New tank new setup

[TMartinez]

This is my first turtle tank and I want to make it a hybrid fish/ turtle combo. I got this whole setup for $60 (sweet deal). It currently has a 48" flourecent light.

My question is about setup, lighting and filtration. I like how high the water is because it gives plenty of space for fish. How can I set it up so that there is a basking area as well as plenty of swimming space for fish and the turtle? I thought about one of those repto filters but i think they sit too low inless I can raise it up somehow.

I also made a previous thread about lighting. Since this already has a light could I just get a Reptisun bulb? Would I need a heat lamp in addition to the reptisun bulb?

 

[brich999]

Find a huge piece of driftwood that will stick out of thE water

 

[Mikeyy]

A 5% uvb (tropical) buld would suffice for uvb aspect for the turtle. From there id add a submersible heater.

^ that is all you NEED

but for your viewing purposes a 48" light with whatever spectrum floats ur boat such as 10k or 12k whatever you like. but that is just for you

 

[TMartinez]

so if i got a 48" UVB bulb would that be a bright enough display light?

 

[Joe M]

so if i got a 48" UVB bulb would that be a bright enough display light?

It would probably be bright enough. UVB bulbs are generally pretty bright. I would forget about turtle filters, and go with a canister filter. Those turtle ones cant keep up with turtles, let alone adding fish into the equation as well. You'll also need a basking platform for the turtle, and preferably a basking light. I see that your in Florida where temp will be ok, but I would still have a light, even a 60 watt incandescent bulb over the basking platform to provide heat and help the turtle dry out.

If you want a basking platform that conserves swimming space, look into ZooMed turtle docks. I've used them many times and they work great.


Edit: Oh I see that there is already a dock in there. That will work perfectly.

 

[latshki]

It would probably be bright enough. UVB bulbs are generally pretty bright. I would forget about turtle filters, and go with a canister filter. Those turtle ones cant keep up with turtles, let alone adding fish into the equation as well. You'll also need a basking platform for the turtle, and preferably a basking light. I see that your in Florida where temp will be ok, but I would still have a light, even a 60 watt incandescent bulb over the basking platform to provide heat and help the turtle dry out.

If you want a basking platform that conserves swimming space, look into ZooMed turtle docks. I've used them many times and they work great.


Edit: Oh I see that there is already a dock in there. That will work perfectly.

there also appears to be a turtle in there too



you will need a 5.0 uvb tube and like a 50watt basking bulb for sure
also, I would get the biggest canister you can without making the tank a whirlpool

 

[TMartinez]

Any canister recommendations? Would a canister flow into the tank like a power filter cause that would probably be noisy as Hell...