Hello,
Just as i promissed in the Introduction thread, i will have to bother you with some newb questions about my red ear slider turtle called Tabi (dont know if she`s a girl but we`ll find out in a few years).
I got her last week and after reading all i could find i have her now on a 20 liters hamster/rabit box ( i didnt like the crystal aquariums they had in pet shop) with plenty of space to swim and artificial plants to hide in. I use water conditioners, vitamin blocks, a water heather ( that isnt really neccesary since is very warm here in Valencia) and a turtle cliff with a filter inside from exo terra.
My head really started to get dizzy when i read about filters and pond pumps.
I`m going to buy a prefabricated plastic pond of 750 liters next week and build a nice, cozy home for Tabi outside. But i dont know if i have to buy both a pump and a external filter, or the filter will be enough?
Second, will Tabi drown in so much water - she`s only 5 cm ( 2 inches) long.
Third, the place i will put her will only have like 20 mins of sun light, so should i buy a UV light and are there any for exterior use? in case it rains i dont want to electrocute her by misstake
I know the first year she shouldnt hibernate and i got that all set up but i need to start making preparations for next year and buy stuff now so she can get familiar with the out side pond and feel comfortable to hibernate there.
Forth, do i have to keep the filter up 24/7 or is it ok to shut if off at night?
Sorry for the long post, hope it wasnt too much at once.

A external filter rated for at least twice (prefably three times) the actual amount of water in the tank as internal filters do not have either the flow or the media capacity to handle terrapin mess, and make the water as deep as you can RES are very good swimmers and can handle deep water even as a hatchling.
20mins of sun wouldn't be enough they need about 12 hours a day in summer and for the filter yes leave it on 24/7.

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staffy cross - cassie

Terrapins - 3 stripped mud, common musk, map breeding group







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Thanks for ur reply Joee.
Now i need to find a UVB - UVA exterior lamp and i`m almost set.
/cheers