Habitat - Outdoor :: Pond in toronto

[CRUSHH]

I was thinking about making a outdoor pond in the future for my map and RES but i think it gets too cold in the winter to keep them outside during the winter...also do you need a uva/uvb light for them outside???

[missibsu]

You shouldn't need a UVB light because the purpose in having one inside is to replicate the sun's beneficial rays. Being outside, they would receive natural sunlight. As for too cold, many people put the turtles out for the summer and bring them in for the winter. You need to make sure that the enclosure is secure from the turtles getting out, and other animals getting in. Be sure to do your research first!

[CRUSHH]

oh yea i always do research..i enjoy it pretty much...the only thing is when they get bigger i want to leave them outside b/c bigger tanks r so expensive and so are ponds and i really want to have a pond and i cant afford both...=(

[missibsu]

I am considering building an indoor pond, have you thought about that? It would take up more space than an aquarium, but I understand the cost factor. My boyfriend and I have already decided that when we go house hunting the turtles are going to play a part in the house that we buy...kinda sad to think about...they are our first kids, lol. Most people have sun room added on for themselves, he wants a sunroom for the turtles.

[CRUSHH]

yea i seen a couple of pics of indoor ponds but i dont know where to find info about it like how to build them and equipment...any suggestions? Good luck with finding a home let me know how it goes!!!!

[missibsu]

Lol, I am not even looking yet. He hasn't proposed...still waiting, after 5 years. BUT, that is another story. What I have been considering are the preformed ponds, like you can find at Lowes and other places. Putting it on the floor and then building up around it. Kind of wall them in. Natural wall on two sides, and lower wall on the other two sides. That way you can still look in and see them, but they can't get out. They would have plenty of basking area around the edges as well as nesting area. Right now this is all in the mental planning stages. I would still have to work in filtration and lighting, but I am optimistic.

[CRUSHH]

5 years and still hasnt proposed???what is he waiting for...yea i know about those preformed ponds seem them around...i really want an outdoor pond...they are such a nice addition to ones home...maybe when i move somewhere warmer...damn toronto gets -40 celsuis in the winter

[Turtleboy]

it hasn't been that bad this past winter has it crushh? we keep our kois outside in the pond, (which is basically one of em built ones and u just stick rocks around it) and bring em in for the winter. NOTE TO SELF THOUGH, THERE ARE RACOONS, LOADS AND LOADS of em around our areas! last summer it killed 80% of my pond population, and we had chicken wwire over it! so just keep that in mind!

[CRUSHH]

Yeaaa i know in my area there is a pack of them i see EVERY night...some big ones too...the biggest one looks like 50lbs....so what did u do to prevent the racoons from getting in??? If my turtle is an adult size can a racoon still kill it??? And where did u get your pond/equipment for your pond???

[steve]

Raccoons are probably a top turtle killer. Turtles of all sizes, including eggs are a target. You'll need to create a very good fenced in area... but I personally wouldn't risk it.

[CRUSHH]

damn racoons

[zuse]

What kills turtles? Do cats mess with turtles? (I have several, but I think I'd worry about koi in the pond before the turtles).

[sonyj]

Cats, dogs, racoons, birds... many animals will prey on turtles (especially younger/smaller ones). This is why an outdoor pond should be predator proof, as well as enclosed so the turtles can not escape or get lost.