Habitat - Outdoor :: Outdoor "Pond" possibility?

[zuse]

Since I am now the owner of two Red-Eared Sliders and live in South Carolina, I believe that definitely as they get bigger I'm going to want them to live outside (I will figure out winter arrangements later). Since a moveable "pond" would be great, what does anyone know about these: http://www.stockyardsupply.com/page11/index2.html (Rubbermaid). Is that what you were referring to when you spoke of stock tanks? Anyways, that's what is going to be most economical for me if it is feasible because I really don't know where to track down a 200+ gallon aquarium. I appreciate any input.

EDIT: Yikes! Upon further analysis that 300 gallon one is HUGE. I guess maybe an intermediate size might be around in a different brand. And I'm in farm country so maybe I can track one down without insane shipping charges. Ooo... these are kind of cool too http://www.hutchison-inc.com/html/lvst_ ... s/poly.php

[sonyj]

Yes, this is what is referred to as stock tanks. I'm seriously thinking of trying to find one around here as well to fix outside. It's a good alternative to an aquarium.

[zuse]

Like, maybe this 350 gallon one in dark green: http://www.hutchison-inc.com/images/pro ... e/pr62.jpg
Can they be buried in the ground or do you have to use liners and rocks for submerged ponds? Hmm. So that would be a few hundred dollars... since sunlight will be provided how shady a spot do they need. Or do they just need a plant/overhang to shade under? What kind of pump/filter equipment would something that size need?

[sonyj]

Since they are made to hold water above ground, if I got one I think I'd leave it up above ground and landscape around it. Easier to move if you had to. Definitely put it someplace that they could get a lot of sun (include a basking area just like in the tank) but also I'd have plenty of plants that would provide some shade since this is how the regulate their internal temperature.

I'll let someone else answer the filter question since I'm still going down this road myself.

[zuse]

Would one that has the stopper (like the Rubbermaids do) be a big advantage for cleaning/emptying/moving? Or just a problem that might spring a leak and need to be replaced. How do these compare in quality to the pond shells sold at Lowe's.

[steve]

Pond "shells" are not meant to be above ground, so it would need to be well supported if you want it above ground. They do offer more natural shapes and varying depths, but would be more expensive for a comparable size.

[zuse]

Ok. How many gallons does the typical small kiddie pool hold? How many gallons do the larger ones with built in slides hold. I know these are not appropriate and the plastic probably breaks down quickly in the elements (like plastic storage containers) but I was just curious. How many gallons is the typical trunk-sized storage container. Hopefully I can find a stock tank at a good price and would hate to spend too much money on the intermediate, but I was just curious to how these options stood.

[reptilegrrl]

Stock tanks come in 100-gallon sized, and 175 gallon sizes as well. So you don't have to start with 300 gallons.

I am going to start with a 100 gallon tank and then gradually move up. Tractor Supply Co. has 110 gallon plastic stock tanks for $56.

A kiddie pool is really not deep enough for an adult turtle. Remember, you can't fill it all the way, because you want to keep the turtle in the pool, and he could climb out of a full one.

[tissigirl]

Just curious. Do the suction cups on filters and water heaters work on the sides of a stock tank?

[steve]

I've heard they don't stick as well but I haven't tried it myself.

[reptilegrrl]

You might have to get creative with filter and heater setups, but plenty of people here have managed it

[marisa]

Yes, you do have to be creative. I've learned that the hard way.

[reptilegrrl]

You are definitely foremost among the "plenty of people" I had in mind!

[Gracie8899]

Zuse - I also live in SC - I am thinking of building a pond for my turts - have you figured out what you will do in the winter - I know some people bring them in the garage with a set up for the winter - but having the pond and a indoor winter setup could be expensive and space consuming - Just wondering cause I am not sure what I will do.

[tinkersumx]

Did you guys figure out what type of filter to use if you were to build one of these ponds? Would you need to have an outlet nearby?