Habitat - Indoor :: Yurtle's new setup

[sassygirl]

Hi everyone,

I've noticed there aren't many pics of people's tank set ups, so thought I would share Yurtle's new setup. I created a basking area with PVC base with a slate area for basking and a gutter top as a ramp. Under the pvc basking area I've put in some plastic plants to kind of give her some privacy as she is a little shy.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sassygirl ... 21&.src=ph


Hope to see more pics of setup as we could all use some tips.

[kristi393]

Your setup is pretty good, though I wonder why alot of people use pvc pipe inside their tank, i just have some smooth rocks that I found at a national park and made a landing for them with a tunnel for them to play under. What is the purpose of the pvc pipe?

[STRAYKINGFISHER]

Nice setup, I like your pvc dock, I may do something like that, thanks for the idea.

[sassygirl]

Kristi,

I used the pvc because it doesn't take as much space in the tank. I previously had rock in there but had to use garden bricks to raise the rock up high enough above the water level for her to bask. This took up alot of space in the tank, minimizing her swimming space. I keep her water level about 9-10" deep so she has plenty of space to swim.

Using the pvc, I was able to give her a basking area and a more private area underneath with the plants for her solitude - but where I could see her as well.

[TrooperRES]

yea w/ pvc, u can make many different shapes of frames for ur basking area for ur and ur res's convenience.
takes little space too, and ez easy to clean as well. also, the frame can be easily adjusted (by adding, or taking away pipes over time) to certain dimensions to fit ur tank, needs, and basking area. also, its non-toxic!

[steve]

... and it's real inexpensive. i only whish they had other colors beside white.

[kristi393]

That sounds like a good idea(pvc pipe). But for now, my RES are just babies, and they have plenty of room for swimming, so I think I will just stick with my rocks for now.

[ohiolobo]

That is a great looking setup. I agree with your plea for more photos of setups. I am about to upgrade from a 20L tank I had around the house when I bought the little guy. Now that the turtle is approaching 3 inches it is time for Movin' On Up as the Jeffersons would say.

Can I ask how big the tank is ? I am impressed with your basking platform...nice work there.

[sassygirl]

It is a 55 gallon - got it from the classifieds for $30. Not a bad deal.

As she get's larger I may have to look at digging a pond for her but for now, she seems very content in the tank she has. She is 5" in length so I'm hoping she won't grow too quickly.

Thanks for the props on my tank - this is my first turtle and my first major venture into creating a comfortable setup for her. I do hope to see more set ups though as it would be neat to see others and what they have done.

By the way - I have added a few more plants for her privacy, she is a shy turtle so she hangs out alot under the basking platform where all the plants are and watches us from the security of her special area.

[lydia_lady_fla]

nice tank set up I liked the pic. of yurtle too very pretty colorful turt there.

[tissigirl]

I'm in the process of finishing up Mr. Turtle's setup. When I do I will post some pics.