Snapping Turtle Enclosure Upgrade

Introduction

Snapping turtles named Bowser and Balazar.
Major upgrade from their previous small tub to a new enclosure.
Background: Eggs were collected from a nest in the front yard after being impacted by a predator.
Emotional note: Passing of Mr. Clean, a beloved pet.

New Enclosure Setup

Tank Preparation

Used a 120-gallon tank previously housing Red Cap Goldfish.
Evicted the Goldfish to make space for the turtles, humorously referring to it as "eviction".

Modification Steps

Draining Tank Water
- Drained water to allow space for an outside basking area.
Finding Basking Platform
- Searched for a large slate rock as a basking area.
- Found a suitable 28-inch slate rock from personal property.
- Considered adding another slate rock as a ramp for climbing up to the basking area.
Building Structure
- Collected bricks from the yard for additional support of the basking platform.
- Ensured sufficient swimming space beneath the basking platform.

Adding Stones and Plants

Added River Stones from Home Depot; resulted in temporary cloudiness of the water.
Installed a canister filter to create a waterfall effect in the tank.
Planted house plants in rocks, semi-submerged, for aesthetic and ecological balance.

Completion of Setup

Final adjustments: lowering water levels and ensuring the turtles have both dry and wet areas.
Created a more functional and spacious environment conducive for the turtles' needs.

Introduction of Turtles

Bowser and Balazar introduced to their new home.
Initial reactions: Bowser explored while Balazar was hesitant.
Highlighted the importance of not getting stuck in corners.

Additional Considerations

Introduced Guppies as a self-replicating food source for the turtles, providing stimulation for their environment.

Future Perspectives

Acknowledged that snapping turtles grow very large and will outgrow this tank in a year.
Future plans to upgrade to a 300-gallon tub in the basement when necessary.
Encouraged viewer engagement with a mention of a new plushie available for pre-order.

Summary: The video elaborated on an elaborate process of building an upgraded enclosure for snapping turtles, alongside poignant personal reflections and future considerations for their care.