How do you block off aquarium heaters from turtles?

turtles
Gina asked:

My turtle is a 1.75″ red-eared slider hatchling. I never had a heater in the summer because the water stayed warm, but now it’s too cold. What type of heater should I get? I’ve also heard a lot of stories about turtles getting burned from the heaters, so how do you block them off from turtles with them still able to heat the water?



Comments (4)    Posted in Reptiles    

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4 Responses to 'How do you block off aquarium heaters from turtles?'

  1. PIERRE - July 13th, 2009 at 3:07 am

    You have to keep the turtle from getting to the heater.

    This depends on what heater you end up buying.

    They will help you to select the proper heater at the pet shop.

    You need to know:
    Th dimensions of the tank, how high, how wide, how deep (front to back).
    AND;
    Draw a quick sketch of it or bring a photo. This way, they can see the layout of stuff in the tank.

    Probably, some rocks, some coral, and a few plastic plants around the heater will be enough to keep the turtle away.

    If it is a tube heater, you could make a shield with an ordinary piece of rounded plastic cut out of the side of a big pop bottle. Take off any label, and rinse it off well.
    Punch a variety of small holes in it with a 1 hole punch so water can flow through, but the turtle can’t.

    Place the heater and shield so that there is at least an inch of space between the heater and the shield.

    Good Luck.

  2. usher i - July 14th, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    Yes winter time = heater time.
    Depending on how big your tank is will determen the wattage/type of heater youll need.
    You can buy heater covers and that will stop your turtle/s getting burnt.
    Ive never had a problem with any of my turtles getting burnt, and if anything they like to hang of it and sleep.
    The only problem ive found with the heater cover is the suction caps arent very strong and my turtles keep knocking the heater of the glass.
    Aqua one is a good brand cheap heater with a built in thermostat.
    Good luck!

  3. Nat - July 16th, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    Depending on the size of your tank would tell you what size of heater to get. They come in specific sizes for tanks.

    Their are also special covers for the specific reason of keeping your pet from being burned. Its a mesh with suction cups. You should be able to find it at Petsmart or Petco.

  4. drew d - July 18th, 2009 at 12:05 am

    Ive got a tube heater and what i do is kinda squish my heater between the tank and the filter it works well and doesnt allow the turtles around the filter but also i have a submersible filter so mine is kinda longer If your filter is one that fits on the back it may not work also when you buy a heater make sure it is submerisble more options for ya to place it some where


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