Bank holiday build -spotted's

[Easter Bunny]

Great idea, looks really good x

[Geomyda]

looks great Dave, I see the tube lights in the reflection. However, do you have natural light in the enclosure too?

[Kirkie]

Some natural light, could probably do with a bit more so I've got an Old Osram overhead for the turtles and plants.

Plan is to hibernate the spotted in this setup. I can monitor it easily and can adjust the environment.

Whole thing is pretty portable so I'm thinking polycarb frame round it out in the garden next year.

[Kirkie]

Going well so far, Spotties basking daily. Haven't used the land section so far. Usual massacre of the floating plants by either the spotties or the evil 3 striped mud I keep with them.

[Cherry59]

awsome enclosure. i could never have ame up with such a creative idea.

[Kirkie]

Thanks. I have far too much time on my hands.


Would like to mention Eheim Peat Pellets. I wanted to lower the water Ph for the spotteds as my water is about 7.8 to 8.0. I put a handful of peat pellets into the prefilter I'm using and it's dropped the Ph to 6.8 in 3 days.

I'm hoping to hibernate the spotties this year and I'm thinking of letting some oak leaves decay in the water to give them something to rest up in. That'll add tannins to the water too and should take the Ph down further.

[Geomyda]

leaves can be useful in the enclosure to provide cover and possibly to reduce the ph of the water. However, they will tend to clog the filter and the flow of water. regular pump maintenance is a must if you use these.
In some of my set ups the impeller and inlet pipes need daily attention as a consequence.
I do like the idea of the peat pellets in the Pre filter though.

[Kirkie]

You've given me an idea.