My 55g planted/turtle/fish tank

[jkdubs2]

go mizzou, and the blues lol

Agreed

 

[saintbrandon]

Hey awesome tanks guys, I was just wondering how I should set up my tank with turtles and cichilids. In the past I didn't fill the tank up all of the way to incorporate the basking area, in my 180 gallon tank it didn't matter much to me but since I am dropping down to a 90 gallon ever inch will be needed. Thank you and sorry I don't have any advice.

 

[Bryanm70]

Both such awesome tanks...One day I hope to have two small species of turtles in a nice 100 gal+ with Malawi Cichlids

 

[jkdubs2]

Hey awesome tanks guys, I was just wondering how I should set up my tank with turtles and cichilids. In the past I didn't fill the tank up all of the way to incorporate the basking area, in my 180 gallon tank it didn't matter much to me but since I am dropping down to a 90 gallon ever inch will be needed. Thank you and sorry I don't have any advice.

You could just use flipmikes idea of a tank on top. That may be the quickest. Otherwise u could use my idea and build a platform that sits inside the rim of the tank (where hoods would normally sit) and could design it however u want. I'd recommend trying to find a way to incorporate a light built in to the basking area somehow. Also a way to fit any kind of filtration u may be wanting.

 

[jkdubs2]

Both such awesome tanks...One day I hope to have two small species of turtles in a nice 100 gal+ with Malawi Cichlids

That would be awesome.

 

[jkdubs2]

Here is an update on my tank. I added some plants and fish. There is a school of 10 tiger barbs in the tank now. A school of 6 red glass barbs. My two opaline gouramis (male and female). My rubber lipped pleco. Two gold inca snails. Also removed the albino rainbow shark b/c he wouldn't let me add more fish and was very territorial. Btw I know ppl are goin to say I shouldn't have the gouramis with the tiger barbs but there is no fin nipping and I keep an eye out just to be safe. Also added a small power jet cuz I thought the barbs would like it and they do.

 

[jkdubs2]

Better left side pic.

 

[jkdubs2]

The new turtles! Turt Russel is the dark one and my girlfriend gets to name the lighter one.

 

[Coursair]

The only thing I would advise ( and you may already have this ) would be add some sort of hiding spot on the basking area. Fake plants or a cave. I know basking is for UV, but baby Turtles may be very skittish. If yours are bold critters, please disregard.

Cute Ts. I used to have a Red Ear that hatched into the palm of my hand, a local Western Pond also a hatchling and a rescued Texas Mud Turtle.

 

[jkdubs2]

Will do I'll add a hiding spot definately. One is skittish. He doesnt go up very much and when he is it's not for long if someone enters the room.

 

[Bearchumjs]

Turtles are so cute! Let us know what the gf nes the other one!

Turt russel! That's a cool name.

 

[jkdubs2]

Turtles are so cute! Let us know what the gf nes the other one!

Turt russel! That's a cool name.

Thanks! The gf named the other turtle Puck. So Turt Russel's friend now has a name which is good cuz I got tired of calling it "the unnamed one" lol its alot to say all the time!

 

[Khalix]

I love your idea on this. Any way you'd be willing to list the materials you used to build it? Or did you buy the topper made already? I have my yellow eared in a 75 by herself, I just use the in tank basking additions, but I am loving this set up!

 

[jkdubs2]

I love your idea on this. Any way you'd be willing to list the materials you used to build it? Or did you buy the topper made already? I have my yellow eared in a 75 by herself, I just use the in tank basking additions, but I am loving this set up!

Thanks! I saw the pre made ones and thought I could do it better lol. So I gave it a shot.

Well I used some plastic board my dad had around the house. But I'd say u should use plexi glass. Cut it to fit the inside rim of your tank (like a hood would fit) and make that the base, cut out a section large enough for ur turtle to fit through and use the extra piece u cut out to make a ramp at a 45degree angle into the water. Build walls. Remember to leave room for a strip light and filter fittings or cut holes for them through the plexi glass. Use a sealent that's non toxic to piece the plexi together. And use an adhesive to put some felt on the turtle ramp and basking area. I used a tile for a basking rock. Also incorporate a way to hang ur heat lamp and UVB lights if u want. Also if u want to put a small wall around the ramp hole u can fill the basking area with sand and dry plants. I'm actually going to do that myself soon. Make a thread out of ur build and keep me updated. Good Luck!

P.s. get your measurements that u want and have the hardware store cut it for u. Home depot does it for free. Plexi glass breaks way easier than the plastic board I used when u cut it. It's more fun to do it urself like I did but it will get expensive if u keep breaking the pieces!

 

[Flipmikeskater3]

Sadly one day while basking my turtle thought the 3d background looked tasty and tried to eat it lol, it I had to take it out for now and just painting the back of the tank black. Also I got a sweet piece of drift wood for her to bask on instead of the artificial turtle dock, looks way more natural
And I rearranged everything underwater giving it a more natural look

 

[jkdubs2]

Sadly one day while basking my turtle thought the 3d background looked tasty and tried to eat it lol, it I had to take it out for now and just painting the back of the tank black. Also I got a sweet piece of drift wood for her to bask on instead of the artificial turtle dock, looks way more natural
And I rearranged everything underwater giving it a more natural look

Very nice I'm liking it. And sorry about your background! It was cool! Maybe u should piece together a cuttlebone wall that way if it gets eaten its ok! Lol

 

[Khalix]

Thanks for the response! I am looking forward to trying it out, though I will unfortunately have to wait a little while longer because work is kicking my hiney lately!

Haha, I like the cuttlebone wall idea. It's like that awesome blackboard paint. You know they're going to scribble on it anyway, so you roll with it.