General Care Discussion :: turtle doesnt bask :(

[Hoooneylynn]

I would take that gravel out asap... to me it looks like its a little small (not SMALL gravel, but not as big as river rocks) but that could be just the picture. Turts can open their mouths pretty big, so if you think your turt can eat it, I would take it out... River rocks are a better choice.. there are people on this board who have lost turts to gravel ingestion..

[ice]

yea i had heard about the gravel thing. ill take it out next time i clean the tank. hopefully ill be able to afford a bigger tank soon too >.>

[steve]

Tanks are expensive, people sometimes avoid upgrading because glass tanks are particularly expensive. There are plenty of alternatives to glass, so keep that in mind

[ice]

hmm...whats a cheap alternative? im lookin to upgrade to at least a 60 gallon at some point.

[adam85491]

Some people use rubbermaid containers. Others use stock tanks like those black ones used on farms (some have little nozzles to let water out too). Usually though, you have to support these containers with a piece of pvc or some other way to stop it from bowing (more a problem with rubbermaid containers).

[ice]

i was considering getting one of those but i really like to look through the sides and stuff. are tehre any places (online or a store) that sell like...clear acrylic or something?

[adam85491]

Acrylic tanks are actually more expensive as they are lighter. Some rubbermaid containers are clear, I have a thirteen gallon one in my closet.

[steve]

The most cost-effective new large tank will be a Rubbermaid stock tank. There are also pre-formed ponds, but they usually lack depth.

[yertle_the_girl_turtle]

Yeah, I know how you feel, ice. My tank is SUPER TINY! AND for two turts... Both are abouth the size of half dollars, so it's ok for now... Well, not really, but, anyway, when we upgrade, we probably aren't getting a glass tank... Though my father spends money on things he likes, like his car, (But, he fell in love with the turts, too! One fell asleep on his hand... so cute!) so maybe he'll decide to spend money on the turts. If you live with your parents (or, if you are at least in touch) than you could probably 'borrow' some money for a bigger tank. (I just hope we have enough room for a bigger tank... )

[xsavingsaturdayx]

yertle_the_girl_turtle, i wouldnt handle your turtles too much. RES are the look but dont touch kind of pet. They dont enjoy being held, it puts too much stress on them.