Habitat - Outdoor :: Pond in winter

[TexasJagsFan]

I've been reading some of the topics in this forum, but I'd like some advice.

As most of you know, I have a 100 gallon pond, in the next month or so it will start to cool off fast, so I will need a heater. I already have one in mind, but I'm wondering if anyone would like to make a suggestion on a specific heater that they use before I buy mine.

Also, the pond is not deep enough for the turtle to hibernate in. Once it gets real cold, am I going to have to bring him in and put him in my aquarium, or will the heater keep it comfortable 24/7? Also, if he were to stay in the pond, what about basking? I can't imagine him coming out in the 20's to bask. Would I have to make something and place a 100watt bulb underneath it?

Thanks for the advice in advance...

[SpotsMama]

I think you'll need to bring him inside for the winter. I don't think the heater can keep the water heated to an appropriate temperature evenly throughout the extremes of winter. Where I've heard of people using heaters in ponds is when they have large, deep outdoor ponds and the heater keeps the pond from freezing solid in the lower levels where turtles are hibernating. If the water gets too cool but not cold enough for hibernation, a turtle's metabolism slows down and digestion ceases and any food left in the gut at that point will spoil, killiing the turtle. And I think you are correct about basking. If the air temp is too cool then the turtle will always want to stay in the warmer water and he'll never get a chance to dry out, which is essential to maintain his healthy skin and shell. I don't know how you'd deal with all this short of building a green house over the turtle pond with heat and lights. You can bring him inside to a nice aquarium where he will be safe and comfortable and you'll be able to watch him and enjoy him all winter.

[megcornell]

It seems to me like it would be much less work to have an inside habitat for the winter. Is there anything already in the aquarium you're planning on keeping him in? If it houses fish, there's a good chance they'll be eaten. An alternative would be a rubbermaid container outfitted with a light, heater, filter etc.
I don't know of any good pond heaters by brand so you'll have to wait for more experienced pond people on that one...

[steve]

I don't keep my turtles outside but if the daytime temperatures go below 70F, I would bring them in. 100 gallons is not very large either so I think you know what you have to do

[Terryo]

I have a 990 gal pond, and I still bring my turtles in for the winter. I wouldn't chance it. They would need mud on the bottom, or an area with dirt, dried leaves, compost, etc. for them to properly hibernate. I would bring them in, but do it soon. As the temp. starts to drop, and it gets darker earlier, they start to slow down, and that isn't good for them. They need consistency in their environment if they do not hibernate.

[marisa]

The temp changes in a 100-gallon pond can be extreme. You right, your turtle wouldn't be basking in that weather, but he also wouldn't be able to hibernate either. Take him inside and enjoy the winter together.