Your responses to my posts... I would consider 'trolling'...

I'm looking to generate discussion on a point that think is worth discussing... I could be wrong but I do still think I'm addressing valid points.

Stimulating conversation... that's my reason... what's yours?

"EJ"... All of my turtle tanks are open topped, hence the humidity can't build up, and they get a nice warm dry basking area. (yes complete with UVB!)

Like James my turt tanks are open-topped, otherwise they get too humid and that's not good for them. I don't know anyone who keeps turts in a viv, it would be kind of hard to provide enough water volume except for the few mainly terrestrial species, and the humidity would still be an issue as vivs have inadequate ventilation.

Yeah - I know - you have a good heart really but from what I have seen so far (early days) you are too easy to wind up!

As I see it a tank is NOT the best environemnt for a turt but they do need water. A pond is preferable but sometimes cost & the UK climate can be a barrier - at least for a lot of folks. Also there is the question of
'
Why do we keep turts?

- for our own viewing pleasure or for their benefit (rescues etc,)? I suppose we have to find the right balance here - same with torts?

Back to your stimulation - you are right my turt can see out - and this would not be normal in their natural environment. Also I think he gets a mirror image of himself which he flirts with. However, he is better off than he was a year ago being kept in a fish bowl - before I rescued him. (BTW - are many torts rescued?)

My ongoing plan is to make his environment as best as I can bearing in mind all the factors involved. I believe all good keepers of turts & torts should have this as an aim. However I am selfish & I want to see him so I have to strike that balance. (Pond + viewing window?)

I am not at all educated on torts so I cant comment on the 'humidity factor' but I would guess it is not as big a problem for most turts - I could be wrong.

__________________
I care for:

1.0.0 Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)- 10/11 yrs old

0.0.2 Leopard-Spotted Catfish (Synodontis eupterus) -5/6 yrs old

0.0.1 Red Tailed Shark (Epalzeorhynchus bicolor) - 7 yrs old

2.1.0 Moggies - various ages

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be measured
by the way in which its animals are treated."
- Mahatma Ghandi

I don't keep torts myself, but the high humidity created in vivs is often cited as one of their main drawbacks, I understand it's as serious a problem for torts as it is turts.

I should add my tank is also open topped and I am in favour of basking areas that are above the tank rather than inside.

__________________
I care for:

1.0.0 Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)- 10/11 yrs old

0.0.2 Leopard-Spotted Catfish (Synodontis eupterus) -5/6 yrs old

0.0.1 Red Tailed Shark (Epalzeorhynchus bicolor) - 7 yrs old

2.1.0 Moggies - various ages

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be measured
by the way in which its animals are treated."
- Mahatma Ghandi

Humidity can be a big problem for turtles, that's why we reccommend that you have open topped tanks. Humidity is moisture in the air, this moisture prevents turtles from drying out properly when they bask.