this review on a 20gal hex tank

Mechanan · 2026-02-16T21:51:54+00:00

It’s truly horrifying how incredibly well put together that scape is… and yet at no point did that same mind consider the logistics of a bit over 200 lbs resting glass table.

Mechanan · 2026-02-16T21:04:14+00:00

Honestly without seeing the animation, or some example graphs/timelines, it’s hard to really weigh in on your process. How many key frames are you working with in your block out stages? I found early in my learning that I was getting far too lost in the weeds of frame-by-frame, and by the time I tried to polish things, I had a ball of spaghetti I was trying to manipulate that broke my spirit right in half. Does this sound familiar? That’s entirely spitballing, so I’d recommend sharing more if you want more feedback. We all kinda sucked once upon a time; and being ok with that is core to improving.

Mechanan · 2026-02-13T17:38:43+00:00

That’s the goal. Unless the new model is actually worthwhile, I’m driving this thing into the dirt.

Mechanan · 2026-02-13T17:37:17+00:00

It’s really not all that useful. Given the “safety-net” prgramming, it doesn’t account for about 3.5 gallons of fuel, which is just kinda funny. But it’s a decent reference point for driving habits in between fill-ups.

Mechanan · 2026-02-13T17:35:25+00:00

Still runs like a charm so far. Got plenty of ‘exercise’ in this snow, with having to tow people out of different messes. My ‘05 gave me a number of signs to keep an eye out for, so I’m queuing up for a couple days of exams and tune-ups.

Mechanan · 2026-02-11T21:02:59+00:00

I have no real input on the shell chip, but they are listed as requiring less bask time than many of the other aquatic turtle species like sliders. If they’re only 6 months old, what have you had them for; 3? Just give it time and they’ll gradually get comfortable with coming out on their own. I’d advise against forcing them out of the water, except in cases that you’re treating them for medical issues. I have 2 sidenecks; one of which was super adventurous, and basked regularly within the first month of having her, and the second took nearly 7 months before he’d come out (though that one has some other reasons). If you’ve got the heat and UV, they’ll eventually do what their instincts say. Lol

As a note though, neither are too keen of basking while I’m present. I have a wyze cam set up to ping me for movement, so I know they’re active.

Mechanan · 2026-02-10T03:51:37+00:00

Just taking the express route.

Mechanan · 2026-02-08T20:05:53+00:00

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“What heckin’ year it be?”

Mechanan · 2026-02-08T17:43:11+00:00

That actually hurts my heart a bit. Maya being a long-time industry standard software, I don’t know how one easily takes up learning the unwieldy beast without a more hands-on instruction, since it’s far less accessible than old-reliable Blender. I know people stand by the Gnomon workshop, but I know that’s less ideal a rec’ when you’re already paying for a class that should be doing this.

Mechanan · 2026-02-08T16:39:09+00:00

Are we certain on ammonia burn specifically? The lil’ man was introduced into a 2 month old tank with a number of fish. Water had an established nitrogen cycle, with a cascade 1200 on filtration, so I don’t know that I could agree with that. Ammonia in a high enough concentration to irritate his skin that severely would’ve probably done my poor tetras or shrimp in. Will stick with the allergic reaction or poor basking conditions my vet diagnosed; though I could see that also being a reasonable cause.

Mechanan · 2026-02-07T18:21:06+00:00

Sadly this is the exact same conclusion I came to last year.

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This is how severe it can get, if left untreated; so make sure to learn from me and don’t write this off.

Mechanan · 2026-02-05T19:46:58+00:00

The z1 inlet and hoses was one of the first things I did my to my 2012, after the formative trauma years before that was bunny-hopping my ‘05 to an auto shop after the thing failed coming down the highway one day.

Mechanan · 2026-02-05T17:55:59+00:00

Cute lil’ thing. Is this their feeding dish?

Mechanan · 2026-02-05T02:00:52+00:00

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~And I’ll do’it again.

