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This is the initial setup for my 5" RES. The pond liner is sturdy enough to support a full fill of water. I got it as Lowe's for $40 or so. The second tier makes a large 12"X18" basking area. I lined it with a regular outdoor floor mat cut to size (is this okay?)





The "ramp" up to the basking area is currently 3 plastic grids stacked together and screwed to the upper tier with plastic machine screws. She's reluctant to use it so far (it's been 2 days and she seems to just give up halfway up). I think I might have to add some flotation underneath that will support her weight better, but maybe she'll be motivated to climb out eventually? Suggestions?




The filter is attached to the side of the tank with PVC and plastic machine screws. It is a small internal filter that works WONDERS! (Whisper Internal 20i, meant for 10-20 gal tank but it is working well on a every-other-day diet)


Yes, I do plan to encase the heater in a PVC pipe to prevent it from breaking.

I also plan to either tilt the tank up a bit, or fill the basking area up higher with rock, so the water fills higher but doesn't overflow into the basking area.

I'll post more pictures as I continue!

Your set-up looks good. And your girl looks very happy.

It may take her a few days to bask being in a relatively new set-up. Some RES do not handle change well and take up to a week to feel safe and secure with anything new introduced into their environment or with a new set-up.

Just an observation, I see the heat light, but not the UVB light in the pics. Does she have both of these lights that she needs? Recommended filter size for a turtles habitat is one rated 3x's the size of tank/habitat. A good filter goes a long way in preventing health issues by keeping the water at a purer quality. You may find yourself needing to upgrade after upgrading her home.

Yeah, she'll get a new filter soon!

The UVB is on a floor lamp directly above the tank and I'm working on a way to get it lower (that will involve some electrical work I'm sure).

Thanks!

I think that moving the basking light further over the basking area might be more enticing. You might want to add some more cover so she gets some privacy while she explores her new home.

That looks like a cool setup. I am curious: why is her filter outlet right over her turtle dock? Even though she has another basking area (and that was a good idea, setting it up that way) she might want to get onto her dock, too.

May I ask, what size pondliner that is? And how many gallons of water are in it now? I am always on the lookout for habitat ideas.

Wow, you're observant! I moved it over there to get a clear photo of her. Thanks for caring

It looks nice. If she's only going half-way up the ramp, perhaps it's too difficult to get up all the way (or perhaps the area is to open for her liking and she needs more privacy)? To adjust the UVB light, depending on how high the liner is, you might want to consider getting an adjustable lampstand.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll be moving the lampstand lower and giving her some more privacy!