Calling all RTC owners

[jaytech33]

So I am going to build an indoor pond for the sole purpose of buying a pair of RTC. Looking for opinions on what size I should build? Would 8 x 4 be enough? what about water temps? 80 degrees? Ideally, I do not want to be forced to give them away or have to build a bigger pond in 2-3 years.

I have been reading so much info here that I can't even begin to decide what a good size pond and temps really are.

I'm getting some great building/filtration/heating tips over in the pond forum, now I need to get the lowdown on keeping a pair of these beautiful fish before I start building.

Thanks!

 

[urbaninja]

Why not go all out and build one big enough so that you wont have to upgrade in the distant future.

 

[jaytech33]

Why not go all out and build one big enough so that you wont have to upgrade in the distant future.

Yes but what is "big enough"? Thats the million dollar question. I have room but don't want to go waaay bigger than needed. Thats when the cost of heating and maintaining could be a potential problem.

 

[HPIZZLE]

Yes but what is "big enough"? Thats the million dollar question. I have room but don't want to go waaay bigger than needed. Thats when the cost of heating and maintaining could be a potential problem.

if you really want ot keep them for life and HAPPY during that life, go ahead and atleast do a 12x6. but 16x8 would be beyond heaven, and you could get a nice TSN or 3.

 

[polish]

Agreed, for life would be huge considering it *could* hit 5ft +.

Something like 15 x 10 x 5 could house it for life and no one could give you grief. However that is a huge undertaking and something smaller is more manageable.

With the room I have available I am personally doing 7 x 4 x 2. I know it's not huge but it should hold him over for another couple years. By then I should have a new house, or sooner and be able to upgrade.

 

[oscar n redtail cat]

just do a 6ft X by 3ft deep that will last for 4 years i reocn then get a upgrade !

 

[bigcol]

just do a 6ft X by 3ft deep that will last for 4 years i reocn then get a upgrade !

lol yeah 4 yrs lol dont mean to be a jerk oscar m8 but werent u the 1 who told me my 8x2x2 would not last me 2yrs never mind 4?

Now im confused Not, i reckon ur origional plan will work out for you for a couple yrs, 3 max. But atleast it will give you plenty of time to get the money together to build them a much bigger 1 and in the meantime u can also enjoy ur new RTC's in there pond.

Thats what i would do anyway if i had the space

 

[oscar n redtail cat]

lol yeah 4 yrs lol dont mean to be a jerk oscar m8 but werent u the 1 who told me my 8x2x2 would not last me 2yrs never mind 4?

Now im confused Not, i reckon ur origional plan will work out for you for a couple yrs, 3 max. But atleast it will give you plenty of time to get the money together to build them a much bigger 1 and in the meantime u can also enjoy ur new RTC's in there pond.

Thats what i would do anyway if i had the space

rtc slow down loads like 1" per 2 months when they get around 20"+ they stop growing and will put on no growth at all comepaired to what they do when younger they still grow but not very fast at all !!!! and his pond will be 8ft by4ft thats 2ft more room mate

 

[bigcol]

just do a 6ft X by 3ft deep that will last for 4 years i reocn then get a upgrade !

rtc slow down loads like 1" per 2 months when they get around 20"+ they stop growing and will put on no growth at all comepaired to what they do when younger they still grow but not very fast at all !!!! and his pond will be 8ft by4ft thats 2ft more room mate

ok then thats what i was saying, im new to rtc's also but i seem to have underestimated them a little as mine is growing like mad, theres just no stopping him at all lol

 

[oscar n redtail cat]

ok then thats what i was saying, im new to rtc's also but i seem to have underestimated them a little as mine is growing like mad, theres just no stopping him at all lol

lol ino when there that size but when he get 20"+ he will slow down a lot !! u will be shocked he will just grow n grow n grow and then stop !