Habitat - Outdoor :: My semi-Outdoor habitat (UPDATE)

[afallan]

So my two turtles are growing and the 40 gallon tank wasn't cutting it anymore, so I upgraded to a rubbermaid 150 gallon stock tank. Also I made my own bucket/skippy filter out of an old bucket and scotch bright cleaning pads. I also found a way to use my old turtle dock.

Also the whole habitat is located in a small greenhouse, which was the most expensive thing out of the whole set up. I know that the glass/plastic panels will block out the UBV rays, so I'll transfer my old light as soon as I find a way to hang over the basking platform.

Well here are the pics. Any advice/criticism is welcomed. I also plan to add some type of fish that would help keep the bottom clean. Aquatic plants will also be added.









So hear is my same setup, but just a bit more updated. I added another basking dock and connected them via a bridge. Now it's more of an island and larger space for the two turtles. There's still enough space for them to swim around and under the docks. The new dock is made of acrylic with a vinyl covering on top of pvc pipes. Total cost is around $13. Since the basking area is larger, it also gives the turtles shade and also (hopefully) prevent more algae buildup.

I also replaced the bucket because I was worried that it might slip and since the pump would still be going; would drain the setup.






Mike

Toyt


afallan

afallan

[joeybsmooth]

Nice shell.

[turtlelover818]

cute turtles

[steve]

They do make plastic panels that let some UV through. I forgot what it's called... but I think it was supposed to let 80% in.

I like the idea of a pail too

[Terryo]

Wow! I love that filter you made. What kind of pump do you have? That really looks good.

[afallan]

I'm using a "Pondmaster Mag Drive 3." So far it is working.

Algae is starting to buildup on the bucket as well as on the PVC pipes. I guess that's a good thing. It all started a couple days after I put some Water Hyacinth in the "pond." I'll add some type of fish to try to help clean the tank.

afallan

[Take-One]

That doesn't look like a 150 gallon. Nice setup! And the filter thing really works?

[afallan]

According to the writing on the stock tank it's a 150 gallon. As for the filter, yeah it works. There are several layers of scotch bright pads that trap the debris from the tank. I scoop some debris that stays on the surface every now and then, but nothing major. It's mainly due to my turtles eating the plants I put in.

The only concern I have is of the algae build up. Then again, natural ponds have algae and the water isn't crystal clear; still turtles are able to live in them. As long as it's not too much, then I don't think I have to worry about anything. Like I said, I might put some feeder fish to help clean the tank and if the turtles want, they can snack on them also.

afallan

[afallan]

update

[LeslieMW]

see i'm gonna need to get a stock tank one day, but do you think there is any way to paint the outside of the tank? also, do you think i could keep it indoors?

[PcBuilder14]

You can do what TheBean did and make a frame around the stock tank. You can keep rubbermaid ponds inside, and I'm sure you could spray paint the outside any color you want.

[LeslieMW]

alright sweeet.