Habitat - Outdoor :: just installed pond

[Esperanza]

Hi,
We just installed a 90 gal pond(kit) from Walmart (some stores selling it for the clearanced price of $60). We live in Yuma, AZ. Our current weather during the day is 85-90 degrees and at night it goes down to 59-68. My husband and I aren't sure of what chemical to use if any for the turtles and their new environment. I have been trying to read other posts for info on whether to use a heater or not as well. I plan to get some plants this week at Petsmart since they seem to help with the ponds. I put some feeder fish in the pond today but the turtles don't seem to be going for them as much as they did in the tank. They have yet to wander around out of the pond as well. Our backyard is fenced in, so small animals cannot come in and their pond is surrounded by brick pavers so the turtles cannot wander as well. If anyone has suggestions or answers for my questions please respond.

Esperanza

[steve]

Hello, I would get the heater if the temps drop below 75F. The only "chemical" most turtle keepers use is water conditioner, which neutralizes chloramines and removes chlorine.

They are likely adjusting to the environment, so give them a little more time.

They are probably having a harder time spotting the fish as well and I'm sure the fish have more escape routes.

[SpotsMama]

Is your water very alkaline? If so, you might look at lowering the ph.

[Esperanza]

Thanks Steve for your input. What kind or size heater should I get for a 90 gal pond? Any websites that sell them at a good price? They seem to be swimming around more and starting to get use to the pond. Someone at Petsmart told us to buy butter lettuce. We put it in the pond and they haven't touched it yet.

Esperanza

[Esperanza]

SpotsMama,

Do I check for the alkaline with the same kits used for swimming pools? I have one that I could use.

[SpotsMama]

I don't know about the swimming pool kits. Probably ok - ph is ph. I use an aquarium kit.

[marisa]

For the temp, you might monitor it for a few days with a thermometer to see exactly how cool the water gets at night. I used stock tanks outside during the summer, and the temp would stay fairly warm well into the night.

That's a pretty small pond, and it will really heat up during the day. I'm assuming part of it gets shade throughout the day? What kind of filter does it have?

[Esperanza]

Marisa,
The filter and pump came together with the pond. The brand is called Flow Rite. I read the installation instructions and they only mention a little bit about the filter; to keep the prefilter clean which will decrease the maintenance ot it. More info was written about the pump.
The pond gets direct sunlight from dawn till about noon, the shade starts. Thurs. will be a week that the turtles have been in their new home and they seem to be a lot more happier then their first day.