Habitat - Indoor :: Tank location

[mkoby]

I found a really good deal on craigslist for a 60 gallon tank with glass top, pine stand, a new in box AquaClear 500 with 2 replacement carbon filters and sponges, Ebo-Jager 250 watt heater, Remora protien skimmer plus pump and an air pump for $140!

My question is where to put it? In the urgent care section it asks if the tank is located in a room with a lot of activity. Ideally, I would like to put it in my family room because it is the only part of my house that is on a slab. (My husband is super concerned about leaks, etc!) My family room is where we spend most of our time. The tv is in there, lights are on, etc.
My turt seems to be getting used to us. She isn't shy. She basks in from of us. She will take food from anyone who offers it and will even swim onto my hand if I put it in the tank.

Any and all opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Family room would be a great place for your new tank! Wow, all that stuff for only $140??? That's a steal!

Just make sure you get a nice sturdy tank stand for that size tank. As long as it is properly supported all the way around the bottom & assuming the tank is in great shape when you get it, you shouldn't have any trouble with leaks/cracks.

And as for a room with a lot of activity, it is good for turtles to see people as much as possible so they lose their shyness & become more sociable. They will adjust eventually to a room with a lot of activity, as long as they aren't being teased or threatened (which I know isn't a problem in your house). The only concern I would have is your cat & how to keep the cat away from the turtle so you may have to cover the tank with a cover that the cat can't remove.

[Kallistos]

As long as there isn't anything to traumatic, you're turtle should be fine. I mean don't all of a sudden blast your sound system, turn the volume up slowly. If the turtle seems stressed out, you can always cover up the sides as to allow for a little more privacy, especially on the basking area which is where turtles feel most vulnerable.

[Muirner]

Sounds like a great deal, and now you see why i preach about craigslist.

The only thing you may not need is the skimmer.

[steve]

That question is there because many new turtle owners over handle their turtles and stress them out without realizing it. If your turtle is used to your family, then it's not a big issue. You might want to have a cover for the tank though, in case there is something there that may be too distracting.

[cam722]

My turtles were in the living room on top of the entertainment center when I first got them. I never once had a problem with them. As steve said, sometimes it's an issue if the turtle isn't adjusting well and not eating etc. I don't think you'll have any problems in that regard