What are the pros and cons of putting 2 RES in a Plastic Storage Containers?

Question

I have 2 baby RES I want to put in. please answer

Its Sterlite brand.

Answer 1

Let's first assume that the container is otherwise big enough (at least 10 gallons of water per inch of turtle), properly heated, etc.

Pros:
- Cheaper container, also lighter
- Turtles are confused by glass- it stresses them. This does not happen in a translucent or opaque tub
- Easier to clean and disinfect
- Lends itself better to a "seen from overhead" set-up, which can be gorgeous!
- Less risk of fractures, leaks, or catastrophic failure
- More easily modified- glued to, holes drilled in, etc.

Cons:
- Not as attractive from the side
- Big tubs may sag out from heavy water loads (although a simple cross brace helps with this)
- Some plastics MAY leech chemicals into the water (not known to happen so far)


For more info, including more on this very discussion, try http://www.austinsturtlepage.com

Answer 2

Pros- Larger space for MUCH less $$$
-Opaque sides will make them feel more secure.

Cons- More difficult to see, as opposed to a "display" tank
- Will need to make a special lid for them (for heat/lights)

I have an African mud turtle in a temporary rubbermaid container, and a Uromastyx (lizard) In a modified tub permanantly. Two things to keep in mind:
-if it's going to hold water, make sure you rinse it REALLY well. You never know what chemicals are in there, though Rubbermaid is a good brand to trust.
- It's pretty easy to make a mesh lid to fit a rubbermaid tub. I've taken the lid they come with, cut out the inside, cut the rims in half, and then attached the halves to wooden frames with mesh in between, and hinged them together. That way you have a hinged mesh lid, but with the plastic attached it still attaches securely to the tub. (Probably not the best way of explaining it...)

Answer 3

Pro: cheaper/easier to find when thinking of a large turtle
Con: not as clear as plexiglass or regular glass/ the plastic is a great home for bacteria to grow and spread/ they need a screen lid/ heat lamps can melt the plastic/ harder to clean/ not as nice looking.

I highly recommend NOT using a plastic storage container. Do the risk free way of glass or plexiglass.

Answer 4

Sorry but what is a RES? As long as there are air holes???

Answer 5

i heard plastic contains some chemical that can kill any animal that lives in them.