Photo Gallery :: Sam and Nelly are finally home :) *Setup Photos

[sonyj]

JuelisKaylee, you should fill the tank up as much as you can without giving them room to escape over the top. RES are aquatic turtles and need as much water in their habitats as we can give them. Also, they are excellent swimmers and love doing it so nothing to worry about there.

Any live plants that you put in there are going to get eaten so I wouldn't spend too much on them. After trying anacharis a couple of times, I got tired of paying that much for it just to get eaten. I've used fake plants with no problems... he quickly realized that they weren't edible.

[JuelisKaylee]

Oh I didn't know that the basking light was far....I'm not trying to overheat them or the water, I live in the VI so the temperature is generally warm ALL the time. So as far as heat, I was guessing that it did the job. The filter is for a ten gallon filter..got it since I wasn't planning on having much water in the tank...I have only 5 gallons in there right now. I ordered it right before my husband decided to upgrade to the 30 gallon tank, so i just kept it.

I wouldn't be able to raise the water level until I have another basking area other than the LOG. When I do I'll upgrade the pics to show you.l I think i'll just buy one rather than build one.
What do you think?

[samandnelly]

You do need it filled more, and I have Anarchis and fake plants. You might try Water Hyacinth, too. Your tank size is adequate and gives some good growing room, it's bigger then my tub! And um...you do need a basking area. I'd get a ZooMed Turtle dock, like I have, they run at a pretty good price. You also need UVA and UVB and other than that-looks like a healthy turtle!

[JuelisKaylee]

Ok I'm going to order the ZooMed Dock for them, after I get it, I'll raise the water level. I already have the UVA an UVB Bulbs. Once I do that I'll try to Load up some more pictures. About the plants, I have no rocks to the bottom of the tank (more cleaning if I do)....What other ways or options do I have for the plants. ALSO...when I look into my tank from the front it looks fine...but when i look into it from the long side...it looks tinted green..I now it's alge...but i just trying to find out what's the norm. It's not groggy/dirty green just a little bit...is that normal?

[samandnelly]

Yes, algea is very normal. If you don't mind it there, you don't need to worry about it. It doesn't affect the turtles usually. But if you do, I recommend buying AlgeaFix, you get it at local pet stores. As for rocks, they aren't nessescary anyway, and plants can grow if you just make little areas of rock around the stem. Also, plants are for when they get hungry, but they do not have any nutritional value -the water plants I'm talking about are Anarchis, Water Lily, Water Hyacinth, and Water Lettuce- so I use plants mainly so the Roseys have food. Roseys are feeder fish that provide protien for the sliders. Mine have ate all they wanted and now I just have one swimming around, so I got the plant to provide food for it. So mainly, plants keep your feeder fish alive, and prevent your turtles from being too hungry.

[JuelisKaylee]

OK, Thank you so much SamandNelly...your post was VERY Helpful. I just went to order the ramp for the kids yesterday (yea i took a while didn't I). As soon as I get it in I will raise the water level and try to get some live plants. I didn't see any at the store yesterday...does anyone know where I'll be able to order some for my tank. And what's the best for a 30 gallon. I have to get them some fish..it's been about 4 weeks since their last..I usually get guppies.

[tinkerbell_pg]

nice log where did u get it

[JuelisKaylee]

Thanks...I bought it from one of our pet stores. I dont know where he ordered it from but I totally love it too. Y'all would be so proud of the new set up. I FINALLY got my order from Pet Smart..(took 4 weeks to get here, cause they decided to send it by BOAT ) anyways, the water is half way up the tank, they got their new large docking station, plants...and a new 20 gallon filter....they look like they're loving it even though they're still getting used to it. I'll try to post some pictures soon...when I remember how I did it in the first place.

[FanOfTurts]

I like the green rubbermaid set up!!! I'm sure your turts have lots of fun!!!

How many gallons is the tank?

[industrial_girl_2000]

SamandNelly - What sweet babies....I just love the striped little arms & hands.

JuelisKaylee - a backdrop would be lovely on that tank (it's something I am considering also.....when I get a little more $$$). Feel free to fill up your tank with more water. Turts love to swim. Ever since I got a bigger tank for my RES, she swims way more, and is starting to get more muscular on her arms & legs. It's very cute!

[JuelisKaylee]

OH...those are old pictures. I've since then added antoher light for feeding time, placed a turtle ramp (that the kids like to run and JUMP off of) and added much more water. I haven't gotten the backdrop BUT they do have something back there to look at. On my last visit to home depot I went in the paint section and got some of those cards with a picture of a Bedroom or Living room or Kitchen. So I pasted those on the outside of the tank so they have a nice suite with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and bathroom. And i must say they really loving the yellow bedroom.

Let me see if I get this picture thing done.


This is the tank setup now:



This is Kalei jumping off the ramp like I mentioned. I labeled this one SUPER KALEI:



The kids chilling:



Kobie chilling in her favorite Spot:

[JuelisKaylee]

NO I dont leave both lights on all the time, only in the evenings when we get home I give them a little extra light...when i'm playing with them etc.

[Muirner]

you could go more water very easily with that, and that'd give the kids more room to play.

[industrial_girl_2000]

JuliesKaylee - love the improved set up! I especially like that log that is underwater so the turtle can sit on it but still have her head above water, breathing. Kids look like they are having fun!

[Muirner]

am i missing the UVB bulb?