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My turtle is now too big for his glass tank, so I'm about to get him a new home.

For a number of reasons I'm considering a translucent plastic storage container - the best variety of size options, lightweight, easy to carry and clean etc.

I see that this style is suggested in the Habitat page of this site:

But to me this deep-style box looks a bit too much like a temporary container to store old tools etc. in a cupboard.

So I've looked around and have found different styles. I'm looking at either a shallower square box like this:


or a wide clothes-drawer style container, which almost looks like a "real" tank:


I imagine it's best to put the box on a layer of foam to distribute the weight evenly so it doesn't crack.

However I'm concerned that if I put my heater in these boxes it could be dangerous, either by melting the container or by heating the plastic which might then leak some chemical into the water. The heater has a plastic shield around it, but I'm worried that over time the heat could still cause problems.

Are these legitimate concerns, or is everything totally safe?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

I'm not sure about the heater. Makes me nervous to say the least. How long will your turtle stay in the plastic tub? Perhaps you can get by without the heater if you have your basking bulbs above it. The less water there is the more difficult it is to keep it cool. Trust me. My 15 gallon tank is always fighting being too warm.

I didn't have a problem with heaters in storage container.

Thanks for the replies.

Cutepanda, the tub will be his usual home until he outgrows it. While the basking lamps are on he'll be plenty warm enough, but at night here in Tokyo the water can get extremely cold, especially in winter. The room temperature drops to 3 or 4 degrees above zero, so a heater is absolutely necessary.

Steve, given that this website is obviously the world's best resource on RES care, I definitely wouldn't argue with the recommendations on the Habitat pages. I trust your long experience too, so feel a lot happier about the heating issue now.

Tell me, were you using thick storage containers? Do you think the ones in my photos look strong enough, not too thin? And would it maybe be a good idea to put something else in the container (a stone tile, for example) and put the heater on top of that to add an extra layer between heater and plastic?

I do not think you will have an issue with the heater, Even at the highest temp most heaters will not exceed 90 degrees, Your biggiest issue will be your basking area / heat lamp. The temperatures can be excessive due to having those lights on for extended times and can melt/warp the plastic of those containers. I personally wouldnt recommend any of those pictured containers because the plastic they are made from is more rigid and brittle than your average "Rubbermaid" tote. The Totes generally will hold more gallons of water and are more durable. The down side is they are not clear so its a bit of a darker envoronment for your turtle but honestly with adequate lighting its no differnt than their natural environment which is a pond.

I ran a heater in Toku's hatching plastic 25 gal (I think it was 25 gal ) storage container. No issues then, wouldn't see why there would be one for you.

Thanks for the suggestions. It sounds like the heater will be fine but the basking lamp is the biggest issue.

MEandYouPhoto, I agree that the "rubbermaid" totes are probably much more durable so the safest style. Unfortunately my turtle is in my living room, so the look of the container is quite important too. Glass would be best, but a big heavy glass tank just isn't possible in my room. We have many earthquakes, so the risk is huge with glass.

I think I'll begin with one of the styles I found but keeping in mind what you said, I will keep a very close eye on any sign of warping/melting. If anything like that starts to happen I'll then "upgrade" to something more durable.

Thanks everyone for your feedback.

pavinder wrote:Cutepanda, the tub will be his usual home until he outgrows it. While the basking lamps are on he'll be plenty warm enough, but at night here in Tokyo the water can get extremely cold, especially in winter. The room temperature drops to 3 or 4 degrees above zero, so a heater is absolutely necessary.

Oh I didn't realize that is what happens in the winter for you. Then yes, use a heater by all means. I was thinking if the tub was only temporary that you wouldn't need to bother. I wish you luck in your endeavor.

I have 2 storage containers 33 gallons from 'the container store' and have a heater in each for a couple of years now - no problems. The only problem is the heaters do not last. Please note however that the UV lamp has degraded the plastic which i have now duct taped over the cracked plastic. I have 2 RES.

The containers I've used were standard storage containers.. by Sterlite I belive. The problem I have with the ones you've pictured are the sharp corners... they will be more rigid that what I've used. In smaller versions and low water levels, it should be OK though.

A heater will exceed the temperature it's thermostat is set at, but usually can't become hot enough to melt plastic under water.

I use a sterlite container myself and have for the last 3months or so ever since i cracked my glass tank

I have not had any issues with my heater. however it is bplaced in a small pvc pipe to avoid the turtle directly touching it