Photo Gallery :: My LiL One *DONE WITH TANK*- New ? about basking dock

[Spookster]

Looks nice. I agree on the stand. Might want to find something more sturdy if that is a plastic one. Also you will find that it is much easier to keep the tank clean with fewer river rocks. Although having lots of them looks nice they trap turtle waste and it makes it hard to clean the tank. 12-24 river rocks scattered across the bottom works great. Gives the turtle something to play with and doesn't really trap the waste.

[JNZBCBnLIL]

The stand is a utility stand so the plastic is really really strong- we were using it outside for tools and the such and i laid on it to make sure it was strong enough (I weigh about as much as what the water should weigh in there) and it holds up well! But soon Brandon and I are thinking about upgrading to a 50 or 100 gallon tank even though the little one is only 2', he'd be in heaven i'm sure!! We're trying to figure out finances right now- and that one will surely be placed on the floor! He gets his sunlight from outdoors- but I did go to the petstore to get him another clamp and light to make sure he was getting enough and the person I was talking with had worked with the reptiles (mainly the turtles) at the zoo and told me the light I have should be giving him both UVA and UVB... ?? but I thought I'd mention it on here and see if that's even possible! And I'd thought I'd ask also that it isn't a problem to go big tank-wise too fast, correct? like if we were to be able to get a 100 gallon tank, he would be happier with deeper and more water as opposed to it increasing the risk of drowning with that much more water?

[steve]

I have a similar shelf. They are said to be able to hold a good deal of weight, but the concern is the shelf bending at the center. Any gap between the tank and surface is dangerous.

UVB lights also provide UVA rays.

A 100 gallon tank sounds great! You can slowly raise the water level to help your turtle adjust.

[JNZBCBnLIL]

So I got confused and it's actually a 55 gallon I was looking at- I don't think I've ever even seen a 100 gallon- but will 55 do for a while you think? I want to upgrade to what is going to last me for awhile because with tanks costing soo much, upgrades will be hard to do frequently! Anyone know where I can get a 100 gallon because at Petsmart and PetCo I didn't see any?!

[missibsu]

The 55 gallon will probably last you a couple of years. If he's only about 2 inches right now, and ideal growth is an inch a year. I'm factoring in a little extra growth for that first year.

Places like petsmart and petco have larger tanks, but I believe that have to specially ordered.

I would also be beneficial to check with smaller dealers, mom and pop type places. They can sometimes get you a better deal. Don't forget ebay and craigslist too. While most of those are used, it can save you a bundle.

[Mama_Mouse]

you can check craigslist everyday
I got a 90 gallon tank for 75 bucks

[JNZBCBnLIL]

I think I am finally done with the tank for awhile (other then the hope of once we're financially ready, getting the little one a bigger tank and of course bigger upgrades within to go along with i.e. filters and the such) I finally have a heater (which is keeping the tank a steady 80 no matter what), took out the majority of the river rocks as suggested by someone, cleaned the tank and filter out, moved the greenery down a bit so he wouldn't be able to use that as an escape route and I hope I've got it all down now! Let me know what you think! (OoO and about the table he's on- i'm looking into stands right now) I'll be sure to look for a bigger tank and a stronger stand on those suggested sites because money is becoming an issue! Thanks for all the advice!


You can see the little one hanging on to the basking dock in this one!

[missibsu]

He's so tiny! Looks good though.

[CountryGirl68]

Great job!! With less rocks you'll notice clean up is much easier. Your turtle must feel like he is in the ocean!!!

With a 20g tank and the turtle being so small, you probably have several months before you need to upgrad the tank. This will give you enough time to save up for a larger tank. I would recommend getting a 75 or 90g tank once you can. Shop around, check out craigslist.com and freecycle.org for cheap or even free tanks and stands. Just make sure it is a long tank. If he turns out to be a male, the 75g (as long as it is no less than 18" wide) will be fine for many years but 90 is always better. If it's a female (and you won't know for about a year or more), the 75 - 90g will last you several years but then you'll need to go to at least a 120g.

[JNZBCBnLIL]

I just read about another lil Leo RES drowing because of the dock that we have and I was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions rather then mounding rocks as a safe and attractive way of making a safe dock for such a little guy! I had to save my Leo once from trying really hard to squeeze between the bar and glass and I would like to avoid that happening when i'm not around to save him! Any suggestions?

[steve]

There are other docks you can try. ESU makes a resin basking area (though it is not very high) and there are a couple of acrylic docks out on the market. They look modern and work real well for some people.

[scripta_elegans]

My turtles love this ramp! They actually both use this one way more than the zoo med turtle dock! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=8809&N=2006+113872
Your tank looks wonderful! Little Leo is lucky to have such a consciencious keeper.

[Shavannah]

Very nice!

[Hoooneylynn]

Whats that little orange fish got in its mouth? It's plastic right?

[missibsu]

I believe the orange fish has a carrot in his mouth. Either way, it's a veggie/fruit clip. I've heard they work wonderfully, but I haven't tried one yet. I've seen them used at petsmart, and the fish go nuts over them.