Currently my RES is in a 20 gallon long tank. The bottom is completely covered with small river rocks. 1/2 is set up as a swimming area with about 4" deep of water in the whole tank. This side is where the submerged filter is (kinda covered but she likes to climb on it) and where her fish usually swim. The other side is gradually built up with river rocks increasing in size until it reaches the other side and has a large basking area that's big enough for her to lay on with extra room and 8" of clearance between rocks andlight. Her Day Glo 75 watt light is above this and produces enough heat to keep the water steadily at 74-76* and the basking spot 86*. She also has some Hornswart in her tank and some goldfish, platy fish and rosy barbs. On the water side of her tank is a 75 watt Night Glo light. Her Day light is on usually between 7 AM and 8-8:30 PM and then subsequently her Night light the other time. At night her water is usually about 70* and she sleeps in the water.
2007-04-08 09:46:46 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
I have also added 2 black mystery snails in her tank. So, my question is: is there anything I can do to improve her habitat and if yes, what else? I'm open to all suggetions!
2007-04-08 09:48:54 · update #1
I'd recommend upgrading to a 55 gallon. What you have sounds good for a young turtle, but as yours grows (especially if it's a female, since these get larger) it's going to need more room and deeper water - RES love to swim!
I had two in a 55 (both males) with bricks stacked on one end to make a basking area. The bricks were easier to use than rock because they stayed in place and I could stack other rock behind - this made a larger area availble for swimming. The front brick was just a little below the water level so the turtles could get up on the top more easily.
Your RES and barbs should have the water temperature a little warmer - maybe about 5o - but your goldfish won't like that temperature as much. Barbs are more of a tropical fish, the goldfish prefers cool water.
2007-04-08 13:22:37 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your setup sounds quite nice, however 20 gallons is only fine for a relatively young RES. The best thing you could do for your turtle is to invest in a larger set up. You also need to make sure the water is at least as deep as the turtles shell is long, deeper is still better.
2007-04-08 12:58:22 · answer #2 · answered by Brian 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As somebody else suggested you desire to establish she will swim around. The water could two times as deep because of the fact the dimensions of her shell. i recognize you suggested lots of of lighting fixtures, yet do any of them have UVA/UVB rays(that are essencial for diet D creation.)
2016-10-02 09:23:13 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