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Initial Turtle Tank Set-up
- Clear an area to set up your tank. The tank is 36" long and 12" wide. You will need to be within six feet of an electrical outlet. We recommend that you use a surge protector bar (not provided). You will have two lights that will plug into a timer and two other plugs which can plug directly into the bar. It is best to have the bar higher than the countertop in order to avoid moisture. We recommend plugging the surge protector into a GFI outlet or receptacle (not provided).
- Wipe the tank with a clean cloth and tap water.
- Attach the two thermometers to the front of the tank. The Exo-terra air temperature thermometer goes horizontally above the water line, on the filter end of the tank. The Thermo-temp water temperature thermometer goes vertically below the water line on the other side of the tank.
- Designate a bucket for turtle use only. Fill it with tap water. Dissolve 2 heaping teaspoons of salt in a cup of very hot water, and mix it in the bucket. Pour the water into the tank. It will take three buckets of water, approximately 15 gallons, to fill the tank to the appropriate level.
- Set the submersible heater at 78 degrees. Attach it sideways under the water, so the entire heater is submerged. Plug it in only after placing it under the water.
- Assemble whisper filter according to directions in the box. Keep the instructions and box for future trouble-shooting. Be sure to rinse the new charcoal filters and foam with hot water before placing in the tank. Place the filter in the cut-away opening at the side of the tank. The cut-away plastic guard has been cut to adjust for the oversize filter. Be sure to use the cover as turtles are very good climbers, and may escape if you don't attach it. The filter has a flow adjustment. We recommend the midway volume, which can be increased as your turtles adjust to the water flow and as they grow older and stronger.
- Put the floating turtle dock in the water. Mount the top suction cups above the water line. This provides the turtles with a dry place to rest. Remember, without a dock to climb on, turtles will drown. Mount the dock on the front side for a good view, and on the end away from the filter.
- Submerge the turtle hut under the water. This provides a hiding place.
- Put the screen lid on and set the strip light on top. Use only the 5.0 UVB bulb provided. The standard bulb has been removed. Turtles cannot absorb calcium without UVB, so it is important to always use the UVB type of bulb.
- Place the dome light on top of the lid. Use the 100 watt day glow bulb provided. The dome light can get very hot, so caution students to be careful. Place the dome light on the end of the tank away from the filter. Use only reptile day glow bulbs with the terrapins.
- Set the timer according to the directions on the package. On and off hours should simulate daylight hours, which will change with the seasons. If your tank develops a lot of algae growth, then reduce the hours of light. Plug the adaptor into the timer, then plug both the strip light and the dome light into the adaptor. Now plug the timer into the surge protector bar. Set the timer to the "on" position. Plug the bar in.
- Run the tank for two weeks before placing turtles in it. Make adjustments if needed.
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