Habitat - Indoor :: New Set-up, heating question.

[adam85491]

I bought a 10 gallon tank for my turtle which is about an inch big. I know I will have to get a bigger tank, but anyway, I bought a heater and its for the right size tank, but the water has to be within an inch of the top, and I don't feel too well about that much water, but even more importantly, it will be super easy for the turtle to get out of the tank. What should I do?

[adam85491]

The store did not have any fully submersible heaters for a tank above 3 gallons, and I was unaware I needed this much water for the heater to operate.

[SpotsMama]

Are you sure the water needs to be so high? Can you position the heater at an angle so it doesn't need so much depth? You should be concerned about having the water too close to the top because your little turtle might decide to go exploring some day and get hurt.

[adam85491]

Are you sure the water needs to be so high? Can you position the heater at an angle so it doesn't need so much depth? You should be concerned about having the water too close to the top because your little turtle might decide to go exploring some day and get hurt.

That's what I am afraid of, I am going to take it back and hope they have a submerisble one.

[lisajonathan00]

I bought a little one from Wal*Mart and it works great!

[Kallistos]

What store is this exactly? Today it's hard to find non-submersible heaters in our stores. Try online or a big petstore chain (petsmart, petco, petland, pet supplies plus, pet world etc...) If at all possible purchase the stealth heater....

[adam85491]

It's a heater that sits on the side, I am hoping to get a heater that sits in the water from Petco.

[asemilla]

i dont know if you have one around you but we have a petclub here and the prices are really good maybe you can go online and see if there is one near you...not sure if its only a cali thing or not

[mkoby]

I second the Visi Therm Stealth heater! I just purchased my second one today!

[adam85491]

I second the Visi Therm Stealth heater! I just purchased my second one today!

I might get that one, but does it need to stand up straight or be fully submerged in the water. Does it have to hand from the side?

[mkoby]

It's fully submersible. You can suction cup it to the bottom or the side. I have mine on the side so I can adjust the temp.

[adam85491]

It's fully submersible. You can suction cup it to the bottom or the side. I have mine on the side so I can adjust the temp.

Thanks alot! The problem with what I bought was that it hung onto the side, now I hope that Petco. has it because it's one of two fish stores around here, so there are not a lot of options around here. Anyway, I have one more question. I went to buy a filter today, and the aquaclear was outragelously priced and they would not pricematch it off the internet. I decided to get an undergravel one in combination with a water cleaner, however, I am starting to think that it has to be fully submerged, which is a problem. I was going to get the stingray because it is fully submerisble and I only want my tank 3/4 full, but I read it isn't very good. I am afraid to fill a 10 gallon tanl that is 12 inches tall because my little one inch turtle could drown. I have the dock with the ramp, but I am still concerned. Do you have any suggestions?

[mkoby]

Petco won't match their own online prices but they will usually match a competitors as long as you bring the ad. You should call and find out what their requirements are for price matching. Make sure you get a name in case you have trouble when you get there.

I don't know much about filters. I have an Aquaclear 110 for my 60 gallon but it's not set up yet. I have a Tetra Whisper in my 10 gallon and it's ok, but I know there are better.

As far as drowning, he will be ok. I have my 10 gallon filled approx. 3 0r 4 inches from the top. My turt is only 1.5 inches at the most and I will be filling the 60 gallon up too.

[adam85491]

Petco won't match their own online prices but they will usually match a competitors as long as you bring the ad. You should call and find out what their requirements are for price matching. Make sure you get a name in case you have trouble when you get there.

I don't know much about filters. I have an Aquaclear 110 for my 60 gallon but it's not set up yet. I have a Tetra Whisper in my 10 gallon and it's ok, but I know there are better.

As far as drowning, he will be ok. I have my 10 gallon filled approx. 3 0r 4 inches from the top. My turt is only 1.5 inches at the most and I will be filling the 60 gallon up too.

OK, I was looking at the tetra whisper rated for 20 gallons for my 10 gallon tank and it was fully submersible, I like that. And with a fully submersible heater, I can keep the water at 3/4 full and keep the water clean. I want an aquaclear, but the tetra whisper is cheaper and all I can afford. My Mom thinks I am doing this wrong by setting it up like a fish tank with fish filters and things, and thinks I have too much water.

[CountryGirl68]

OK, I was looking at the tetra whisper rated for 20 gallons for my 10 gallon tank

You'll want to get one that is at least 3x the size of the tank since turtles are much messier than fish. So you shouldn't get anything made for less than a 30 gallon tank, even though you'll be using it in the 10 gallon. Be aware that since you will be keeping your turtle in the 10 gallon temporarily, the submersible filters will take up valuable swimming space.