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So after much review, thinking, planning, constant headaches to make sure every inch was perfect. I threw away my old idea and found a quick / easy / basic stand build that I could have built in one day.

So for now it's the simple stand, I have to go buy paint and a few other things tomorrow to make it presentable. Therefore, I will be updating this post with updated picks and can't wait to see what you guys think!

I'm still trying to figure out where to place it.




Special thanks to cutepanda86 and steve for all the help and information.

I'm planning to upgrade this tank in a year when the two little ones out-grow it and hopefully move them into a pond or something like a side to side 100gal tank D: (personal room/computer room)

Looks good, can't wait to see what you guys come up with next!

Link to pics broken?

! OMG lol -
Was migrating servers and it seems that it decided to not migrate my pics folder. resync coming soon!

I see it now, thanks

Updated pics!

Almost done! I am so Excited!
Paint job

Looking for a good setup!


The canister filter was larger than I expected. I could have gotten a smaller one, but for $10 more get double the power? Why not!
(PreSetUP) - I'm not sure If I'll be done tonight, either way, I'm going to fill it up with water at least, flooring, (I bought river rockssss), wood wood and plants!

See anything I'm missing yet? (I have most of the other stuff in the other tank)
But I'm not going to add turtles until maybe sunday once this one is set up and I've tested the water!

What kind of wood is it? Is it one of those casts? River rock is good, though don't put too much and only use the ones larger than their head. Sounds like you got a pretty good deal on the filter.

The large root looking one is not wood it's from marine decor thingy.
The other one is pine wood, I've cleaned it and sanded off resin tho.

I know it may not last long enough but I like the piece however I may replace it if I can find some nice driftwood in the future.

Yes I've read the rules they're all pretty big.

The canister was $80 or so!

Your tank stand looks really nice! If you like the natural look might I suggest mopani wood and sand instead of rocks. You will find rocks trap a lot of debris.

@Kansasslider - The only problem with sand is it won't do well with Floruite I'm using for plants.

Updated -> I think I'm like 90% done at this point!
Pictures!

Today I went to our Houston Arboretum - I saw some RES! (Not here)


But here - they were a little shy!

And here we are back at home - I tried finding some driftwood at the Arboretum but was unsuccessful, until nearly the end, I found a nice piece that I'm going to work on in the next few weeks. After stopping at petco - I was able to get driftwood, plants and an LED light for growing them.

Presetup ->

With my squirtle's inside ->



And the other reason the LED plant light was a good idea was NIGHT LIGHT ->



There is a huge sale going on at Petco, the two rocks with plants you see (Yes unfortunately beifong was hungry and took a few snips off it already) - However they still have a few branches left. Anyway 50% off all fresh/salt water fish & plants.

I still like mopani wood vs driftwood. And in the long run you will find problems with useing river rocks. Just fyi

The setup looks great! I think you'll get a lot of stuff trapped in the rocks too. What are your plans for a UVB lamp?

The UVB is right behind the plant light, it has two bulbs, should render enough UVB as they swim?

What problems would I run into with river rocks o.o

And Mopani wood? Why?

River rocks.. Hm.. They might hurt your turtles though the chances are really low.

The river rock will trap a lot of debris. Its really hard to keep clean. Sand is a better option. Mopani wood is a hard wood that sinks. It has been used in aquariums for years. Mopani wood will not rot in water. It can discolor water and should be soaked for some time before introduction into a tank.

Is there uvb light on the basking area?