Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi
I Was looking at a 300 gallon water trough . Its "unbreakable" plastic .

I wanted to know if anyone uses or has used one and any input on it?

Its for a male slider outside .

Thanks

They are great for use outdoors with well thought
out plans for it. You will need to make sure that
it is not placed directly in an area that gets sunlight
all day long. The best place to put it is where the
sun hits it in the morning and then again for a little
while in the late afternoon. Secondly, you must
drill overflow holes. With heavy rain, it doesn't take
long for it to overflow. The overflow will act like
the overflow in the bathtub. It will keep the water
from getting any deeper than the holes. Third, you
will want to make sure you build up the basking area
in the middle of the trough to prevent escape. Lastly,
turtles should be protected from predators and children
who wander into the yard. I currently use a pre-formed
pond and have it enclosed in a 6x6x6 dog run complete
with a top and a lock on the gate. I have kept mine
out all summer using this method for many years and
have never had any problems.

Hope this helps
Linda

Thank you. We intend to drill holes at certain level because it pours here (Miami).

We plan to place it where turtle lives now which is semi sun/shade but now he is in 60 gallon pvc pond.

I wasnt sure if those water troughs were made well but seems few like them a lot.

Thanks.

Lia

You could even bury the trough in the ground so that the turtles can climb up on land, pot some safe plants around the sides,and add other creatures, like frogs. You can buy various decorative fencing, ie., stone wood, brick, etc., from Wallmart. Be extra careful with the fencing, however, as turtles can climb very well.

In regards to fencing, however, I'd be aware, since Florida has recently passed new laws regarding captive, red ear sliders. They must be fenced in, no way to escape. I'm sure this isn't enforced very well and isn't to make you worry. It's just to let you know.

That is, if you have red ear sliders.

Yes I thought about that but the "soil" here is rocks after 2 inches of digging coral/lime rock .

It would be great if possible but an island (plastic bin with soil/sand) in the middle of the trough will have to do. It will have plenty of room.
We will bury one third of it .

I am not sure about the rest of Florida enforcing that law but here by Miami you can buy quarter size sliders sold at the beach by parking area make shift seller stands and soft shells also around June to Sept. Imagine wc babies .

Most will wind up dead in those little plastic turtle islands .

oh I forgot to say Thanks .

The Rubbermaid stock tanks were made to last in the field with cattle and horses, so they're made tough.

You can make a screened lid on a 2x4 frame and drill the base to the lip of the tank so that it can be locked from predators.

Katrina