Tortoise Tank Build out..

[brewmaster15]

I've a group of Red footed Tortoises that I am raising to eventually Breed... In the Summers they are outside, winters they spend the time indoors in tanks. They have out grown the tank and we decided to build a Tortoise tank in the family room (my old fishroom). Above the tank will be a lego table/ project table for the kids..

The tank is just short of 10 feet and 33 inches wide... I'll be putting it on wheels as I need to easily move it out to clean ... and because I still have to tile the floor,LOL.

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150101_131603_zps8699d6fd.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150101_131603_zps8699d6fd.jpg.html)

The Project is a joint project by "ABE " Construction.. A=Al, B= Becky, E= Ethan.:)

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150101_142322_zps32ea58fd.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150101_142322_zps32ea58fd.jpg.html)

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150101_141150_zpsd59e229f.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150101_141150_zpsd59e229f.jpg.html)

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150101_143148_zpsd4fed0aa.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150101_143148_zpsd4fed0aa.jpg.html)

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150101_144457_zpsb2aac61d.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150101_144457_zpsb2aac61d.jpg.html)

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150101_161253_zps4cce2cd8.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150101_161253_zps4cce2cd8.jpg.html)

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150103_100654_zpsf7b261b9.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150103_100654_zpsf7b261b9.jpg.html)

[brewmaster15]

Projects we do usually entail reusing old stuff.. all the plywood is re-purposed, the primer paint was a craigslist freebie ( Kiltz), even the wheels are re-purposed from an old rack I had.

al

[brewmaster15]

Thought I would document the whole process here... at this point we are painting and sealing... which brings me to a question for all you.
I need this to be really waterproof at the base... I plan on building a large soaking tub for them in there and its going to get messy and wet... I'll be caulking the seams of the floor, but what would you suggest as a sealer... Marine epoxy like is used in wood fish tanks? I was almost tempted to try and tile it:) or use a linoleum floor? What ever it is, nothing when toxic when dried.


Thoughts or suggestions?
al

[brewmaster15]

Our Torts are documented here..

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?59185-I-know-they-aren-t-round-Red-footed-Tortoises





http://forum.simplydiscus.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82706&d=1403005637

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82703&d=1403005606

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82705&d=1403005626

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82704&d=1403005617

[nc0gnet0]

I'll be caulking the seams of the floor, but what would you suggest as a sealer.


http://www.thepondoutlet.com/home/tpo/page_3707/pond_shield_epoxy_by_pond_armor.html?gclid=CKrh0LT z-MICFcxQ7Aod0GUArw

[brewmaster15]

http://www.thepondoutlet.com/home/tpo/page_3707/pond_shield_epoxy_by_pond_armor.html?gclid=CKrh0LT z-MICFcxQ7Aod0GUArw
looks good, but not cheap! have you used this stuff Rick?

al

[nc0gnet0]

Yup works great. Your right about the not cheap part, but nothing comes to mind atm that meets those requirements :)

Another option might be several coats of Thompsons, then cover with a pond liner, than something over that. pond liner alone might be prone to rips with the turtles claws over time.

[brewmaster15]

Yup works great. Your right about the not cheap part, but nothing comes to mind atm that meets those requirements :)

Another option might be several coats of Thompsons, then cover with a pond liner, than something over that. pond liner alone might be prone to rips with the turtles claws over time.

you might be onto something There Rick.. something like the Pond liner has benefits.... I could maybe make a fastening system like they use on pick up truck covers. The benefit would be to make it removable. Cleaning could be as easy as lifting out of the tank, carrying out to the compost pile as I use shredded bark as bedding.

hmmmmm..
thanks,
al

[nc0gnet0]

If you want to get really fancy you can use a product called envirotex lite and do something like this:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O-ElWtGuWQ

But now I am giving away my DIY project lol...........

[brewmaster15]

If you want to get really fancy you can use a product called envirotex lite and do something like this:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O-ElWtGuWQ

But now I am giving away my DIY project lol...........
lol.. no worrries Rick, "ABE" construction only works on low budget projects.:)

[nc0gnet0]

LOL, that is a table the people made out of Lake Erie stones and a garage sale table.

