Home for my aquatic turtle

L

Lou

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Jul 1, 2003
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I don't really post much on the forums but I like to check in from time to time. I've noticed that there always seems to be confusion on how to set up attractive set ups for aquatic turtles. So I finally took some crappy pics and decided to add my approach. Here are the details:

Turtle: Reeves
75 gallon tank
Fluval 404 cannister (cleaned every 8 weeks)
Substrate: small black gravel
Decor: two large pieces of wood, silk plants
Background: black paint
Lighting: 48" Repti-sun flourescent and 75 watt incandescent for basking (on timers)
Heater: 50 watt Stealth
Fish: 6 White clouds, 2 gold barbs, 2 clown loaches, 4 danios, loads of Endler's and 1 female swordtail. Most of these fish were rescued from friends and relatives who were killing them slowly, they are all fat and happy now.
Water changes: 50% every two weeks

I know there are lots of variables when considering a set up. I also know that many of my decisions go against conventional wisdom but they have worked very well for me. I have had Elvis for 12 years now and he has never had any sort of problem. Would this set up work with a RES? Probably not. A slider would eat all the fish and eat the gravel and grow too large. Reeves turtles are smaller, more mellow, smarter (my opinion) and weaker swimmers.

Anyway, here are some pics. Hope it inspires someone.

Best,
-Lou

Salma 895.jpg Salma 896.jpg Salma 899.jpg
 
Thank you both.

The issue with the fish was a bit of a risk at first. I started with some feeder minnows to see how he would react. He ate most of them over a weeks time. The two survivors he began to ignore. After a while, I started to add some white clouds. He made a weak attempt at them but then eventually left them alone. Over the years he has lived with a bunch of different tropicals. At this point the fish spend time cleaning off dead skin and debris from his body and head. The fish do not fear him and he basically ignores the fish. Accidents can always happen but he has not even tried to eat a fish in many years. He's a great turtle.

-Lou
 
I LOVE this. Most people do a really bad job with reptile aquariums, but not only did you make yours look good, but it also has a dual purpose (housing fish). Very interesting. Well done.
 
Looks really nice.
I agree that it probably wouldn't work for a RES. They are too active and aggressive towards fish. Just ask the feeders that get dropped in my tank with 3 RES's... ;)

I think this set-up would look really nice with a blandings turtle too, though I think the tank would have to be a little bigger...I've never seen a Reeve before....I love the very domed shell. Almost reminds me of box turtles.
 
Very nice. I'll have to agree with kjr928, most reptile aquariums look bad, but your's is awesome! I like the plants.
 
Thank you all for the kind words.

The tank is actually much brighter in person. It's just my pathetic photography skills that make it look so dark, in addition to the dark background and gravel.

Funny thing, many people who see the tank in person call it "sexy". I always thought that was a strange way to put it. It must be all the black.

-Lou
 
what kind (brand) of plants are those?
 
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