Pond building

[emneil@swbell.net]

emneil@swbell.net

July 30, 2001 at 9:25 am #15243

I am digging an in ground pond (about 1200 gallons max depth 4ft). I am putting in a “bog” area connected to the pond. The pond will contain some dbt,a spotted, some musks, maps, painteds, slider, etc. I am planning on leaving them outdoor to hibernate this winter. I assume they may try to burrow into the pond silt in the bog area. I plan on having the bog water level be about 12″ deep with about 4-8″ of silt. So they would have 4-8″ of water cover on top of his silt. They would also have the option of settling at the 48″ or intermediate depth. I’ll also place some potted plants in the bog. I live in Texas (Dallas)so the coldest air temp I’m likely to see is 25F in the extreme and only for a few days. More likely hover around 28F overnight for several weeks. Warms up to 35 to 50F during the day. Pond not likely to freeze over. How do these depths sound in the bog and pond area? Should I let leaves and soil settle on the bottom in the fall to provide an insulation layer? Should i move my filter pickup to a higher level to help keep the water temp at the bottom a little warmer?

[Jonathan Helms]

Jonathan Helms

July 30, 2001 at 12:16 pm #15244

I would assume that they all should be ok with hibernating in those temperatures, since none of them are exotic turtle that come from warmer regions. Personal I would leave the leaves settle at the bottom for winter. I would still leave the filter running unless it gets to cold and could damage your pump also I would add an air pump to the pond. How long have you had your turtles inside? Are they all adults? When are they going to move in to their new pond? I would love to see pictures of the pond when it is completed, even some before pictures would be cool. Jonathan http://www.geocities.com/diamondbackterrapins

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