[brewmaster15]

Lake Erie has got some weird stuff.:)

[Second Hand Pat]

Nice project with the kids (boy they are getting big). I had the same idea as Rick using a pond liner and you could wrap the sides with the liner used for showers which is plenty thick.

[Bill63SG]

you might be onto something There Rick.. something like the Pond liner has benefits.... I could maybe make a fastening system like they use on pick up truck covers. The benefit would be to make it removable. Cleaning could be as easy as lifting out of the tank, carrying out to the compost pile as I use shredded bark as bedding.

hmmmmm..
thanks,
al

Type EPDM into Craigs.That's the rubber we use on industrial roofs and so happens to be what pond liners are made out of.Alot of times you can find scrap from a roof for sale of being given away.If you were closer Al,I have some decent pieces left over from my pond build.Your looking for atleast 45mil,I used 60mil on my pond.

[brewmaster15]

Type EPDM into Craigs.That's the rubber we use on industrial roofs and so happens to be what pond liners are made out of.Alot of times you can find scrap from a roof for sale of being given away.If you were closer Al,I have some decent pieces left over from my pond build.Your looking for atleast 45mil,I used 60mil on my pond. cool Thanks Bill!!

al

[brewmaster15]

nothing here local on Craigs list but this stuff is not expensive at all..

http://www.justliners.com/45milrubberroofing.htm 15 feet X 5 Ft for $52... Thats doable...definetly worth thinking about it.

al

[nc0gnet0]

I could maybe make a fastening system like they use on pick up truck covers.

That gave me another idea. as long as your not using the product to actually hold water like a plywood tank, but rather just waterproof the bottom, truck bed liner paint should fit the bill.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rll-248915?seid=srese1&gclid=CO_LhsaR-cICFWRp7Aod2hoANA

http://www.autozone.com/paint-and-body/truck-bed-coating/rust-oleum-spray-truck-bed-coating/98214_0_0/

http://www.autozone.com/paint-and-body/truck-bed-coating/rust-oleum-brush-on-truck-bed-coating/69491_0_0/

[brewmaster15]

That gave me another idea. as long as your not using the product to actually hold water like a plywood tank, but rather just waterproof the bottom, truck bed liner paint should fit the bill.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rll-248915?seid=srese1&gclid=CO_LhsaR-cICFWRp7Aod2hoANA

http://www.autozone.com/paint-and-body/truck-bed-coating/rust-oleum-spray-truck-bed-coating/98214_0_0/

http://www.autozone.com/paint-and-body/truck-bed-coating/rust-oleum-brush-on-truck-bed-coating/69491_0_0/

well it definitely meets the budget amount.:) doesnt need to hold water... I just want to protect the wood from rotting.
al

[Bill63SG]

nothing here local on Craigs list but this stuff is not expensive at all..

http://www.justliners.com/45milrubberroofing.htm 15 feet X 5 Ft for $52... Thats doable...definetly worth thinking about it.

al
That's the stuff ,Al.My pond was on a budget,so the pond was 60mil,butn the course way was 45mil.Stuff dosent get done during the winter,so if you need it now,not a lot of action,but if you can wait,might happen.Honesntlely.,figure out how much you might need,and if I can cram it into one of those "one -size-fits-all' post office boxes,Ive got some scraps laying around here .

[brewmaster15]

Bill thats really generous thank you!
al

[brewmaster15]

Maybe what I will do is use the epdm to make the soaking area, and then use the truck liner paint to water proof the hole bottom.

I will need to be able to easily clean the soaking are,but was thinking of just having s dedicated shop vac.
Hmmm...looking like a plan more and more.

[brady]

Hi Al
I built a fish tank 50 years ago with marine plywood and coated 2x with marine epoxy paint. Over the years it has served as a fish tank, a toy chest, a rabbit cage and even a Christmas stand[ I kid you not]. It is now back to being a fish tank. I should add that I also used silicone to seal the seams, just in case. Also let it cure for a good week or so.
So inclosing marine epoxy is the way to go.
PS I will second "Second Hand Pats" observation on how big your children have gotten from the first time I met you. How come they are getting older and were not. LOL
Jay

[GeauxDiscus]

I don't have any construction advice, but just wanted to say I think it's cool you guys can do that as a family project. Looks fun, and the torts are cool.

