Habitat - Outdoor :: Definitive Outdoor Temperature Guidelines

[oothimus]

We are in the final planning stages of moving a 4 year old female slider outside for the spring/summer seasons. At least we were. We were buying a 150 gallon rigid pond, digging out and setting it in off the back porch in the sunshine, buying the tetra 500 gallon filter, double submersible 400 watt heaters, building a top to keep predators out...

But, it may all be for naught. This is northwest New Jersey. 70 degrees is not all that common overnight even in summer. You certainly cant count on 80 degrees during the day and more often than not is rains ...

I have been reading statements like, "...I only put the turtle outside if it is 70 degrees or better and there is no breeze..."

I would appreciate some definitive guidelines or recommendations before I drop the serious money planned here... it is sounding like I should stay insider but for occasional romps in the grass on bright sunny hot days of summer.

Thanks in advance.

[steve]

That statement is probably mine or it's something I would say. Keep in mind, that is primarily for outdoor basking and I want them to be comfortable so they'll maximize their time in the sun. If it's too cold, they'll just tuck in and hide under their basking area or if its too hot, they'll just stay in the shade the whole time.

If you keep your RES outdoors during the spring/summer in a pond, it's certainly doable. I do think 150 gallons will get pretty warm in August even in shade, so you'll need to find ways to keep it cool. The health of your turtle will also be a factor in your final decision.

[oothimus]

Not too worried about cooling... i have well water... and it typically flows out at about 50 degrees even in summer. This turtle is resilient... and I think she can handle it... so, unless I am cautioned otherwise, I shall give it a whirl!

Thanks for your response Steve.

[Diamondbacks4Life]

Im live in Eastern PA so im following the same weather patterns as you and 150 gallon preformed pond was what i started with 5years ago with my 3 turtles. As for the the 70degrees thing, if your turtle is healthy they will be fine. All my turtles will be heading outside this week actually even my small turtles. As long as temps arent hitting below freezing anymore they head on out. Been doing it this way for 5 years now and never had a problem.

First you shouldnt buy a heater, you should go with the flow of the temps. Having the water an unnatural temp that it shouldnt be outside is something I would think would cause a turtle to get sick. I will say steve is right though, 150 in full sun will heat it up. I found that the water will stay above warm. Look it to getting plants that float and cover the surface of the water like hyacinths,lilys and water lettuce. Having those covering the surface of the water will really make huge difference in keeping the water temp down. Added bonus to them is too is they are safe and good for your turtle to eat but a downside is you have to get alot at the begining so there is actually plants left from the turtle eating them.

Now the filter. Can you give me a link to the exact filter. Your gonna need a good filter. Also a must is a pond uv sterilizer or you can say hello to a green pond in days in the summer, I learned that the hard way. A Uv sterlizer will keep that water crystal clear

[Linus]

^ to add:

I've kept my big RES Female outside in a pond for about the last 10 years. The temp. in the pond today finally hit 60F. She's been basking and swimming as if it was 75. Later in the summer, the water temp sits around 80, My RES, my fish, and my tropical Belize Slider all love it.

They are built for temperature change. (well not so much the tropical one but you know what I mean.)

[oothimus]

Thank you for your comments. While I have the pond, I had not thought to do anything yet as I feared it would be too cold. I shall begin the project immediately. As a follow up, what have you installed for protecting the turtles from raccoons, fox, and other animals that might try to do them some harm?

Thanks again

[Linus]

An easily removable top. Before the top we lost 2 to raccoons.