Water Depth Question
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Hi there. I’m considering purchasing a Northern Diamondback. I was wondering if there is a specific depth which my water should not succeed. I know that I have to build a vivarium, but I was wondering if there was a point at which the water would be too deep. I have a 75 gallon aquarium. Thanks for any help. I want to make sure that I can provide an optimum environment before making any purchases and have all my research done.
I keep my hatchling in a few centimeters of water, and slowly increase the depth. For example my 4-6 week old terrapins are in 3″ of water, while my adults are in a 108 gallons tank filled all the way to the top with a basking platform on one end. Julie nilesterp wrote:
Can the water be too deep for the hatchlings to swim out of? I’ve never heard that before, but I am new to the whole dbt thing. Will they, or could they, drown if the water is too deep? — In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, Julie Tougas
I’ve never raised hatchlings from the egg, but when I got mine he was very small (a Northern) and could swim fine. I think the more water the better. Think of it this way, in the wild streams can be shallow or deep. And they can hold their breath for a LONG time. I really don’t think it’s a concern. Fill up the 75 and give them a place to crawl/climb out to bask and you should be OK. Don’t forget both a heat lamp (like 150W) and a UVB bulb… I’d also include a submersible pump to circulate the water (unless you have 2 canister filters – one at each end). If you use the aerator hose included, they usually like the bubbles! Walt
I’ve never heard of water being too deep for hatchlings to swim out of, but I have heard of a significant number of hatchlings and juveniles drowning when sucked up to filter intakes or wedged between rocks/wood while submerged. Consequently, I would personally recommend ~6″ of water max for individuals 3″ and under. Neonates should have very little water as practised by Julie. Keeping floating plants in the water is also helpful in promoting hatchling mobility. Studies have shown that hatchlings are by and large terrestrial until they grow big and strong enough to battle against the tides of their lagoons and bays. -Chun — In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, “apshaiterp”
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