how do i make my fish tank in to a Turtle tank help?

Question

i want to get a Turtle i have a fish tank how do i make it in to a Turtle tank want do i need

Answer 1

iv had a turtle 4 11 yrs hes a red eared yellow bellied terrapin hes big now n iv had him since he was the size of a fifty pence peice n hes always lived in a tank(big tank now)wiv a good few inches of water a few small pepples as he likes 2 move them about alot fish tank gravel n a rock which i got from whitby so he can climb out of the water n on sunny days he has a plastic pool outside wiv a rock in it as they love basking in the sun

Answer 2

Turtles require ten gallons per inch of shell, so first make sure the tank is large enough. An adult needs at least a 90 gallon tank.

You should take the hood off the fish tank and clean it well. You need a subermersible heater, not hang on because of the water depth..try the visitherm stealth (4 watts per gallon). You also need a filter rated 3x the size of tank, turtle filters stink so get a canister (xp3) or a large aquaclear. You also need a dock, try the zoomed floating dock. Get two clamp lamps as light fixtures, one 5.0 UVB bulb (Reptiglo 5.0 compact) and one regular bulb for heat..place about ten inches away and play with heat bulb to make basking area 90F.

Fill it up as high as possible without leaving room to escape. Glass filters out UVB so don't put that on top of the tank, and also screens with holes smaller than 1/2 inch will filter out UVB as well. DON'T use gravel, it will dirty up the tank and your turtle will die if they eat it.

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10322

This is a good setup. It's 50 gallons and has the visitherm stealth heater at the bottom, the dock, two clamp lamps (they are sort of fancy..mines are a little different), and a big filter.

This is an easy to read chart of what you need and your premium and basic options http://www.redearslider.com/startup.html

Good luck.

Answer 3

1. the ones that hook to a sink will clog constantly with the waste in a turtle tank and you don't really want to put the turtle waste into a sink you use, It's dangerous to you.... 2. you can use that same kit without the sink attachment to siphon down a toilet or into the yard. (this is safer and cleaner for you) get a spring clamp to hold the hose to the toilet seat or lid so it's not falling on the floor while siphoning. 3. the size of the siphon depends on the tank size. Look for youtube videos about siphoning until you find one that shows how to start a siphon without sucking on the hose. There's easy ways. note: if you haven't researched, please be sure you were given correct advice where you got the turtle. Most places that sell them LIE about their care and the turtles die of malnutrition, bone and respiratory diseases. You will need heat lamps, a fluorescent UV bulb, heater, submersible tank heater, dry land area under heatlamps, calcium supplement and live and frozen foods like guppies, worms, etc. etc.

Answer 4

u dont need much, i did it myself about 5 monthz ago, all u have to do is keep the water down to about 2-3 inches high, you'll need some places for the turtle to have some where to rest above water like a platform or rocks, keep it clean, and be careful if ur gunna put a big turtle in w/ small fish, or a small turtle w/ small fish unless its ok 4 the turtle to eat ur fish.

Answer 5

I assumed you have an empty fish tank. Take a small saucer, preferably with 2 divisions (used frozen dinner container will also do or the plant water saucer) use one for food and the other for water and place it one side of the tank. Or you can have separate containers for both. The water level should be deep enough so that your turtle can take a dip on it. But can still climb back unto the "land". On the other side of the tank, put into layer these things starting from bottom: gravel, charcoal, gravel making sure it covers the charcoal below. Put some decorative items. Have fun with your pet.

Answer 6

Good info from Adam, plus check out this site for details....

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm