The TSE Facility

Building custom filtration systems, enclosures, hatchling racks, and even incubators has been a passion of mine since I started in this hobby years ago. I didn't realize it at the time, but building those things was the preparation I needed for the massive undertaking I began in the fall of 2021.

 

I had two main goals while I was planning out the new facility. 1) To provide the absolute best husbandry for my terrapins possible and 2) to automate as much of the "daily task" or maintenance processes as possible. Both of these ideas directed me in the equipment I chose and in the method I constructed everything. 

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The TSE Facility currently runs three different centrally-filtered systems and 4 individually-filtered enclosures, totaling 18 breeding tubs, 2 grow-out tubs, and a custom-built hatchling/juvenile rack. Each of the filtration systems are best described as "overkill", utilizing different filtration methods such as fluidized bed filters, static media pressure filters, UV sterilizers, and a large protein skimmer on the brackish system. Each system is fed by an auto top-off RO/DI system that automatically keeps the water levels where they need to be. The Sicce pumps powering each system, the security system and cameras, the heaters keeping my water temperatures right, the 4k cameras used to monitor nesting behavior, and even the lighting system are all 100% automatic and Wi-Fi-controlled. 

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Although no facility in the world is perfect and there are always things to improve, correct, or even occasionally fix, I am very proud of how the TSE facility turned out and I am confident that my terrapins are some of the best cared-for terrapins in the world.