Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2018 1:14 pm Re: How do I introduce a RES to a new tank? Can he swim?
Depends on what book you read 1.5 - 2 - 2.5... Myself always setup a 150 gallon almost full even for a baby. Never need any upgrades as it grows , already in it's finnal adult home.
Filters are sold by fish gallons not turtle gallons. Turtles are very messy the better filter you have helps with maintenance ! An under rated filter you will be cleaning it every 5 days .
A baby needs 2x's flow of fish gallons , juvenile's need 3-4x's flow depending on sex , and adults 4-5x's flow depending on sex. Male are about 6-9" so the lower rate and female can get bigger at 10-12" in size so the larger number.
That 200 gallon tank could be a final adult home for a male or female so may want to match a filter when it's full. 4x's would be a flow rate of 800 gph. If you get one with a large media area will help with maintenance. I use the FX6 for my 150 gallon stock tank for my 5" male RES , Piggley ! It's a beast and if setup correct for a turtle you only have to clean it once a month. But you still have to do your water changes weekly or bi weekly and maintain a cycled tank helps !