Turtle Tank Setup - Everything That Goes Into My RES Enclosure

LLYT here! In this video I go over my entire 75 gallon turtle tank setup for my Red-eared slider turtle. I go over the tank, filtration, substrate, decorations, food, basking dock, lighting and more!
BUY AND LLYT BASKING PLATFORM! - www.etsy.com/l...
Checkout the links below to see the products I use in my setup. I am an Amazon Affiliate and receive a tiny commission if you use the amazon product links at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance ;)
In this video:
75 Gallon Tank - Petco Dollar Per Gallon Sale (rare find I know)
Basking Platform - Custom DIY build - • DIY Above Tank Basking...
Background - Custom DIY build - www.youtube.co....
Cover - Custom DIY build - www.youtube.co....
Decoration- Custom DIY build - www.youtube.co....
Filter (Cascade) - amzn.to/3uGdBjk
Filter (Polar Aurora) - amzn.to/3o64dTw
Sand - amzn.to/3o69med
Air Pump - amzn.to/2RC9Hct
Sponge Filter - amzn.to/3uFRMQE
Sponge Filter protection - see www.youtube.co....
Basking Light - amzn.to/33uHFlQ
LED Strip 2 - amzn.to/3uxNLhc
Heater 300W - amzn.to/3fcpfM2
Timed Power Strip - amzn.to/3ez1Cyc
Water Conditioner - amzn.to/3exuVRQ

[@ValHecker]

After watching many turtle maintenance videos. I can say that by far, your setup is my favorite!!!!

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Wow, thanks!

[@N3xty]

I recommend getting multiple brands of pellets and mixing them to make your own "perfect turtle pellet diet". Good video as always.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Not a bad idea!

[@smashbrosguyt915]

I tried making turtle rice balls using my turtle diets, rice, fruit, and fish. Did not end well.

[@vidalmeza8230]

How big is your turtle?

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

My turtles have always eaten koi food which is literally fish. They eat the same as the koi. I used to feed separate but they loved the koi food. I would just give treats of dried shrimp, dried fish crickets etc. they would prefer to eat the treats, so must only be sparingly.

[@Flynn1933]

I think you need driftwood that comes a bit out of water. They love hanging on while taking breaths.

[@lenedee9669]

You're awesome! You inspired me to take much better care of my two turtles. I spent this past weekend watching your videos and setting up a whole NEW home for my ten year turtles. Thank you! Without your videos I would have been LOST in turtle care. My turtles went from a 55 gallon home to a 75 gallon tank with a double above tank basking areas; new heating lamps. new decorcation etc. My Red Ear Silder Beto and my Mississippi Map turtle Mohombi Thank you!

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Thanks so much! Glad the videos were helpful :) your turtle will greatly appreciate your hard work, thanks for the comment! 😀

[@elle2313]

2 turtles would probably require a 125gal tank depending on their size. the rule is 10gal per 1" of shell

[@Jameel1989]

Such a gorgeous setup! Great job, they look happy and healthy.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Thank you so much! :)

[@tortoisepetforest3875]

My red eared slider turtle is 3 years old 🐢 thanks to this video for letting me discover basking area 🙏 🥺 and now he loves climbing up there 🥰 and he looks likes that 😊

[@denniskazich7559]

Got educated about good filtration. Makes a huge difference.

[@rockcvn71]

Excellent video man! My red eared slider definitely is a wonderful pet. He deserves much better setup than I've provided. Thanks for the share.😉

[@marisolguerrero3645]

You've given me such great advice and my turtle has definitely benefited ! Thanks 😊

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

No problem, thanks!!

[@jonathanadorno6727]

so true on decorating your tank. i spent 3 day decorating my new tank for my 2 red ear sliders (male and female) left for a few day to come back to an entire new setup

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Classic turtles!

[@thatmexican7317]

You know Harold is a female, right?

[@barlaggg]

herrold is a good name my red eared slider is named jerrold lol

[@redsoxs8979]

I just got 3 baby albino red sliders and one pink belly. Got them in a 50 gallon low boy tank with a big basking area

[@brianrobinson1896]

This setup looks AMAZING! I cannot wait to purchase one of your black above tank basking areas!! I wish we could pre-order. My 2 yellow bellies need to upgrade from their floating dock. Thanks for the great turtle content LLYT! #turtlebasker2000

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Thanks so much! It’s coming along nicely, can’t wait to release it! Thanks again for all the support!

