Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, it's after Xmas (Okay, only 2 days) and I set up Mike's new tank last night. It's only 20 gallons, but a vast improvement since he was in a 10 gallon tank. I'm probably going to buy him a new filter (but I'm going to clean it before I spend the money, might just be gunky). Mike swam all over it and then wedged himself under the turtle dock all night long (I guess he's in turtle-denial). I purchased for him a Mercury Vapor light bulb because it's supposed to emit UVB, heat, and light enough to encourage basking. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if someone thinks that isn't right, please let me know... I really want my turtle to be in a proper environment.

Last night as a treat, I bought him some ghost shrimp (which I can not find, but I doubt he ate already) and a cluster of rosie reds. This morning, I did catch him swimming around but he went back to his corner and wedged himself under the turtle dock. I also bought him a "stump" type thing that has a grassy area at the top and put it under the waterfall to reduce splashing (it's that big ugly thing at the left of the tank

Thats a nice setup you got there. I would recommend as your next size upgrade getting a big enough tank for when Mikes a full grown turtle. I see you still have your ten gallon lid, lol. Its a nice tank and I hope Mike likes it, I know my 2 babies are loving their new 10 gallon.

>>Thats a nice setup you got there. I would recommend as your next size upgrade getting a big enough tank for when Mikes a full grown turtle. I see you still have your ten gallon lid, lol. Its a nice tank and I hope Mike likes it, I know my 2 babies are loving their new 10 gallon.

>>Thats a nice setup you got there. I would recommend as your next size upgrade getting a big enough tank for when Mikes a full grown turtle. I see you still have your ten gallon lid, lol. Its a nice tank and I hope Mike likes it, I know my 2 babies are loving their new 10 gallon.

Oops... don't know what happened to my message LOL

Anyway, I wrote that I was looking at the 49 or 55 gallon tanks but I don't have the space and I'm justifying it by saying i don't have the money but I could have squeezed out an extra $50-75 if I really had do. Mike seems to prefer natural light anyway, so I would rather keep in near the window.

The screen is for the cats... I don't trust them!!!

Mike was swimming around and exploring the new tank so I think he's getting used to it. He's such a sweety

good job! nice looking tank!

If your filter is running too slow, its because your water level is too low. Those power filters are designed for tanks that are pretty close to full. Theres not supposed to be a waterfall, because the water shouldnt have to drop any. Id suggest building a canopy hood and filling your tank all the way up.

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If your baby continues to hide under the basking area I would
check the temp at the basking spot. The mercury vapor bulbs
really puts off the heat and it looks pretty close to the basking
area. Just to be sure you may want to check the temp. 85-90
degrees is perfect. Also, with the UVB the bulb puts out it
can damage the eyes if too close.

Great job otherwise, lucky turtle!

Linda

Yeah, the lamp being to close to the tank and basking area was a concern of mine and since I'm not too creative when it comes to building things I just went ahead and spent the $20 for a stand. I went ahead and moved it up, but I've been testing the warmth of the area under the lamp and it is not excessive. I've also put a thermometer for air temperatures.

He's hiding because he's scared and that is also where he likes to sleep. But I do see him swim around and he's eating normally so far. It's only been since Friday when I changed tanks, so I'm positive he will "come out of his shell" at least by the end of today (Sunday).

I'm going to continued monitoring his temperatures in the meantime because heat has been a concern of mine for awhile, even before the mercury vapor lamp.

>>If your baby continues to hide under the basking area I would
>>check the temp at the basking spot. The mercury vapor bulbs
>>really puts off the heat and it looks pretty close to the basking
>>area. Just to be sure you may want to check the temp. 85-90
>>degrees is perfect. Also, with the UVB the bulb puts out it
>>can damage the eyes if too close.
>>
>>Great job otherwise, lucky turtle!
>>
>>Linda