Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got the "unoficial" size of the pond and habitat that I'm going to build. It is going to be in an octogon shape and the sides are going to be 4 feet each. So the diameter will be aprox. 9 feet or so across. It will be give or take 3-4 feet deep. How manny gallons is that? I'll have a small stream running from a waterfall into the pond. Also parts of the pond will be sloped for easy in and out access and also a ledge will be made in a spot. Not only will it be a pond but a small microhabitat. I plan on fencing an area of about 360 cubic feet w/ a 3 feet tall plexy glass fence. I'm going to plant plants and trees. Also, next to the pond I'll make about a 4 inch deep marsh with long grass. I originally wanted to put in 2 Estern Box Turtles, 2 RES Turtles, and 2 Western Painted Turtles. (Each pair will be 1 female, 1 male.) Also there will be 2 fire salamanders, frogs, tadpoles, anoles, and one more type of lizard. Of course there will be fish in the pond. I planned on buying all of them at the Reptile show down in SD this july and October. I currently live in Orange County, Southern California. I would love to here your opinions about my ideas for the microhabitat, the species of turtles, and anythign else you can add.

David

Personally I would only keep sympatric species of turtles together (turtles found in the same geographic region). The frogs, salamanders, anoles, and whatever else you plan on putting in there won't last long - they likely will be eaten. You also are risking the spread of pathogens.

If you want a turtle pen, you should keep symaptric spp. of turtles together. All the other herps (frogs, etc.) should be kept in their own habitats. Good luck.

Jesse

I see your your side of view and is deff taking it into consideration. Thank you very much.

David