[@Seanathan26]

@@LongLiveYourTurtle let me know when it's done! I'm interested

[@Yogscastrocks209]

@@LongLiveYourTurtle i’m super interested in buying one of these as well! my girl needs an upgrade! i got the largest floating basking area i could find, but it doesn’t extend up high enough from the anchor platform for me to be able to give her a deep water swimming area around it. she would LOVE an above tank basking area, but i am not handy enough to create one for her. plssss take my money lol

[@johnmagee3292]

@@LongLiveYourTurtle can you send me the link to the baking basket? I am in the process of converting my 65 gallon cichlid tank to one that can accommodate a turtle. I have rock in there now and the old water from the fish. I’m assuming I have to remove the water and the limestone pieces first and then add driftwood and sand right??

[@freakin_alexiss3118]

“Go big, go home, or get poopy” lol😂

[@KellyWebbsworld]

I love your creativity and desire to give the best environment for your pet's. I absolutely want one of your docks for my "Smoky" girl! Also will be making some updates to my 75 gal tank for her soon based on your recommendation s I will add another cascade filter to really bump up the clean.🐢🌾Thanks for your help.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Thanks! I am working on some more docks as we speak! Yes, the more filtration the happier you will be, thanks for the comment! :)

[@alainhernandez9465]

If you pay attention. You can go from 0 to quite knowledgeable in terms of red ear slider's habitat with JUST ONE VIDEO. Many thanks. 🙏

[@dicegray3683]

Just found your channel and love your info and insight. I have a female red eared slider and she is a beast. Do you think this basking area is big enough for a large female? Thanks for all the info!

[@antoniosandoval8421]

Just got two red eared sliders for my 4 yr old son never realized how much work went into taking care of these turtles 🐢 I have a pretty boring setup basking area filter n heat and UV lamps with river rocks kind of want add accessories to it just don’t know what really to buy

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

DIY is a great way to upgrade a turtle tank! Check out more of my videos on my channel for some ideas :)

[@Lostmineagain]

I agree Zoo Med Reptisafe is safe for your turtles been using this product for 10 years in our tanks. Also the picture you shows us speaks for itself, it has a Red Ear Slide on the package.

[@sossityfair9937]

Know this old so not sure you're still around but does this mean you use regular tap water and then this?

[@Lostmineagain]

@@sossityfair9937 I use to 5 gallon jugs to let all the chemicals in tap water deplete and I than use this to help out. My tuertles are now 24 years old And act like dogs. They walk up and down the stairs in my home and come to me when I call them. This years to train them but well worth it. The only thing they go to the vet for are nail trimmings and help with the gal when she produce eggs once a year.

[@TeamTwinTech]

Wish my RES wouldn’t eat every fish that gets dropped in the tank. I’d love to have some fish hang out with him.

[@gracelynnrusso4283]

I love the columns on your basker! Its a beautiful setup; I also love the tile.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@brianwatson8351]

I have a female so when they go to lay eggs you need deeper and much bigger basking sand area for her to dig and pick a perfect spot

[@bullyflacco5375]

Why don’t you have a 125 gallon tank??? Would that be good for the turtle

[@sharonstewart1151]

Fantastic Video. I can't believe I am just now seeing your video. I feel horrible that I have not been giving my turtle the best Life 😭. I have had her for 5 years now. Found her on my side walk in 2017 after a storm. I am very interested in purchasing your DIY Basking Enclosure. Please send me the info for a 55 gallon one. Thanks Again.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Glad you found the video helpful :) I am working on a basking dock to sell very soon. It will only fit larger tanks that are about 18.5 inches wide though. Keep posted for when it is released!

[@shanaydee]

Just want to be sure in hearing correctly. Your female turtles name is Harold?

[@andryshak]

This is a 55 gallon, not 75 but it is nice and your turtle looks very happy

[@randomrazr]

ur basking lamp, did the stand that holds it come with it or separate purchasE?

[@MossyWonder]

hi, I have had a turtle for 5 years now but I have just started to do research. Last year I upgraded to a 350 stock tank outside, I have 3 turtles, a 6 inch, and two 5 inches, it is currently NOT filtered. I was looking at what GPH a new filter should be some places say it should be times 5 but a filter for 1750 gallons seems like a lot. Help I don't know what to do.

[@homersipes]

You could do a wet dry set up. They're easy to build and maintain. I have a video on my page of my old set up. I think it cost me $20 to build and the return pump was like 90 at home Depot. I have had good luck with jebao return pumps. My first lasted 5 years. Diy my friend, fun to do. And saves money

[@yvonnepagan6505]

Where can I get a basking area such as yours?