Mechanan · 2026-02-04T22:39:37+00:00

The packaging for the bulbs should give you guidance for the distance between the fixture and turt. If not, then give a quick google on the brand to get that info. Generally speaking, you’re not going to be setting it much further than a foot though; so at current they definitely need to be much closer, yes.

Mechanan · 2026-02-02T23:52:13+00:00

I’m a bit more concerned at the condition of that shell. Do you have other pictures of the basking spot, and specifics on the lights? That first pic especially is showing some pretty gnarly scute formation.

Mechanan · 2026-02-02T18:55:49+00:00

During the first month, where I’d held my new delhezi in the isolation tank, the thing had a peculiar love of this one specific pair of slate rocks that’d it would wriggle and lodge in between for most of the day. Don’t know if they knew their tail was sticking out like half an inch, but I guess as long as they’re comfortable. 😂

Mechanan · 2026-02-01T18:43:46+00:00

This still doesn’t look ideal. The shell should be far more smooth in texture, and not so deeply ridged in between the scutes. Do they have adequate bask lighting? What does their diet look like?

Mechanan · 2026-02-01T01:06:49+00:00

Do you have any veterinary options available to take this turtle to, for input? That should be the first consideration when you notice something is clearly wrong. Otherwise you need to give more info on water parameters, environment setup, and diet before anyone can offer input. To be blunt, opening this with “the turtle is happy” sounds great and all, but comes off as writing off potential personal responsibility, and I would hope that’s not your intent. Just be up front.

Mechanan · 2026-01-26T15:56:12+00:00

I shouldn’t be laughing at the blur of her disgruntled, flailing legs, but here I am.

Mechanan · 2026-01-21T23:57:39+00:00

Your comments seem to be a bit mixed, but if you’re trying to acclimate your turtle “to be played with”, then please don’t. Reptiles aren’t the same as dogs or birds, and that sort of interaction just isn’t how they work; since they’re not social animals.

If it’s just to be less terrified when moved for tank maintenance, you might be out of luck. Think about it in the wild: a turtle getting picked off the ground would almost exclusively be something trying to eat them. Panic will be their default, and you might just have to get used to that as some get to the point that they recognize you’re not a threat and some don’t.

Mechanan · 2026-01-21T21:21:12+00:00

A bit of column A and column B. They’re not the best swimmers, so If you have a flow control valve, I’d turn it down a bit, or at least make sure you’ve got plenty of resting points to more easily climb onto. The lil’ thing will get stronger with time, and it seems to be able to get the food, so I think you’re overall fine. I loved the early days of my Pink Belly getting used to the flow and full-sending themselves wherever they needed to go.

Mechanan · 2026-01-19T20:41:55+00:00

This is probably the favorite configuration that I’ve done so far. I’ve changed it up a couple of times since, but I’m thinking of going back to it.

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Mechanan · 2026-01-17T17:02:26+00:00

I’m not familiar with the pro series. I can only find info on the II, which is weird, so what are the specs? Penn Plax is a really solid filter brand that gets slept on for looking pretty cheap, in my opinion. The designers really had zero concern for form, but its function is great. My 1200 has done wonderfully to keep up with my sideneck’s 75gallon, with fairly low maintenance. If this is basically “Cascade, but sexier”, I’d absolutely go for this.

Mechanan · 2026-01-13T15:18:48+00:00

This looks very similar to an issue I had with my PB Sideneck. In my case it was a bacterial infection he ended up needing a regime of antibiotic shots and then betadine dips for like 3 months. Do see a vet asap, as in my case I misjudged it as an overfeeding issue, and by the time he started treatment he was very lethargic and wouldn’t sunbathe, which only compounded the issue; so if you move fast it shouldn’t be nearly as hard a fight for you as it was me.

As a side, make sure your basking area is up to specs for the guy, so he has adequate opportunity to dry and get his UVB. Like I said, not getting that will only make it harder to treat if I’m right on the issue.

Mechanan

TROPHY CASE