Habitat - Indoor :: indoor pond setup?

[Princess]

OK so I have 3RES, they are currently in a 75 gallon tank we are going to be setting up a stock tank area for them in our spare room throughout the summer. I have a lot of ideas on how I want to do this.
My plans are getting a 150 gallon stock tank from tractor supply, frame the bottom and sides with wood, frame the top but not sure with what. I plan to have a sandy area at least 6" deep, (to deep or no) as there basking spot. Being able to completely fill it with water, the tank I'm getting has a drain on the bottom for easy draining when does need cleaned. I've been fortunate to keep my aquarium clear n not have to ever change water. I clean the filters weekly and change maybe every other month. They feed in there as well. Anyway, my questions are, I'd like to add plants to both the water and land area what are your suggestions?
What type of filter would be best for this setup? Looking for different suggestions on a ramp to get to the basking spot. I want to use as little water space as possible for them so they have that extra swimming area. I'm open to all suggestions on anything!

[Jeremiah]

I wouldn't use sand alone as a basking spot. Plus, I can't think of many plants that would grow in it. If you go to the bottom of the "Clueless on Outdoor Setups" thread in the "Habitat - Outdoors" section, it shows my recommended design for a space-efficient floating basking spot. Aquatic plants to consider are anacharis/elodea, hornwort, duckweed, frog bit, water lettuce, and water hyacinth--although the turtles will probably tear them up and eat them. Your setup would do well with a Fluval FX5 filter, or you could build your own.

Also, you mention regularly cleaning your filters. Does this include bio-media? You don't have to clean that, unless it's covered in brown film. Even then, only wash it with tank water. Tap water kills the beneficial bacteria that grows on it.

If the drain you mention is the drain plug on the stock tank, don't use that. They are known for leaking. It's easier to just remove water using a pump.

[steve]

6" deep is probably way too much sand necessary. Why frame this? Is this permanent or semi-permanent?

[Princess]

This will become a permanent home for a while till I upgrade again. Which hope won't be for a while but we plan to eventually build onto my room, add an additional 8x10 foot section connecting the two and then I'll make this an area for fish and plants and have an even bigger setup for the turtles.

[Princess]

My reply from yesterday didn't go through, I am going to look online for plants to order, living in the country and not having pet stores local stinks. I will be looking into the filters. Not sure I'm mechanically designed to build one unless I found a step by step directions lol.
I only clean the filter and only change them when needed. I only clean the bio filter when needed. I was cleaning with well water. I dont do thorough cleaning on that though so didn't kill all of it. I will def not mess with the drain then and just bucket it out as I do now.

[steve]

I'd go for a bigger stock tank, you can raise it up with cinderblocks. Go for a good canister - they will last for years and you can use it with the next upgrade. Pet stores overcharge on equipment, if you have time, the buy online.

[Princess]

I'll have to get measurements on bigger ones. I'm planning to buy a stock tank from a local farm store. It's like $159 for a150 gallon and $259 for 300. I'll get measurements. Do you though a300 gallon will be OK in a home? It will be going in my spare room.

[Princess]

Here is the one I was looking at. I may be able to get it to work in that room as long as it will be OK in the home.http://m.tractorsupply.com/en/store/rub ... _vc=-10005

[Princess]

Do you think that will be OK for the turtles?

[Jeremiah]

That size should be fine. If you have any males, keep the 75 gallon around in case things get uncivil.

[Princess]

Oh that tank isn't leaving lol! I'm planning to try and do a planted tank. N if something happens I have to separate them I'll move the plants to two of my smaller tanks. My house should be able to hold that much water in one area right? Lol

[steve]

The prices sound consistent. Cheaper if you get a used one. I have a 100g Rubbermaid and it's great. Kansasslider has a 300g in his basement. I think there might be humidity issues, but that should be easily resolved. Keep in mind, you will want to put a 300g next a supporting wall. If it was filled up with water all the way, it will weigh 2500 pounds.

[Princess]

I was planning on putting it in the corner of the room which is the outside wall. Not a good idea then?

[steve]

That's probably the best place to put it.