Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Conductivity, the transferring or warming up of something due to heat conducted by another object, in this case sun-to-plastic-to water, is a fear of mine putting my turtles outside. Does anyone suggest a protective covering I could put around the plastic in order to restrict or drastically reduce this?

I must put my turtles in the sun for a few hours in the morning(note, only a few hours.) It's near 90 where I live. But the only spot I can find is without any shade whatsoever, and I'm in need of reducing the conductivity from the plastic container I'll be using.

Mind you, I know that direct sun is dangerous, could use something to cover half the tank etc., but this is the only location near my apartment that I can find where I can put my turtles outside.

Moreover, the pond I'm putting them in is a simple 3x2x2 rubbermaid, if that. It's just I need to get the turtles outside and haven't yet to find a plastic pond.

I would say that a thermometer in the water could help you ascertain how fast the water is heating up. If the tupperware came with a lid, you could use that to cover half of the container. If the water still heats up too fast, you can cool the water by putting frozen bottles of water in the container. I use 16 ounce water bottles with the labels removed. The thermometer will tell youif you need to add more, and the turtles generally leave them alone too!

what about trying to reflect the sun back off one side of the container? Like wrapping half in foil, or something like that. It might help for those few hours they're out in the sun.