[jimg]

with mine I just use a big dish about 1/2" deep on with some bluestone under it bigger than the dish. very rarely gets the rest of the plywood floor wet, when it does I just move it to another area and the uv light dries that area quickly. I use the dish over a big soaking are due to it has to be cleaned and water changed every morning. feces in the water and the moss they drag into it too becomes fouled too much not to be able to remove and clean it in the sink easily. I would worry about air circulation with something sealed too much

[brewmaster15]

with mine I just use a big dish about 1/2" deep on with some bluestone under it bigger than the dish. very rarely gets the rest of the plywood floor wet, when it does I just move it to another area and the uv light dries that area quickly. I use the dish over a big soaking are due to it has to be cleaned and water changed every morning. feces in the water and the moss they drag into it too becomes fouled too much not to be able to remove and clean it in the sink easily. I would worry about air circulation with something sealed too much

Good to hear from you Jim...Glad you still have your tort...it must be getting big.. 2 years now?
If you have a chance post a pic of your setup and tort.
would love seeing them.
Best wishes..Al

[dprais1]

I've only had my redfoots for a few months but I just find it easiest to fill a plastic container with an inch or so of water and plop them in for 20-30 minutes a day. I tried the big dish that jimg suggested but I seemed to always spill a little filthy water every so often.

If they have defecated in the water I give them a quick rinse before they go back to their home.

Albeit mine look tiny compared to yours but they never seem dehydrated by the next morning or even close to it. Maybe a bathtub or utility sink soak?

[brewmaster15]

I've only had my redfoots for a few months but I just find it easiest to fill a plastic container with an inch or so of water and plop them in for 20-30 minutes a day. I tried the big dish that jimg suggested but I seemed to always spill a little filthy water every so often.

If they have defecated in the water I give them a quick rinse before they go back to their home.

Albeit mine look tiny compared to yours but they never seem dehydrated by the next morning or even close to it. Maybe a bathtub or utility sink soak?

I've got to take a picture of the biggest in the group. Unfortunately they need a pretty big soaking area to accomodate the 5 of them...eventually they will be getting part of their own room to share with my snakes....this will get them by until then.

[brewmaster15]

Hi Al
I built a fish tank 50 years ago with marine plywood and coated 2x with marine epoxy paint. Over the years it has served as a fish tank, a toy chest, a rabbit cage and even a Christmas stand[ I kid you not]. It is now back to being a fish tank. I should add that I also used silicone to seal the seams, just in case. Also let it cure for a good week or so.
So inclosing marine epoxy is the way to go.
PS I will second "Second Hand Pats" observation on how big your children have gotten from the first time I met you. How come they are getting older and were not. LOL
Jay lol... yep getting bigger Jay!:o thanks for the tip on the marine epoxy paint.

al

[brewmaster15]

So I just snapped a pics.. I think it will help to visualize just how big these tortoises are:) They run about 8-9 inches average for the the 5 of them and the biggest is currently 10 inches...

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150104_162517_zps909a2be8.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150104_162517_zps909a2be8.jpg.html)

and they are pretty heavy critters...

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150104_162807_zpsa4886fda.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150104_162807_zpsa4886fda.jpg.html)


So you see they are at the point where they needs a tad bit bigger soaking area...

I'm hoping that this new cage and soaking area will last them a bit, but I expect more growth still to come.:o

al

[Second Hand Pat]

http://s965.photobucket.com/user/jimgalb/torts/story

Hi Jim, your link is private.

[jimg]

<a href="http://s965.photobucket.com/user/jimgalb/media/torts/IMG_0139.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i965.photobucket.com/albums/ae137/jimgalb/torts/IMG_0139.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0139.jpg"/></a>
http://i965.photobucket.com/albums/ae137/jimgalb/torts/IMG_0138.jpg (http://s965.photobucket.com/user/jimgalb/media/torts/IMG_0138.jpg.html)
http://i965.photobucket.com/albums/ae137/jimgalb/torts/IMG_0134.jpg (http://s965.photobucket.com/user/jimgalb/media/torts/IMG_0134.jpg.html)
http://i965.photobucket.com/albums/ae137/jimgalb/torts/IMG_0132.jpg (http://s965.photobucket.com/user/jimgalb/media/torts/IMG_0132.jpg.html)
http://i965.photobucket.com/albums/ae137/jimgalb/torts/IMG_0131.jpg (http://s965.photobucket.com/user/jimgalb/media/torts/IMG_0131.jpg.html)
http://i965.photobucket.com/albums/ae137/jimgalb/torts/IMG_0139.jpg (http://s965.photobucket.com/user/jimgalb/media/torts/IMG_0139.jpg.html)

