTO PIECES JUST THE RIGHT SIZE TO CLOG UP A PUMP.NEXT YEAR I PLAN ON STORING WATER IN BARRELS OUT SIDE SO THAT I CAN HAVE PLANTS &
JUST REPLACE ALL OR PART OF THE WATER WEEKLY.
I FEEL THAT THE PLANTS VS. THE PUMP DEBATE DEPENDS ALOT ON THE PRICE & AVAILABILITY OF WATER.LONG POST BUT.....