Habitat - Indoor :: Whats the cheapest way to "revamp" my turtle tank?

[tanasha93]

Right now he's in a 10 gallon tank, with a turtle ramp, some aquarium gravel, a light, and a very good filter.

[Gianni989]

Cheapest way?

Take out the gravel. Thats free. And life saving.

[untsmurf]

I agree, the gravel needs to be removed. It can be deadly if your turtle eats it.

Other cheap things you can do is to add some fake plants, put a background on the tank, or add a homemade decoration.

[papoopeepoo]

1. Make sure you have a UVB light for him if you don't already.

2. Get a heater that will maintain a constant temp between 75-78 degrees fahrenheit.

3. If you have the funds available, buy at 75+ gallon tank to house your turtle as he grows. At that point you can buy accessories that will last long-term instead of having to constantly upgrade.

[octpusgirl8]

I agree about buying a big tank. It's not cheap short term, but over the long run you'll save yourself some serious money. You can also look into a large stock tank (they're made to be water containers for farm animals), they're cheaper than glass aquariums. When you upgrade to larger tanks, you'll not only be wasting money on a tank you'll only have for a year or so, but you'll also need new filters that may or may not be big enough for the next tank you get.

Whatever you do, get some kind of bigger container, 10 gallons is too small even for a little guy, and take the gravel out ASAP.

[untsmurf]

Oh, sorry. I thought you were asking about ways to decorate your current tank, not ways to get a bigger one, my bad!

[jozzep]

Cheapest way is to not do anything at all.......
Like already mentioned, save for a big tank.

[PK-EK]

i had the same problem as you, when i went to the pet store to get a turtle i was exspecting to buy a hatchling but insted a got a young RES about 4 inchs. but at home, i only had a 10 gallon tank set-up
so i went to the store and got a rubber maid tub for 35 bucks (200L)
and i went to the pet store to get a 100 gallon approved bio filter for 50 bucks
know my turtle is a happy!
but as soon as i get some cash in hand, i will get a used 50+ gallon tank off craigslist

hope that helps!

[tanasha93]

Thanks for the suggestions. My turtle is now about 7 or 8 inches. I've had him for about 3 yrs in December.

[papoopeepoo]

Wow, I'll speak for him and say he's cramped in that tank. He needs a minimum of 70-80 gallons of water to live happily and healthily in. Having more water also makes it easier for you to keep the tank clean. Take that into consideration.

[jozzep]

Thanks for the suggestions. My turtle is now about 7 or 8 inches. I've had him for about 3 yrs in December.

WOW....I'm speachless

[tanasha93]

Im planning on getting a bigger tank right now the tank that Im going to get has my brothers bearded dragons in and we are building a new enclosure for them. I measured him and he's more like 5 or 6 inches.

[untsmurf]

Make sure that the tank the bearded dragon is in is actually an aquarium instead of a terrarium. They look pretty much the same, but terrariums aren't meant to hold water!

If you can afford it, get a rubbermaid tub to use as a tank until the new tank is ready. Your turtle will appreciate the room!

[tanasha93]

It was a fish tank at some time. Thank you for bringing that to my attention I didn't even think of that.