Habitat - Outdoor :: cement pond and winterizing RES in CA

[erined]

Hello,

I have 3 10-year old RES in an outdoor cement pond. The pond is about 500 - 800 gallons. I live in Southern California. Last year, we almost lost one of our turtles with a respitory illess. They were outside all year and mid winter we found one in distress. We needed to give our little guy shots for over 6 weeks to get him better.

I want to leave them outside in the pond this winter. They are too big to bring in. Do I need to heat this pond? They can get out of the water on to rocks but don't have anything to burrow into (like mud or sand). Can someone give me good advice on leaving them outside. I am getting different info from all over.

Thank you.

[tinkersumx]

I would defiantly get a pond heater for them. I'm installing a 150 gallon pond this monday for my RES and I will be picking up a heater tomorrow for it. I would try to find a pond supply store or a koi supply store. I don't know where in SoCal you live but I'm in Carlsbad and we will be using "The Pond Source" off Carlsbad Village Dr. & State Street. There is also a pond supply and waterfall store in Mira Mesa where the I-5 and 805 split.

If you can't find a pond supply store I would try to get about four or five 150gal rated aquarium heaters and put the on the highest setting.

Either way you go about it you should try to get some heat to them for the winter. Make sure you guard the heater(s) (some pond heaters come w/ a guard) so that they wont burn themselves on the heater(s). I know Mr. T loves to hang on to the heater in his tank so I'm sure your guys would try to as well.

I'm glad you took your RES into the vet when you noticed a problem. Many people just try to treat them at home. I hope your RES feels better soon, Good luck!

[cam722]

What do the daytime temps get too? Will they be able to be out and bask?? That would also be a concern of mine. It's not just the water temp.. although that is a major part.