Habitat - Indoor :: First steps in seting up a new tank???

[Chocobeast]

I will be upgrading Filburts tank today or in the next few days. I wanted to know what are the first steps I should take? been looking on the forums with little info here and there but can someone help with all the steps???
Do I fill up the tank with tap and run the filter for 24hrs before putting her in? what to do after that etc.
Filburt is a year and a few months old. Shell length of about 5in (not officially) will be getting an 80 gal tank.
Please help. Thanks guys! and Filburt says thanks

[steve]

I would get confirmation on the sex first. You'll need a new filter... the FX5 is pretty popular. Next... see what you can reuse... usually lighting fixtures, what about your heater? Thoughts on a new basking area?

[Chocobeast]

I was told by a vet tech that it's a girl. I just purchased the FX5. Will arrive within a week (should) The plan is to do an above tank basking area. It's an 80 Gal tank 48 x 23.5 x 18. I bought a Fluval 300W M300 heater, says it's good up to 80 gal.

[steve]

Sounds good so far, just need to make the basking area then... maybe some decorations or even sand.

[PridgNYC]

Go with sand, (pool filter sand). Sounds like you are working with the same size tank I have and the FX5 filter is perfect for that. Use veipacray's filter setup and it should be very low maintenance. Keep the tank out of the sun and it is even easier to take care of. Don't overfeed and it is even easier.

She is a bit big for only a year and a half old, how much do you feed her? My male has only grown about 1/2 inch since I got him almost 2 years ago. He was 4 inches when I got him. Of course, I have only fed him just a little under 16 oz (by weight) of dry food since then, and I have no idea how much lettuce. He gets about a head size pile of pellets and sometimes dried shrimp and larvae, every couple of days. I also give him a bunch of red leaf lettuce in a clip to eat whenever he wants. He can finish off 5 or 6 leaves in a couple days.

[Chocobeast]

I'm sketched out about sand, I've heard nothing but horror stories about it clogging filters even pre washed sand. so not too sure about that. Food wise I will admit she was overfed when she was younger. Now she gets pellets every other day (head size amount) and maybe one lettuce leaf. on the other days she gets only veggies like maybe 3 large lettuce leafs (about shell size) along with some carrot (sometimes) and once a week a "treat" like a shrimp/krill special pellet or like a piece of grape or squash. I'm hoping my 300 watt fluval heater will be okay for the size, I know some people use two heaters on opposite ends of the tank.

[devilduck]

The heater only needs to raise the temperature of the water from room temp to your desired temp. I'd rather have a slightly under rate the heater for safety's sake. If it ever sticks on it will the chance will be smaller that it will boil the tank. Remember that with turtles they can get out of the water to control their body temps. Fish can't do this.

[Kansasslider]

Dont be scared of sand in your tank it works great and a lot of people use it. In your original post were you asking about cycling etc ? Im getting a new tank soon and as I understand it you can use your old bio media and water to help your new tank develop helpful bacteria faster.

[Chocobeast]

I'd rather have a slightly under rate the heater for safety's sake. If it ever sticks on it will the chance will be smaller that it will boil the tank.

Hey Devilduck, I got a little confused by your wording. Do you mean you would rather have a weaker heater so if it gets stuck in the "on" position it won't boil the tank?

Kansasslider, yeah, really everything. I'm going from your basic set up to a big upgrade pro style haha so I'm trying to find out all the info or things I need to do / set up etc. for getting this started like circulation, what media, best way to do things etc. I have the tank and stand however, I have to re seal it because there is what looks to me like mold in the silicone. So better safe than sorry. Gotta figure out how to do that too haha but I ordered a Fluval fx5, should be arriving in the mail shortly. I have the 300w heater as stated earlier and the plan is for an ATBA. I will need to get supplies for that to construct it. Making the necessary adjustments to bigger light fixures.

[Kansasslider]

well your in the right place! Check out these links.

Sand viewtopic.php?f=6&t=17268
FX5 media viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30145#p288910
My basking platform & lid viewtopic.php?f=6&t=34211
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=34076

[Chocobeast]

Awesome! thanks Kansasslider

[devilduck]

Yes, typically when these heaters fail they stick in the ON position.
I think your 300w heater should be find for your tank.

I'd rather have a slightly under rate the heater for safety's sake. If it ever sticks on it will the chance will be smaller that it will boil the tank.

Hey Devilduck, I got a little confused by your wording. Do you mean you would rather have a weaker heater so if it gets stuck in the "on" position it won't boil the tank?

[ataraxiamb]

Sand looks great but I prefer having my tank with a bare bottom. Less hassle. Sounds like Filburt is getting a great new home! Post pics when you're done.

[Chocobeast]

True, I prefer bare as well for easier maintenance but we'll see haha
I will get some pics up as soon as it's all set. I'm hoping re sealing the tank won't be as hard as it sounds

[Turtles rock]

You should have the temp between 72 and 78 where I live up north and where you live I don't know? Jake