Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My boyfriend has a male RES. It was given to him by a friend about two years ago. We think he is about 4 to 5 years old. When he first got him the tank (about 50 gal) didn't have a filter but the water was always clean. In the past year we have added a filter and a basking spot with the proper lighting. The RES is very healthy. His shell is hard, if fact he is sheding right now. However we are getting concerned on how we are going to make sure he is going to be around for a while. Here are my questions?
What filter would be best for his tank to ensure the water stays clean? (we have read that many people only change their water once a year...it seems as if we change it every two weeks.)
How high should his water level be?
What methods do you use to bulid up a basking spot? (he has several big rocks that he loves but it tends to just be another problem with the dirty tank.)
ANY and ALL help is very much welcome. We are greatful...Thanks in advance.

Perhaps people are mean that they are doing entire water changes once a year. If you do a partial (1/3) water change once a week or every two weeks if the water stays fairly clear the tank should stay just fine once it is properly cycled. One male slider in a 50 gallon tank is okay.

I would recommend a good canister filter. Filstar is a good one. Works well and is easy to maintain.

There are plenty of basking platforms on the market that would be suitable for you turtle. They are easily attached to the side of the tank with suction cups (in most cases). This would be the best way to go for your turtle as it would optimize the swimming space for him. Also since it is a male you do not have to worry about egg laying so you do not need to provide a soil are for the animal to crawl up onto to lay its eggs.

Hi there,

Well I am not an expert and I continue to learn, but this year we bought our turtles a "basking dock" which attached to the side of the tank. Our turtles love it, and it solves the issue of having to build up a basking spot. They sell it at petsmart.com and many other turtle sites. This allows you to keep the water deeper.

Best of luck! We love our turtles!

I have had my RES for about 2 years now. I just recently upgraded my tank to a 40 gal broad breeder. it's shorter but long and wide (perfect for his size). I have gone through 10 different filters and i finally think that i have found the perfect one. It's a FLUVAL 204. I got it at Petco a few weeks ago and it has been amazing.
I was having problems with my water being yucky and stinky until I got this filter and got rid of the larger feeder fish i had in there.( i guess they are very dirty fish)
I change the water now about every 2 weeks. When I do so, i also add; Aqua Plus (tap water conditioner), Algae destroyer liquid, and Exoterra biotize waste degrader. The water stays crystal clear until or even after the 2 week mark.
About the rest of the tank. The water level should be higher than the turtle is tall and about twice as wide. They need plenty of room to swim. For basking Petsmart has alot of good platforms and "branch" formations that will let you be creative and give the RES the ability to climb up there easily and give him plenty of room to spread out.
Hope this helps!!