Keeping terrapins in a pond

[junep]

I had a pond constructed 18 months ago as I wanted to keep terrapins outside all year round. The pond is approximately 20 x 8 feet and 3 feet deep sloping to a shingle beach at one end. It has a oase biotec filter and an aquamax pump.

Several questions if I may?

1. Is this suitable for terrapins?

2. Can anyone advise on plants?

3. I do already have blanket weed - handsfull each weekend to haul out! Will this go when I get enough plant cover and livestock, and if not, should I treat it chemically before stocking?

4. Finally, where can I find suitable terrapins?

Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks in anticipation.

June (in Essex)

[wayne020668]

hi June, welcome to our not so little friendly family... so to answer your questions, yes a pond of this size would suit the life style of terrapins if at least 3ft deep, but you need to ensure they cant escape or indeed predators cant get to them but size wise its good. blanket weed wise could you tell me if you have a ultra Violet sterilizer on the filter and if so what wattage is it, this may well be treatable by adding a more powerful UV light... as for plants well turtles and terrapins will eat many plants so its a case of trying before you add them as some terrapins will eat certain plants while other's will eat other types. we find here at turtle rescue that a very happy medium of both real plants and false ones can have a very realistic effect, as for where to find suitable terrapins then turtle rescue would the answer, we are based in Harwich Essex and would be happy to show you around and help you with all the info you will need to ensure any terrapin that leaves here has a second chance in life while making sure all your questions are answered so you know just what to expect... please feel free to contact me on 01255508713 or 07951033456...

regards Wayne..

[junep]

Thanks Wayne.

The pond is 3 feet deep and the beach end is contained by a brick wall 2 courses high (soon to be increased , how high should it be?) The UV lamp is an old 11 watt tube inside the filter so we will certainly replace this.

Your telephone number is very generous and I would love to see round turtle rescue. I will give you a call soon.

Regards June.