Melody
GTT Hatchling
Posts: 71
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Post by Melody on Dec 29, 2001 15:22:02 GMT -5
Thanks to those who gave me previous advice (Originally posted under QveenB) on filters, heaters, etc. We ended up getting a 100W stainless steel submersible heater. A bit much (so they tell me) for a 20 gallon tank but I don't think the tank is going to be this small for too long. Also, as much as I'd like to get the Fluval my husband is already balking because this $20 turtle has run up a $200 bill for his "castle", so we're making do with a Biowheel (has two wheels) which I had from my fish tank days. It's only drawback has turned out to be its plus! Since the tank is only 2/3 full, the water from the biowheels creates two little waterfalls. Our original intent was to put a slanted plexiglass shelf underneath to break the fall of the water. We did this successfully on the one side, but before we could install the second one, we discovered Speedy was using the little waterfall as a playground! He'll spend literally hours diving through the bubbles and current created by the water falling into his tank and when he gets tired of that he'll rest his little head on the edge of his basking area (a shelf covered with shale) and allow his body to drift underneath the waterfall where he will bob up and down with the current. If anyone would have told me I'd fall in love with a turtle.... I haven't figured out how to tell my husband yet that I'm thinking of getting another one and I need a bigger tank
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Post by Rich_B. on Dec 30, 2001 17:30:10 GMT -5
That's great that Speedy enjoys the waterfall and current! Who would have known? Since these turtles usually live in ponds and lakes, never fast-moving or turbulent waters. That's funny, great exercise too. I never knew I would grow to love my turtle so much too! My family and friends think it a bit strange, the money and time I spend on turtle projects, things for her tank, although I am on a very limited budget. I have just one Western Painted, probably get another in a couple months. That was a great "Turtle Tale!" You guys have a Happy new Year- Rich B.
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Post by Webmistress on Dec 30, 2001 20:36:20 GMT -5
;D Glad to hear that everything is going GREAT with Speedy and the new filter. I like using power filters (bio-wheels and powerfilters, sometimes the same thing as they both create that sense of "waterfalls"), for some of those same reasons too. The turtles seem to enjoy moving about the waterfall, and it provides plenty of moving water to help circulate around the heater and distribute the warm water. It also provides lots of oxygen for the water, which is very beneficial for fish. Yea, it seems that ALL of us get attached to our little (or should I say big for some cases ) shelled friends. I never thought I would become so into turtles, but I mean "never". I never thought that I would end up creating a site for them, but lol, I did. Funny how Life is. Yup, Gorda & Marita are two very special turtles of mine. 8) So don't worry, you are definitely NOT the only one who is attached to turtles.
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Post by DigitalTurtle on Dec 30, 2001 21:35:40 GMT -5
haha i like that name speedy ,i bet he is cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by BlueWater on Dec 30, 2001 21:53:04 GMT -5
[shadow=blue,left,300]$200 isnt that much compared to the money other people spend getting ripped off or not knowing what they should get at first for hardware. I would have saved that much if I knew my turtle was going to grow. But I always tell people, getting a turtle is like getting a dog. A turtle might cost $5.00, but you have to invest into the cost of replicating their natural habitat. [/shadow]
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Post by Turtle_Lover99 on Jan 2, 2002 21:34:13 GMT -5
[shadow=red,left,300]TEXT[/shadow]does anyone know how long Western paints live(years) thanx
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Post by AmandaStarr on Jan 4, 2002 11:21:14 GMT -5
Melody, I know how you feel. My husband said he wanted to get me a turtle for Christmas and before we knew it cost was up to $200. But I'm glad Speedy is doing well, he sounds happy. Do we ever get to see pictures of him? Keep up the good work!
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Post by AmandaStarr on Jan 4, 2002 11:23:44 GMT -5
Turtle_Lover99- to my knowledge western paints can live between 20 and 40 years if taken proper care of.
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Melody
GTT Hatchling
Posts: 71
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Post by Melody on Jan 4, 2002 16:07:04 GMT -5
<<But I'm glad Speedy is doing well, he sounds happy. Do we ever get to see pictures of him? >>
Sure will....as soon as I find my digital camera. He is an adorable little guy (or girl?). My 18 year old says I'm going to give him an identity crisis if I don't make up my mind which it is, but I still can't tell. ;D
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