[jimg]

http://i965.photobucket.com/albums/ae137/jimgalb/torts/IMG_0130.jpg (http://s965.photobucket.com/user/jimgalb/media/torts/IMG_0130.jpg.html)
bigger one is red foot you saw Al, I had 2 but I made a pen outside and one disappeared (hawk?) so I bought another red foot and a cherry head. the big red foot is about 2.5 years and 9" the newer ones are a little over 1 year.
I will need a bigger pen soon, but for now they do fine. I use dampened moss in a heated (ceramic) sleeping area for their moistness, cypress mulch on the main floor. give them the dish with clean water they drink and sometimes soak in, but not often. I also added a uv lamp when I got the 2 new ones and see better/ faster growth. I don't worry about letting them soak, I spray them with a sprayer 1x a day when they eat. I was told no water over there face height is needed. yours are bigger and older so i agree a bigger water area is needed. what about a deep 1/2" to 1" cookie/baking pan that can be removed and cleaned every day? set on bluestone or cement board that will soak the water? I've had all kinds of ideas of bigger deeper water areas too, but too much to keep up with. I guess from the discus, my canaries, finches, tortoises and newt all get fresh clean water every day. seems to be a habit that will not go away!

[brewmaster15]

Jim,
Bummer on the lost tortoise.:( The group you have now look very promising very healthy. I've got to keep my eyes out now for an adult male... out of 6 babies, all were female.:(
Thanks for sharing the pics...Nice blending of fishroom/turtle room!:)

al

[jimg]

You showed me one time how you sex them... I forgot! I will keep my eye open for a male. the lady I bought the latest 2 from said she hatches them as female hoping for a $600.00 female egg layer over a $100.00 male. the other guy I got the first batch from said similar. so I guess most we get are female.

[brewmaster15]

You showed me one time how you sex them... I forgot! I will keep my eye open for a male. the lady I bought the latest 2 from said she hatches them as female hoping for a $600.00 female egg layer over a $100.00 male. the other guy I got the first batch from said similar. so I guess most we get are female.

Thanks,
My first time breeding these, but If the bottom of the shell is flat, then its most likely female. Males bottom of the shell is concave. Males usually have a bigger tail, and the v of the shell around the tail is more triangular...females are more "u" shaped in the shell around the tail.
unfortunately I guess is hard to see when they are young. I keep hoping one of mine is a late developing male!

al

[jimg]

thanks mine all look female too, so far. they'll get there! they eat better than me, 1x a week boiled shrimp or chicken then mix of fruit/greens, mostly greens every day. a couple times a month I sprinkle calcium powder on their food, may need it a little more as I can see the red foots are not as smooth/even growth as the cherry head.

[brewmaster15]

I did some more work this past week on the tortoise tank ...I decided to go with the pond liner, and found one that was 7X10 feet at Lowes onsale as a offseason closeout...It was just what the doctor ordered.

So I fastened it in place with screws and 1" flat washes to help prevent tears...


http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150205_122803_zpseonhou4l.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150205_122803_zpseonhou4l.jpg.html)

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150205_122814_zpsx0rmhv5x.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150205_122814_zpsx0rmhv5x.jpg.html)

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150205_122824_zpspyrvb991.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150205_122824_zpspyrvb991.jpg.html)


A also added a strip of a LED lights from Lowes along inside for ambient light.These work well... just peel the backing off and stick on... I did one side for now... Will do another side latter.

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150205_125046_zpsdplcmf71.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150205_125046_zpsdplcmf71.jpg.html)


Basically divided the tank top into 4 sections...


One side gets the heat light... It goes on the screen here...

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150205_130506_zpsfmbaadu2.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150205_130506_zpsfmbaadu2.jpg.html)

2 sections get plexiglass lids and the 3rd gets a plain plywood board... Thats there shelter area... So over a 10 foot span they have a heat source, a temperature gradient and cool spot..This is critical for reptiles so they can thermo regulate.

