General Care Discussion :: Gallonage/size

[Selera]

I saw a post once talking about how to figure out a containers gallon size via it's measurements. It wasn't exact but it was good for an estimate. The reason I want to know is my fiance saved a RES that would of other wise ended up smushed on the road as she had gone and started to cross one of the busiest roads here.

We are using a large rubbermaid tub as we can not afford to buy a 60 gallon+ tank. I want to be sure what we have done is big enough though. We are planning to get her a proper dock soon too. Actually on fiance's payday this coming week.

If this is spam or a frequently asked question I am sorry for posting but I don't have much patience for reading through boards though I have been looking through this site alot. If I hadn't started I would of thought just enough water to cover the shell was enough. Thats what I had been raised to believe. Though I thank goodness never had a turtle till now.

[packfan1]

First, nice job on the rescue! Second is that you can only do what you can afford to do. The rule of thumb is 10 gallon per inch of tutrle. As they can grow up to 10-12 inches, then the best is a 100 gallon tank. You can shop on craigslist for great deals as others here have found.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Start saving money as the rubbermaid container is a temporary solution at best. If you are sure you have a female, she may need as big as a 120 gallon tank/pond. I think that costs around $300. So just start saving now, and you'll be able to buy one very soon. The dock may not work well in the rubbermaid, you may need to rig it up since the dock uses a suction cup. But people have managed it.

A good place to find the size is either to compare number on glasscages.com to estimate your size, or on the main site here at: http://www.redearslider.com/calculator.html

Also remember that the basking area is only one of her needs. She will need a basking heat bulb and a UVB bulb. She will also need a water heater.

[BullDog]

The formula for approx gallonage is:
height" x width" x depth" /231.

Good for you for doing your research

You can get a 100 gallon+ stock tank for around $100. You can find them at farm and tractor supply stores. There's several people on here who use them - they make a great turtle tank!

[PhunkeyPhish]

how do you know the turtle crossing the road was not a wild turtle - he once had a pond, and now he has a rubbermaid container... charming.