Turtlekeeping Tips housing Terrapins Correct Husbandry Part 3?
Hey Ed WeBBers,
So lets re-cap on our project,
We have acquired and if need be re-sealed our tank, then we built an attractive cabinet and hood canopy to hold lighting to display the tank!
So what next…. Ed ? , is your cry…..
Well Doris….
On this post i am about to advice you on how to correctly add decor that not only enhances your tank and makes your turtle/s feel at home but is also turtle friendly!
So please do read on…
What we need to do first of all, is cover the bottom of the tank with slim flat smooth rocks or slim pieces of blue slate that you can purchase at most aquarium centres or maybe even a builders merchants! I have a mixture of rocks and slate to give a more random natural river bottom look to it, although i do prefer the blue slate as it has a nice tone colour to it!
TIP : Like i have said i mix rock with blue slate on a ratio of say 70 % rock, 30 % blue slate, i do this because the blue slate can be expensive , but with a little imagination i`m sure you can acquire the rocks for FREE ! Example illustration : See how the rocks/slate form an even surface!
TIP :Try to get the pieces of rock/slate to evenly fit together as above , so none of the edges unevenly overlap protruding upwards catching the turtle as it swims along close to the bottom and causing serious injury. Also you want the rocks/slate to be smooth so the surface is not abrasive to the underside of the shell also known as the (Plastron)!
==>> *REMEMBER THE TURTLES WELFARE COMES FIRST* <<==
If you have to shape the rocks/slate to fit side by side, then do so there are plenty of tools in this day and age to do the job, with a bit of thought and effort there isn`t a problem with this task. for the back of the tank to simulate habitat you want to measure the inside of the tank height and length perfectly for the photographic scenery background to be adhered inside!
TIP : Most people place the background on the outside of the tank , which is fine however on the inside against the lighting its gives a more real effect showing all the colours and detail of the plants and rocks in the picture!
TIP : Choose a background with more of a greenery plant look to it , you don`t want a tropical theme for example for your turtle enviroment !Placed on the outside of the glass all these textures, colours and details are lost and dulled by the glass!
You can now purchase packs of little double sided stickers specially made for this application of your scenic background, i reccommend you purchase 2 packs per tank for extra adhesion, they cost around £ 2.99 per pack at most aquarium centres or pet stores!
You will see how spectacular it looks as you see your turtles enviroment taking shape with this step alone!
Last but not least artificial plants, now you should never put real plants in as your turtle/s will eat or pull up and trash them which also means it`s futile to put synthetic plants on the bottom either!
So what i did i just carefully placed a few around the top under the glass strenghening pieces that run around the tank supporting the top, the plants are held with the suction cups provided when you buy the synthetic aquarium plants.
Make sure you buy the hanging type, as the the other kind have no suction cups they are designed to be placed in the gravel of a fish tank on the bottom.
Also choose two or three different coloured types of plant so this decor does not look bland just use your imagination , as you will have a wide choice via the internet if not your local pet store!
Well peeps, thats the turtles all revamped ..
On the next file of ye ole world of turtle, i will disscuss your lighting needs!
But for now armed with biccys and tea i`m just relaxing with the start of a new book called…
" Sherlock Holmes my life as a block of flats" (Amazon £11.99)… WHAT Honest!
Next post will be all about a website thats a FREEEEEE service to translate any language to any language for you to freely send and receive email to and from who the hell you want in this god damn world and much more ,doctor ….Eds spoiling me again !
So stay tuned TTFN….Ed.
To Be Continued….
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MY Ed WeBBers ARE PRICELESS!
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