Habitat - Outdoor :: Stock Tank as outdoor habitat.

[Myke]

I am new to this site and haven't bought a slider yet. I can buy a 7 foot diameter galvenized stock tank for $40. Is galvenized safe for red ear sliders or will it leak? poisen into the water? What if I painted it with some rubber based pool paint? Don't want to buy the tank if it won't work. Also is 18 inches of water too deep? I read on another site that the depth shouldn't be more than the turtle is long. The tank is 24 inches, I thought I'd put some sand in the bottom to make it more natural , so water will be 16 to 18 inches deep. I will have rocks, logs etc... for basking.
Thanks for any advice.
Myke

[Daniel3507]

ive never heard of that rule about water. sounds kinda stupid to me.

[Myke]

I hadn't heard any rules about galvanized, was just checking. I work in a metal shop and I know if you weld on galvanized steel, it will make you sick. I know ranchers here in Colorado that put koi and other fish in stock tanks with no problems. I just don't want to kill a turtle by using it if it's not safe.
Myke

Just re-read and I'm guessing you were talking about the depth. Seems odd to me, too. I've seen sliders in lakes and rivers that were atlest 10 feet deep. Turtles didn't seem to be suffering any.

[Boogerbutt02]

Galvanized stock tanks are fine, I have used one for about 4 years or more and it has never leaked.... And for RES you can go as deep as you can as long as it is MORE THEN the length of their shell, that way if they end up on their backs they can safely flip over.....

The only thing I would worry about with a metal tank outside would be that it would heat up in the sun and "boil" the water.... I don't know the temp. in CO, be here in sunny Florida it gets HOT....

Best of luck to you, Turtles are wonderful pets.... Summer

[mat012]

Sounds like you have put a lot of thought into the tank and a new pet. Post pics when you get things set up.

[Myke]

Well, I waited an hour and a half and somebody bought the stock tank, but after looking at other peoples ponds, my creativity took hold and I have a good idea of what I'm going to do. I will keep an eye out or save up and buy a stock tank, but it will probably be next spring or summer before I am ready to add the slider. My plan will be a long time to finish, but I think it will be worth it. On a side note, it always surprises me how nice and helpful people can be. I have many interests, and at least one forum for each of them. It seems no matter the differences, political, religious or background, ask somebody about something you are both interested in, and they are willing to help. I know there is always one or two in the group that are questionable. So thanks for the help, and I will keep posting and adding pictures as I progress.
Myke

[Daniel3507]

your being smart about doing the research before you get a slider. i did the same thing and my the time i finally got one i was able to put it in a habitat that was healthy for him.

[Myke]

One more question, for now. I'm looking at 2 different size tanks. One is 625 gallons, the other is 1000 gallons. I plan to put a few inches sand in the bottom, is that a good idea, or will it create problems. How many gallons per hour filter and pump should I plan on getting?
OK, so it was two questions instead of one.
Myke

[zoologist]

i do know that the pond needs to be at least 3 feet deep with a few inches of sand or something for the turtle to burrow in when it hibernates

[marisa]

I use stock tanks outdoors (and indoors as well) and they work fine. I'd skip the sand. Personally, I prefer the poly tanks to the galvanized ones (and I do think over time they're safer for the turtles), but that's my preference.

You want to get bigger and deeper---they can heat up quickly in hot weather.