Habitat - Indoor :: New tank, with a few questions.

[turtle.love08]

I recently bought a 55 gallon tank for 25 dollars from a friend(i thought it was a gd price), because my turtles need a LARGE home, and well im unemployed atm, and i figured this is better than nothing. Right?

Anyways. My turtles(I have 2) grew, sorta uhhh fast? I didnt think they were suppose to grow that fast, There like 1 yr and 3 months old, and from head to tail about 7 inches each. I'm thinking I did something horribly wrong. Will they still be okay?

Now about the tank, I was curious as to what filter should i look for, I have been looking at the xp3, and I've found some on amazon.com for like 80-90.00, which i dont think is bad, but i know absolutly nothing about them. Ive been reading posts and they say something about media and stuff? could you clue me in:)

Also, Im curious where i should put the basking, I was thinking in the middle, and have to ramps (one on each side) so they both can enjoy the warmth:) The female seems to be a little moody, and wont let the male on the basking area now, well until she is done. lol.

If i am doing everything wrong. Please be honest. I love animals, and I want to give them a good home:)

Thanks!
Megg

[xfueledbykatie]

personally for my 55g tank, i have two undergravel filters which work amazing, and i have a canister filter. the water is crystal clear.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Hi, so you're sure you have one male and one female? Remember that in the near future, they may start reproducing, and you need to be ready for eggs and/or babies. Congrats on the 55 gallon for 25$, that's definitely a good price.

A Rena XP3 will suit that tank fine, although if you need a second tank or a larger tank, you might need a second one. As for media, the filter technically comes with everything needed, although it will only fill 1.5 of the 3 containers. BioStars or ceramic disks don't cost too much, maybe an additional 10-15$. You may want to consider two basking areas so that both may bask without interfering with the other.

[turtle.love08]

that sounds like a good idea with the 2 baskings, like one on each end of the tank? So my best filter would be a xp3 until i upgrade again?

[Chrisbarnett]

Yes, I would say an XP3 is a good choice. It will do a 75 gallon tank as well, if you do another upgrade.