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Hi! This one specifically isn’t for sale but I do sell another one - www.etsy.com/listing/1318779865/turtle-basker-4500-above-tank-basking?ref=listings_manager_grid

[@tyggrlili26]

my teenage son just got a RES, I told him he had to research them and their needs before we got one. of course the pet store we got it from told us all this stuff they need. after watching this video I think we are seriously under prepared. so off to correct these things! thank you!

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

No problem, good luck!

[@wayne3394]

Great set up 👍 thanks for the video. Was really helpful info!

[@zenoc6715]

I bought a sunsun for $75 and lasted 6 only months, then bought fluval fx4 $250 no issues 6 years later. Worth the money

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Quality does help a lot! I’m a fluVal FX6 fanboy for sure.

[@WONDERFULREPTILES]

like perfect system from turtles

[@billylister5576]

I subscribed soon as i saw the basking area

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Thanks! :)

[@deathnsd6953]

mine goes crazy af when I throw in a chicken wing lol

[@tntsk868]

Great advice! I have a red slider and he needs a bigger tank soon.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Glad I could help. Hope the upgrade goes well!

[@operavin]

Me too! Going from 50gal to 125gal with fish.

[@brentwoodley3172]

Where did you get your basking area for the 75 gallon

[@AmiaP91]

Hi is the basking platform available for purchase

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Not this one! I’ll have one for sale pretty soon though, keep an eye out!

[@AmiaP91]

Cant wait!

[@anthonylepore516]

Im sorry! Please forgive me but you’re tank doesn’t appear to be a 75 gallon! My Oscar’s tank is 55 gallon and it just looks as if I could put your 75 into my 55gallon and I bet i may just have enough room for your filters and all your supplies!

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Must be an illusion! I swear it is a 75 gallon :)

[@johnbon1475]

Definitely interested in one of those on top basking enclosures.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

TB2000 releasing soon!

[@Cynicallcix1775]

Man i need that dock for my lil homie

[@lizettemorales1634]

I'm wondering does she not eat the fish . I put feeders in my turtle tank and my slider eats them

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Check out my video on fish living with turtles. It absolutely depends on what fish you get if you have an aggressive turtle. You need fast, smart and hardy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZnMZYSvbcR6l6c

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

You have a female, I see by the tail and lack of long front fingernails. I assume that is enough room for her to lay eggs up there. They will lay eggs without being fertile etc. they will become egg bound if they can’t lay eggs. If can be life threatening. If not increase her box area to sun and an area for sand to dig. You don’t have sand. The basking is awesome, I would just have a sand area in May/June. They come out for to lay eggs usually once a year, if they came out early in May maybe due to early heat, I have had once lay twice in spring. Not miss laying eggs, meaning came back to the pond prior to laying but laying twice. I have raised red ear and painted turtles with babies hatching. In my area 7b they don’t hatch until the next spring so they over winter underground. Maybe make a double decker with a sandbox above in spring?

[@dmmichael1020]

I'm looking into getting a bigger tank and am currently looking at that same tank. Have you had any issues with the tank leaking? some of the reviews for the aqueon tank shows that it has leaked, and it is making me hesitant to buy.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

No leaks or issues with mine. Love it.

[@Roobiekun]

We just got a 75-gallon tank for our RES and mud turtle…when I click on the background and cover links, though, the videos aee unavailable. Are they private? Can you change them to unlisted or public? Loving your setup, and I hope I can replicate it to keep our kids happy and healthy!

[@frankgrillo9535]

Beautiful set up I had one very similar but my turtles were scared of that basking platform outside of the tank :/

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Ah, that can happen, it can take some time to get used to!

[@tlafleur8433]

I LOVE IT ! I have that size RES.

[@NicholasAnon]

Love your channel keep making these vids they help out a lot

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Glad you like them!

[@klo1445]

I wanna own a red slider again

[@mikehunt3159]

Long Live Your Turtle Massage

[@champchampion8222]

My turtle ate all fish in tank 🙌

[@Specogecko]

Personally I don’t believe most large turtles should be kept in glass enclosures, for the same exact reason why you shouldn’t keep tortoises in glass enclosures. They don’t recognize the glass as a solid object and spend most of their day trying to go through it. A stock tank is a lot cheaper and bigger, and recommend that. Nonetheless this turtle gets better care than most red eared sliders

[@WestBaltimore4Eva]

Never met a girl named Harold lol

[@Evideo69420]

I just need you to come help me! I've got a 6 month old painter turtle & She is growing and I'm ready to upgrade her tank and everything! I wish I could meet up with you and go shopping & have you help to set up! 🤣 Thank you for all the information! I'm doing my very best to make this upgrade perfect for her. I wish I knew someone so educated in the area I live in.

