Finally finished my 350 gallon turtle pond setup.
The deck is made of 2x4s, plywood, 3'' screws and h20 proofing. I wanted the pond off the ground to make it easier to clean and to keep my dog out of it.
I built a second stand that would hold the filter. The filter is framed with 2x4s and plywood to create boxes. There is a total of 4 boxes; 3 for the main filter and one large one i plan to use for an algae scrubber or more filtration. The external pump runs to to one box, then the next two and finally to a last end where there are two large drains.
I lined the corners of all the boxes with fiberglass then i used an industrial and marine epoxy to cover all the boxes, fiberglass and sides. It took a few coats to make sure everything was covered and to seal any tiny leaks. I am slowly filling them with filter media, rocks, etc.
The entire stand, filtration system, and anything else that is wood is stained and waterproofed. The roof setup is temporary till i find some type of shingles or bamboo to cover that and the sides.
I built a pvc bridge for the turtles to climb up to the platform where they can dry off. I will soon add dirt, food and other things up there. They tried to breed last year so i will try to make an area for them to lay eggs again. I put a slide for them to catch a lil speed as they go back in the water, i need to seal it again and build a better spray bar before i run it all the time.
I still have plenty more to do:
All were taken by me over the years because they needed a home.
The deck is made of 2x4s, plywood, 3'' screws and h20 proofing. I wanted the pond off the ground to make it easier to clean and to keep my dog out of it.
I built a second stand that would hold the filter. The filter is framed with 2x4s and plywood to create boxes. There is a total of 4 boxes; 3 for the main filter and one large one i plan to use for an algae scrubber or more filtration. The external pump runs to to one box, then the next two and finally to a last end where there are two large drains.
I lined the corners of all the boxes with fiberglass then i used an industrial and marine epoxy to cover all the boxes, fiberglass and sides. It took a few coats to make sure everything was covered and to seal any tiny leaks. I am slowly filling them with filter media, rocks, etc.
The entire stand, filtration system, and anything else that is wood is stained and waterproofed. The roof setup is temporary till i find some type of shingles or bamboo to cover that and the sides.
I built a pvc bridge for the turtles to climb up to the platform where they can dry off. I will soon add dirt, food and other things up there. They tried to breed last year so i will try to make an area for them to lay eggs again. I put a slide for them to catch a lil speed as they go back in the water, i need to seal it again and build a better spray bar before i run it all the time.
I still have plenty more to do:
- Build algae scrubber that will be on right roof.
- Cover roof and sides with shingles, bamboo, wooden shingles.
- Add more filter media to the filter.
- Make a nice spray bar or several small ones around pond.
- Setup 2nd pump to run slide, spray bay and algae scrubber.
- Add more rocks to bottom, island and other areas.
- Add plants. Prob ones that are in pots where turtles can't reach.
- Add a ton of fish, i usually have plenty with them.
- Add more things to turtle deck area, food, dirt, rain cover, etc.
- Add plants for looks, enclose sides, and other cosmetic things.
All were taken by me over the years because they needed a home.
