General Care Discussion :: Water temps? Help Please!

[Sheldon2]

What are the water temp extremes for a RES? We have two that live in an above ground pond we bought from a landscape center, has a gravel bottom and a stone ramp to a landing to sun on. It does have a water filter with a waterfall coming out of the top to circulate the water that they enjoy hanging out under.

It will get cold here in Portland, Oregon this winter and I need to know when I should bring them into the garage or set up a heater for the winter. It's gravel, 1/2" +/- rock. Alaways had them in regular aquariums until recently, there too big for that now. One is about 4", the other about 3".

Thanks in advance for any help on this....

[flutterby]

I'm in Eugene, and currently the temps have dropped below 35 the past few nights so if you're planning on bringing them in, I would do it soon.

[Sheldon2]

I was going to set up there tank in the insulated garage, will they need a light or heater in there? They will get light through windows... or do I need another heat lamp and heater. They are in about 50 gallons of water.

[flutterby]

Yes, they will need a heater plus a UBV and a heat light to bask in. The UBV rays don't travel through windows. I would also make sure you get thermometers to make sure you keep the water and basking area at a consistant temperature.