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So, I've been piece-mealing a new habitat for my turtles for the past 6 weeks.

I got a 55-gallon tank, 50lbs of large smooth river-rocks (which still didn't cover the bottom as nicely as I'd like - probably buy another 25lbs), some decorative stuff, a Filstar XP3 (per the suggestions I've gotten from here) and a large turtle-dock.

While the turtle-dock isn't as nice as I'd have liked, it'll do for now. Regardless, my two RES's (Worry and Scurry Turtle, respectively) are now really starting life.

They are still juveniles as we adopted them, as hatchlings, back in August. I felt terribly guilty about them living in the shallow table-top pond we got for them in the beginning.

One has already figured out how to get up on the turtle-dock to bask. The other one can't quite seem to figure it out. With time, I'm sure he'll figure it out.

I think we're going to purchase some fish this weekend. But, not any fish that I'll be upset over if they get eaten.

This forum has made it much easier to complete this task as I was a complete RES newbie prior to August. Thank you to everyone who had good input and patience to match.

My girl and I really appreciate it. 100%

It sounds like your doing well by your turts (how big are they---shell lengths without the curve---and what kind of lighting do you have?).

I wouldn't worry about not having the bottom of the tank totally covered with river rocks. It just makes it harder to keep the tank clean. I actually just have one area with rocks that my turt can mess around with (they like to forage).

Some pics of the finished product would sure be nice...

I'd say that the small one is about 2" or so. The big one is 2.5" - 3". Still pretty small.

The little one has a spot on his back that's kinda weird. Looks like he has a crooked spine. Of course, we got him that way, so it's not a huge concern.

I'll definitely take pics of the tank and both turts. Should be able to upload them within the next 2 weeks. (no digi-cam... gotta actually develop the film at Wal-ly World and get a disc)

I have 2 seperate sources for UVA & UVB lights. I went through numerous brands of UVA bulbs. I kept blowing them. I think they'd get a drop of water on them and blow. So, I decided to spend about $20 for a long-lasting one. It was a great purchase. The quality of light it gives off is MUCH different and very noticeable. It keeps the dock at about 90 degrees (while the water is about 74 degrees).

I used to remark to my girl how they never seemed to bask. But, it was less than a day that they started basking aggresively with the new lamp.

And, as far as foraging, I noticed that just this morning. They scour the rocks. Instinct is crazy, eh?

A suggestion for the future on the UVA bulbs.. you can use a regular housebulb. Use the wattage that will get the basking temp to around 88-92. Those are much cheaper to replace. If possible you may want to move the light further from the water.

Sounds like they are happy little turtles