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150205_130511_zpskag6nqex.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150205_130511_zpskag6nqex.jpg.html)

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150206_085247_zpssmsbrqfr.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150206_085247_zpssmsbrqfr.jpg.html)

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150206_085256_zpsgmvnwoly.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150206_085256_zpsgmvnwoly.jpg.html)

[brewmaster15]

I'm currently trying to use a poultry waterer to see if they won't knock it over, I did that when they were small and it worked well..I was using a small one then and they eventually got so big they knock it over..This one is bigger now too.

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150206_090209_zpsxaqfkejk.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150206_090209_zpsxaqfkejk.jpg.html)

[brewmaster15]

Everyone is loving their new digs now...

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150206_085925_zpsrg5sgcmx.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150206_085925_zpsrg5sgcmx.jpg.html)

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150206_090859_zpsrrtjcdt6.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150206_090859_zpsrrtjcdt6.jpg.html)

http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s623/Snakebyte2/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150206_090914_zpsvrsinhbg.jpg (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Snakebyte2/media/this%20and%20that/tortoise%20tank%20buildout/20150206_090914_zpsvrsinhbg.jpg.html)

[Bill63SG]

cool!

[brewmaster15]

Next up I need to make a custom light hood for it..... I also want to make a supplimental light panel I can swap out with one of the plexiglass ones for when its really cold. all 4 pieces of the top easily come off...I did that to make cleaning easier and modifications easier.


Lastly, would like to include either a mister to bump up humidity or I am thinking of replacing the watering can with a small water fall, with a reservoir. That may bump up the humidity a Tad..

Its a work in progress.

al

[pcsb23]

Looks great Al. This is the type of misting system I'm looking at http://www.livefoods.co.uk/product_info.php/exo-terra-monsoon-high-pressure-rainfall-system-p-1720?osCsid=1f8bd8f6e37a9625248848e9c1a0eca1 - I'm waiting for a mate to get back to me on the one he has.

[brewmaster15]

Looks great Al. This is the type of misting system I'm looking at http://www.livefoods.co.uk/product_info.php/exo-terra-monsoon-high-pressure-rainfall-system-p-1720?osCsid=1f8bd8f6e37a9625248848e9c1a0eca1 - I'm waiting for a mate to get back to me on the one he has.
yep Paul, Something like that would meet my needs exactly!

[brewmaster15]

Well first night in the new tank went great. These girls are walking about all over. The basement here is not heated except by a wood stove and can get rather cold...as in 50s. I let the stove go out last night to see how the turtles did.
When the turtles were in the glass tank I'd have had to wrap the tank with a blanket to keep it even remotely warm enough for them. But this new tank with with the plywood sides and plexiglass lids is doing a great job of keeping them warm, Theres a perfect gradient in the tank from 80s t0 70s.

I have been meaning to build this tank for a while. I am so glad I got off my rump and did it...and so are the girls.

Btw ..They do have names as given by my kids... Aria, Lanalee, Sunny, Ichi, and Singer.


al

[jimg]

looks good Al! what are you going to do about a soaking basin?

[brewmaster15]

looks good Al! what are you going to do about a soaking basin?

Thanks Jim, I've decided to go with mister on a timer in the Tank, and will just use a large rubbermaid bin outside the tub to let them soak in...It'll just be easier to clean as they foul the water the minute they are in it... In the summer its easy as the pen is outside..

al

[GeauxDiscus]

That's super-cool!

[brewmaster15]

That's super-cool!

Thanks! What will really be cool is when I find the male tortoise I need and breed these females...If you think you need patience to grow out a group of discus from egg to adult To breed.Working with tortoises truly puts it into perspective and teaches you Real Patience!
al

[Whiskey]

Thanks! What will really be cool is when I find the male tortoise I need and breed these females...If you think you need patience to grow out a group of discus from egg to adult To breed.Working with tortoises truly puts it into perspective and teaches you Real Patience!
al

How long can it take to grow a Tortoise up to breading age?

Whiskey

[Second Hand Pat]

Al, my gophers breed every year for me and I do not have to mess with raising the young. :D Kidding aside this is a cool project and just goes to show that meeting the needs of your tortoise is a bit more complicated than throwing them in a tank.

[jimg]

How long can it take to grow a Tortoise up to breading age?

Whiskey
5 years at least