Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have three RES wich I got for Christmas last year. As time has gone by they have become much bigger and I need to buy them a bigger tank. I went to pet shops but the tanks there were either too small, or not filter accessable. Now, from reading through the forum I have seen a spectrum of answers - stock tank, pons, etc. However, living in Florida were weather is too unpredictable to place stock tank outside, having two cats who would love to "play" with my turtles, and a lack of garden room, I seem to find myself between a rock and a hard place. I have looked for large tanks online, but cannot seem to find anything, and new knowledge that has come to my attention makes feel upset that my turtles are not having the best experience possible. I would be extremely grateful if anyone could advise me on resources and perhaps some custom tank websites. I was also hoping that someone could advise me on how to affix filters to tank that do not have a special "filter ledge" (if you know what I mean). Also how can I supply correct UV lighting to a larger tank or even a stock tank? I am feeling really distressed so if some one can please help me, I really need it.

Relax. there are lots of options. First of all, ant tank can be made to work for a turtle. It doesn't need a ledge. I use hang on filters on a 135, a 100, a 30 a 55 right now and as long they they are kept clean and the water is deep enough most of them work fine. If you are worried the water will have to be too deep, you probably need not do so. Unless the sliders are under 2 inches then i cannot imagine a fish tank in a pet store big enough to make the water too deep for them even if filled all the way up. They are excellent swimmers.
If you fear that there will be no room for a basking site, then again you can rest assured that it can work out. Most hnag on tank power filters have extensions for the intake tubes so that you can keep the filter way above the water line and still have it operate normally. If you use cannister filters, many of these will have tubes so that you can place the intake at any depth you like.

If the cost of a large tank worries you then you can utilize many of the same filter options with troughs, ponds,kiddie pools, stock tanks or storage bins.
Having a tank custom made is always expensive unless you happen to havea personal relationship with the craftsperson. You can get an acrylic tank made for only a little more than retail on standard size acryllic tanks, but this price is well above the usual glass price.
If you really want to get a big tank cheap look in newspaper classifieds or online at aquarium products auction sites. Or go into a small pet store and ask if they have used large tanks for sale.

As far as the weather thing goes, Florida is ideal for red ears. I wouldn't worry about temperature fluctuations. If you are worried about pond or stock tank overflowing outside due to heavy unpredictable rains,then that is another matter. You do have to keep a good eye on these. But if you sink them into the ground and enclose a large area around them with decent fencing (or better, walls) then flooding may not be a big problem beyond what it does to the enclosure aesthetically speaking.

If you want idess about specific filters or to see indoor or outdoor turtle set-ups, contact me directly

If you went with a stock tank, theres no need to worry about rains. All you have to do is cut a hole in the stock tank where you want the water level, then just cover the hole with screening. If it rains and the water level rises the water will go out through that hole. Problem solved!
Chris D.

I keep stock tanks outside, and one way to stop the rain from overflowing the stock tank is to drill some holes in the side of the stock tank, about 4-5 inches from the top, so the excess water can drain out whenever it rains. I found this to work good. Also, can attach a custom made screen top if you need to protect them from preditors.

Thank you so much for all your help. One more - how will the rain water effect the turtles, is there a way to neutralize the effects? Also where can I buy a custom cover?

The rain water will not hurt them at all, so no worries. You will have to make the cover. Just make a picture frame, only instead of glass but some chicken wire to keep the turtles in and the predators out... Hope that makes sense.
Chris D.
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Hey mine name is Chris and I currently have 1.0 Midland Painted, 1.0 YBS, and 1.1 Leopard geckos.