Reptile & Amphibian Forums

thanks

Depends on what kind of set up you want. You can buy large glass aquariums at any store that sells them, you can also use large plastic storage boxes if function matters to you but looks don't.
Remember large is the key with RES they get big so they need large homes.
There aren't many companies that make canister filters, there are very few to choose from. Canisters work better than power filters with turtles, so far I've used Fluval & Magnum, the Magnum has worked better for me. My Fluval fell apart piece by piece within a year of buying it although it worked great when it was actually working. There are 2-3 other brands that make large canisters.
I can tell you that the ZooMed 501 works great for my shallow mud turtle tank, it would never work for RES, it's too small.

As for lighting ZooMed makes a good full spectrum fluorescent light for reptiles, they also make the fixtures for them but you can buy fixtures at hardware stores for a lot less money. Basking lights don't need to be expensive, a regular household light bulb will work & you can buy a reflector lamp in a local hardware store. Ceramic heat emitters last longer, you can use those over a basking area instead if you'd rather.
Submersible heaters are necessary & so far I've not found any good ones in local stores, I mail ordered those that I have.
One of my favorite mail order companies is in PA, it's www.thatfishplace.com or you can find it through www.thatpetplace.com
If you're close enough to go there you should. I've heard from people over the Internet that their giant warehouse sized store is fabulous but since I am 1500-2000 miles away, I've never been there & most likely never will go there but I'd like to some day.
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PHRatz