[@elle2313]

hi will you make more basking platforms? I would love to purchase one but I see they're all currently sold-out :(

[@faithb8723]

how do I buy your basker? Getting a 50 gallon tank for my african sideneck soon. Great job!

[@eleazargarcia8920]

I only see two tubes in the tank and he has two canister and each have two tubes are they both some how connected?

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

The two tubes are intake tubes and right next to them but not sticking far into the water are the output tubes. No special connections or anything

[@itssammiesakran]

Where does she lay her eggs? Mine has laid a few in the water bc she doesn't have 24/7 access to land. Just her basking dock

[@samckwong]

plant in my area are bit cheap. i bought some plant for my turtle to mess around and need to replaced it like in one or two month time. but they love it. 😂

[@AmyCrumedy-k1c]

I love that basking topper. Please, how can I order or buy one from you?

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

You can just use fish pond water conditioner for chlorine, that’s all I use in my ponds for turtles and koi.

[@pumpkin3435]

Where did you get your lamp stand? I've been struggling to find one that's tall enough and can hold my deep dome lamp.

[@liz9ram]

Love your videos!

[@shepwashington3179]

I have a 2 year old red ear slider and I was wondering why around his eyes keep turning white. What temperature should his water be

[@sngs9565]

You deserve more subs!

[@ervingwillie]

Is one cascade 1200 canister filter good enough for a 40 gallon tank

[@siehop88]

Love this ❤

[@berrin2020]

Türkiye'de böyle birşey yapan yok çok güzel bir tasarım olmuş😞

[@shapeshifter3054]

Ich finde das Becken viel zu klein

[@nolan5920]

We got the sand but our water is yellow any advice on how to make the water clear ?? I’ve never had a turtle but it’s to make the children happy but I’m so confused lol

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

I feed koi food, not turtle food as they like the koi food, it’s just fish. I feed 2-3 times a day depending on the heat, too hot only 2 or cold no food as they over winter outside. I feed treats of dried fish, dried crickets and shrimp as treats only as they would prefer to eat it only. The only veggies I have given maybe some cucumbers or watermelon, but rarely, but I do feed red lettuce 🥬 (lettuce with red tips). Well actually I feed that to my koi and I assume they eat it as well. It stays fresh I. The water for a long time. They will eat any fish that dies in a heartbeat! 😂

[@MarieWasHere_Clips]

feeding turtles 2-3 times a day is too much

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

@@MarieWasHere_Clips obviously not, they live in a pond with koi, I have had them since babies, the female is very large, and has been laying eggs every year for many years now. There are two smaller males in there with her. I have been raising turtles like this for over 10+ years so obviously I am not doing anything wrong. For the last year they were by themself since we had to move the koi because we were making a larger one. The pond filled up naturally so I allowed them back in it with a pump and filter so the female could get out to lay this spring. So maybe in a small tank it is due to ammonia, but it’s fine in a pond. Do you think they only eat 2 x a day in the wild? It’s about waste and ammonia, not the amount. I think it’s sad if you only feed once a day when it’s warm. I don’t feed them when the water goes below 50 degrees. What do you think other people do who have fish with turtles, segregate them.? Think about it.

[@MarieWasHere_Clips]

@Sea-cucumber1151 Well, you're a bit vain aren't you?

[@wendybutterworth7541]

Can’t upload basking instructions or where to buy

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Sorry! I’ll fix that.

[@shirleyray8478]

@@LongLiveYourTurtle can I get the info for the baking area

[@kennynyc1555]

how come turtle doesnt eat fish?

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

You need to get the right fish, a little luck, and a large enough tank with some hiding areas. My turtle was very interested at first but eventually gave up and they live together now.

[@persiffony]

Does she ever climb out? Mine is such a climber.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Not with this design, with the boards creating a ledge near the top it is harder to climb out or maybe Harold just though Poseidon would smite her.... good thing to worry about though!

[@kathleenhannmann760]

Won't they eat sand and get bound?

[@trash9609]

no that’s only with rocks

[@KristianDowning-zn3zi]

Res ear slide?

[@yvonnepeterson7701]

Are your Basking tops for sale yet?

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Not yet but soon! Hopefully I’ll have my concept done in a week or two and then start making them!

[@ansleynicolaus9111]

Hello, does it matter if this 75 gallon is a breeder tank?

[@alyyankee3651]

what happens in an earthquake?😢

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Hopefully nothing! But if your tank breaks cleanup and set it all up again I suppose!

