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Hi Everyone - I'm a brand new RES owner and have learned so much on this site - thank you! Last night I did a full tank cleaning - what a job! I'm posting a picture of the tank and would appreciate constructive feedback. Some things:

1) We inherited Ryan the RES and were given a new tank, gravel substrate & accessories. I've since learned the tank is for critters only and isn't meant to be filled. Some folks do fill the tank half way (as I did), but I'm keeping a close eye and will soon invest in a proper tank.
2) We were told Ryan is not an aquatic turtle (explains the tank), and he never had more than 3" of water in the tank. I've since learned differently! Poor dude never really swam before.
3) Ryan never had a basking spot! I changed that and he enjoys basking everyday.
4) Water temp a consistent 75-78 degrees.
5) Planning to upgrade to a canister filter.

So the picture - accessories & whatnot on the left side - am considering removing the floating dock I never see him use it. To the right is his new basking spot (Zilla Basking Platform Ramp) - had to raise this above the water using a tray meant to cool freshly baked cookies. I know - a little odd, but it's clean, gives him a dry basking space, and also a landing spot to rest and swim under the bridge. My plan is to configure PVC legs and attach them to the ramp to raise it - instead of the cookie tray - which will also increase swimming space (and give me back my tray ...).

Since putting Ryan in this clean tank - more water, easily accessible basking area - he's swimming, swimming, swimming - all over the place. Is he excited? Stressed? Enjoying the water?

I'd bet he's enjoying the water!

The tank looks nice. Does the basking area have heat and UVB? It's hard for me to tell from the picture.

The only constructive criticism I'd make is that you may want to replace the gravel. Some turtles will eat gravel, and some of those will end up with an impaction that blocks their intestines. Myself, I prefer sand.

For larger tanks, watch Craigslist or wait for a dollar a gallon sale at a local pet store.

And, welcome to the forum.

Ryan is finally loving life. Swimming so joyfully. That's great. Ditto on ditching the gravel. I'm also a fan of sand.

I agree with the comments. Also make sure direct sunlight doesn't reach that tank.

Thanks everyone! Ryan had a 75W UVB light up until yesterday when I broke it - there's a regular 75W in there now until I can replace tonight. Basking area is to the right - you can see the partial ramp, light and even Ryan's head coming into the picture. I need to change the platform area - doofus tried climbing the side of the platform instead of using the steps. Twice he tried, and twice fell off and flipped back landing upside down UNDER the ramp and struggled a bit to get out. Thankfully I was watching, but if not, who knows he might have drowned. So now he basks on that jagged contraption to the left & seems to like it. Next tank cleaning I'll likely ditch the rocks and move to the sand! I'm also purchasing the Fluval 406 - Lord knows I don't want to do the full tank cleaning on a weekly basis. Me thinks I have a new hobby ...

You'll eventually figure out easier ways to clean and change the tank water. I don't think any wants to consider it a "hobby"

OK - I did lots of work on Ryan's tank! Here's a quick update and I also have a question.

. Bought a real 40gln fish tank (instead of the dry tank) - filled it 3/4 - Ryan can swim now! My goal is a separate basking area built over the tank so I can fill the tank 100%. We'll get there.
. Built a true basking platform. I'm currently using the Zilla floating dock as a ramp to the platform, but when Ryan climbs the ramp it does a see-saw action when he gets up top and sometimes he gets scared and jumps off. Poor little dude. I plan to modify the ramp to be firm.
. Switched the tiny gravel substrate to river rock, but the new rock still seems jagged. When Ryan dives off the platform, his belly comes awfully close to those rocks! I may change that.
. Installed the Fluval 406 - super quiet and works like a charm! Let's see how long the water stays clean. I'll do a little water changing here & there to keep the water clearer longer.[/list]

So my question - the past 2 days I noticed a film on top of the water. You can only see it at an angle, it's clear, but it looks like a transparent oil slick. I didn't see that before with my old filter (Tetrafauna Reptofilter). Do you think I should reinstall that filter? It's got waterfall action and will provide good aeration. Thanks!

Two pics attached ...

The film is most likely a protein slick. As organic material breaks down, the parts that float do. Breaking the surface to mix it back into the water works. That's why you never saw it with the hob filter. I have a fluval 406 as well. I just aim the return so it ripples the top of the water. That seems to do it.

Thank you! I'll try aiming the return and see if that does the trick