Habitat - Outdoor :: outdoor small ponds in s calif.

[Sam]

I've put one 40 gallon rubber tank in an flower bed under my deck. So far I have a Fluval 1 filter in it, a ramp in and out of the enclosed area, sun rock, plants.

I'm digging hole for another one. My one 5 inch red slider seems to like being out of the water sunning under geranims the best!

How deep should the water be for him to be happiest? Does he need a friend? Do I need Fluval 3 filters? What about an airstone? etc. Heater.

Has anyone figured out how to fence against birds etc. without hiding the great view and access to the turtles?

[way2fst4u]

I'm not sure where you are in Diego, but up here in OC, a 40 gallon would get about 100 degrees if I left it in the sun. Are you making sure the water is not too hot? That could be why your RES is not going in it...

[Sam]

Thanks for the temperature reminder. My tank is shaded, with one sunny spot. It feels like 80 degrees -75 degrees compared with his indoor bed, but I get that I better buy a temperature gauge for outdoors. Where do I buy these and what kind are the right ones?

Sam

[way2fst4u]

Any gauge for a fish tank will work...get one that floats. they should be less than $5.

[cam722]

You can even use a thermometer made for pools/jacuzzi's etc.. Most any thermometer is ok, as long as its unbreakable.

[Sam]

Thanks for the therm info. Does anyone know what the ideal depth for swimming is?

Sam

[marisa]

For your 5-inch RES? As deep as you can make it without your turtle being able to escape (unless you have the pond well fenced in). I don't think Fluval filters are meant for outdoor use...

[Sam]

I read an article on the net re: outdoor ponds and it said the fluvals were the easiest for the $ and worked the best. Yikes, I hope we don't get electricuted.

[way2fst4u]

Don't believe everything you read on the Internet...LOL!

Seriously, that really doesn't apply as much to us since it never rains in Southern California...LOL!