[@ahmoiloh644]

This is so underrated

[@drobinson0601]

Came in just as ad perfect for my 20 gallon

[@TheTidyMomxo]

Hi the filter you recommended for “non budget” would that replace having to use two filters? I prefer to just use one filter however I have 2 sliders in my tank about the same size as your bud. Please let me know THANK YOU!

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Fluval FX6 is a great premium option. Checkout my review on it!

[@podcastclipsznshorts]

yo i have tank i think 90 gallons it 130cmx60x55 and need a strong desk or chest of draws or something that will hold it please someone help me it weighs about 90kg or 185pounds empty

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

That is a very heavy tank. Mine was specifically designed for an aquarium. For larger ones like 75+ I’d suggest aquarium specific wood or iron stands. If you want to make one there are some great DIYs on KZbin using 2x4s!

[@Helloitsme027]

Has your turtle eaten the fish? I bought some cleaner snails and fish but that wasn't a good idea. Obviously I feed them so I guess it was a natural instinct but I don't want this to happpen again since I like them to have a cleaner environment to live in. Any help is appreciated. Thank you! :)

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Hello! Yes, turtles will always think fish are food. If they can catch them that is. I have some videos going over some good and bad options. For cleaning there isn't much. Maybe some faster algae eater like an otto? But beware they could become a snack.

[@kadengriggs2512]

I bought two fx6 filter for my two turtle tanks and they work amazing never have to clean it. You should still do your 20-50% water change and maintain the filter every month or three depending on the size of turtle tank it apart and clean it out

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

It’s an amazing turtle filter for sure! Thanks for the comment :)

[@elle2313]

excellent video, thank you for all the info!!

[@pixelatedgaming1345]

Give them duckweed as good they do great :)

[@lisawardein]

I want your shirt 🐢 I love your tank setup

[@randomrazr]

would a sibngle fluval fx 6 be enough for a full size RES?

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Depends on tank size but honestly yes, I’d say this filter would be good up to 150 gallons with one turtle.

[@PurpleKittens619]

Omg how does your turtle live with FISH!? My turtle Franklin would totally eat every one of those beauties😭

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Just need the right fish! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZnMZYSvbcR6l6c

[@kingfabian4200]

How long when your turtle breathe in the water?

[@Acontador13]

IIs your turtle lonely? He has no turtle friend?

[@kbryant7709]

My RES are eating the sand. The tank is much cleaner without river rocks. Do I have to get rid of the sand.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Shouldn't be a problem. My turtle will sift through it and kind of eat it to get at some food or poop or whatever she finds interesting. Sand is small enough that it should just go in the mouth and out the other end. Keep and eye on it though, they shouldn't be gobbling it all up.

[@mikerusso4775]

Why hasn't he eaten the fish??

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

These fish were specifically chosen to avoid just that! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZnMZYSvbcR6l6c

[@highswithlowe]

I first had a green bacteria problem that made the water super green and cloudy. I got a UV pump that cleared it. Now I have algae growing rampant everywhere on the surfaces. I have a fx4 and a 50 gallon tank for my 7 inch turtle. It's setup much like this one with water to the top. Any suggestions as to how to combat the algae?

[@jerryc5716]

Is your tank near a window?

[@highswithlowe]

@@jerryc5716 Yes.

[@jerryc5716]

@@highswithlowe I'm preparing to get a tank set up for my own RES. While researching, I found out that putting tanks near windows causes algae to thrive. UVB lamp is a suitable substitute for sunlight and won't cause algae.

[@highswithlowe]

@@jerryc5716 Hey thanks for the tip! I can't easily move the tank though...

[@tiffanytonybranam9234]

We're did u get ur filter tanks at?

[@Lissyhead2]

My silly RES will eat live plants, dead plants, and any fish I try to layer in. Advice on turtle proof plants? (Granted, I'm only halfway through your video right now)

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Best plants are her plastic (not cloth as those can be ripped) and don’t come apart along the stem. A heavy, wide base is also ideal. Good luck!

[@kiyanwest149]

She def looks too big for that tank

[@DINNUMBAS]

I love your video. Thank you for all the information! I do have a question for anyone. I have upgraded my turtles tank to a 45 gallon tall tank with a similar basking unit, but my slider does not seem interested in or know how to get to the top. It’s making me worried he won’t be able to get his light source. Any suggestions?? The tank is all the way filled and I have met the “minimum water” levels suggested. Thanks!!

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Thanks! Is it a DIY basker? Can your turtle climb the ramp? what is the temp of the basking area? Does your turtle use it when you are not around?

[@DINNUMBAS]

@@LongLiveYourTurtle it’s the Penn-Plax. My water level was to low. I figured it out and he’s doing great with it now. Thank you!!