Habitat - Outdoor :: Clueless on outdoor setups

[QtCowgirl]

We currently have 1 male (we think) RES that we rescued 2 years ago, after being hit by a car near our home. He is sharing a 70 gal setup with 2 oscars and although he is content, being that we live in the Houston area, we have ideal weather for him to be outdoors March-November (usually). I really want to put an above ground setup outside, considering 150 gal stock tank, however Im not quite sure how easy it would be, and how filtration would be effectively used or set up around the tank. Things to consider are we have 2 small children (hence the want for above ground, its less likely for them to accidentally fall in while playing). My husband isnt much of a handyman, and my skill set is advanced for most women, is still rather limited. Can you give me a rather elementary breakdown (and suggestions) of the easiest way for a layperson such as myself, to get something set up so our turtle can enjoy the outdoors? My idea currently is a stock tank, on cinder blocks, with a wood surround approx 10" taller than the edge of the tank, with some kind of supported tray for outdoor access for the turtle, but no ability to escape, and perhaps a door on hinges to access both the filter and drain plug for the tank. In theory it seems rather elementary, but the reality is, Im not sure if its as easy as I imagine. Any guidance is appreciated

[steve]

It's not as hard as you think it will be. I don't think you will need cinder blocks. In stead of wood, you can have a lid. I have more ideas but can't type much right now. I will in a few days. ( I'm on my phone with no wifi)

[Jeremiah]

I'm a little confused by what you mean by "supported tray"--are you talking about a DIY basking ramp, or something you would use for maintenance/turtle care?

A 150 gallon sounds a bit small for a stock tank pond, in my opinion, as it would overheat faster at Houston temperatures than would a 300 gallon. On that note, no matter what size you use, make sure your turtle will have shade access both under and above the waterline. While this seems like a silly detail, it's something that I overlooked when I did my pond...

The kind of filtration you use depends on whether you're going to just buy a filter (like Pondmaster or Tetra), or build one yourself. In my experience, it's simpler and cheaper to build a barrel filter from a plastic drum; these filters don't need to be hidden behind a door. And about the drain plug - they're known to be leaky, and shouldn't be tinkered with very much if at all. In fact, two of mine are sealed shut, and I bought a whole new PVC plug for my third one. If you need to drain the pond, it's easier to get a pump to lift the water out. Just as with indoor tanks, turtle pond filtration should still function at 2-3 times the volume of your pond. For instance, my filter pump works at 1000 GPH on a 300 gallon stock tank.

Finally, if your pond gets sunlight (which, as you noted, it should if it's housing a turtle), algae is going to be a problem. Be sure to buy a good UV sterilizer for your pond (I use the TotalPond UVC-9, for example). You also need to consider predator threats (i.e., birds or other creatures that will want to eat your turtle). Have you considered some kind of top barrier for your pond?

[Kansasslider]

A 150 gallon stock tank isn't really that big. Consider a 300 gallon rubbermaid tank. They cost under 3 bills and would give your turtle much more room.
Steve~~ Your now living in my world ( Using a phone with no Wi-Fi )

[QtCowgirl]

Unfortunately our yard is not big enough for a 300 gallon stock tank. The area I plan on placing it will be half shade, half sun, all day long. When I say a tray, I mean something for the turtle to actually crawl out on to get fully out of the water besides just rocks in the center. Perhaps thats unnecessary.

[QtCowgirl]

I havent considered a top barrier. Im not sure what would work without not only being vetoed by our HOA, but also allow sunlight through, and not be a danger to my family.

[Jeremiah]

For the top, maybe you could fill the tank about 90 percent of the way and then place a piece of fencing on top (not the netted stuff, I'm talking about the big squares of metal fencing).

Stock tanks usually come with some holes pre-drilled. For a basking spot, I would just buy 2 or 3 floating plastic pipes (from the hardware store), and attach them (i.e., zip ties) to a layer of egg crate topped with cork bark (or other basking material of your choice). Then, close off the pipe ends with PVC caps, tie some zip ties around that area, and string up your "floating island" to the holes I mentioned before. It'll dangle a bit, since your tank isn't completely full, but it shouldn't be too bad. To provide easy access, weigh the pipes down by filling them with a little bit of water. That's the way I set up my indoor tanks. In my opinion, it's cheaper than buying commercial basking products that you would modify for a pond, easier than cleaning off a big log, and maximizes the swimming space below. The biggest hassle is dealing with all the zip ties...

[Kansasslider]

That's a good idea! I guess the only thing to consider would be the size of pipe needed?

[Jeremiah]

Exactly. Everybody should look for relatively wide pipes to support the platform, but the width of the tank (and turtle size) will determine the length of pipe you need. Although "accidentally" purchasing pipes that are bigger than necessary would be a great excuse to get more turtles.

[QtCowgirl]

Jeremiah thats a great idea! Thank you! Lol no more turtles for us, one is enough. Plus when we bring him in from the outdoor pond during the winter, our small tank indoors (70gal) probably isnt enough for 2 or more RES plus oscars to be comfortable. Not to mention I have 2 dogs, a cat, 2 more fish tanks (besides the one for the turtle and oscars) and 2 children under the age of 2 lol! So that probably just isnt a smart idea lol. Here is a shot of the area I am considering for the stock tank. It is half sun half shade almost all day (evenings and early mornings more shade than sun, mid day is nearly all sun with a small bit of shade) Its not a huge area, and the rest of our yard is a small table and chairs, and some play equipment for our children, and an area for our bbq, so this is really the only spot I have.

[QtCowgirl]

I now see the image is way too large. I'll see if I can find a way to make it smaller and try to repost

[QtCowgirl]

https://scontent-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t31.0-8/11082335_10152937815123863_5634481157685297171_o.jpg

Hopefully that link works

[Jeremiah]

That area looks okay to me.

[QtCowgirl]

Awesome. You can see from the picture its not a huge area, and a 300 gallon would not fit sadly Thats why we are going with a 150 gal. Its an upgrade from what hes in now (70 gal) but is it actually too small for him to be happy and healthy outdoors 9 months out of the year?

[Kansasslider]

Its ok for your turtle. I just think bigger is better. I'm sure he will like his outdoor home.