If you have a juvenile turtle, be sure to find out how large it’ll be when it’s an adult. Suppose you buy your 4 in (10 cm) juvenile turtle a 40 US gal (150 L) tank. If the turtle eventually grows to 12 in (30 cm), that tank will be way too small. The tank should also have a secure cover to prevent your turtle from escaping. Additionally, aquatic turtles need water deep enough to swim. The water’s depth should be at least twice the turtle’s length.
Avoid lining the bottom of the tank with gravel. Your turtle could eat the small rocks and choke.
Gently slope the peat moss or soil and river rocks so the incline won’t be too steep for your turtle to climb. Get a hiding box at the pet supply store and place it in the basking area. Your turtle will appreciate having a cozy spot to hide. Keep in mind the water in the tank will need to be deeper if you have an aquatic turtle. Make the basking area’s height more than twice the turtle’s length to ensure it’ll be above water.
Box turtles can drown in deeper water. If you have an aquatic species, such as a pond terrapin, remember that the water should be at least twice as deep as the turtle’s length. [5] X Research source Find a chlorine test kit online, at a pet supply store, or at a home improvement store. If your tap water’s chlorine level is above 0, fill the tank with bottled water or purchase a dechlorinating agent at the pet supply store.
If your reptile lamp uses an incandescent bulb, you’ll also need to buy a UVA/UVB fluorescent lamp. UV light provides your turtle with vitamin D, which helps it absorb calcium. UV lamps need to be replaced every 6 months to a year. [8] X Expert Source Audra BarriosMarine Biologist & Reptile Specialist Expert Interview. 18 August 2020. You’ll need to turn the lamp off at night, but the tank cannot cool to less than 60 °F (16 °C). If the tank’s air and water temperatures get too cool at night, place the the tank on a heating pad and purchase a water heater at the pet store. [9] X Research source You should set the UV lamp approximately 12 inches away from where your turtle will be. [10] X Expert Source Audra BarriosMarine Biologist & Reptile Specialist Expert Interview. 18 August 2020. It’s wise to set up the tank at least 2 weeks before getting your turtle so you can perfect the temperature and other environmental conditions.
When you’re at the pet supply store, ask an employee for advice about purchasing a filter. Even though you’re using a water filter, you’ll still need to remove feces and other debris from the tank with a net every day. To keep the water cleaner, feed your turtle in a separate tank.
Since it’s only for temporary use, the backup tank doesn’t have to be big. Just make sure your turtle has some room to crawl around. To keep your turtle warm, transfer the heat lamp to the backup tank when it’s in use.
Swap up what you feed your turtle to keep its meals interesting. You could feed it store-bought food 1 to 2 times a week and homemade meals another 1 to 2 times per week. Live fish and insects can provide mental stimulation. To prevent choking, cut up veggies into bite-size pieces smaller than your turtle’s beak.
As a rule of thumb, give your turtle the amount of food that it can eat in 5 minutes. Observe it when you first feed it to gauge the right amount. Turtles are opportunistic eaters, and they’re prone to overeating if they have an unlimited supply of food. [17] X Research source If you have an aquatic turtle, put its food directly in the water. Aquatic turtles can’t swallow food unless it’s in the water. After 5 minutes, scoop out any extra food with a net to help keep the water clean. [18] X Research source Feed a box turtle with a food bowl, and remove the bowl after about 5 minutes.
Turtles need lots of calcium to keep their bony shells strong. If have an aquatic turtle, you can also keep a block of calcium carbonate in the water for it to chew. [20] X Research source
Turtles are generally healthy, but they are prone to infections, malnutrition, and eye problems. If you spot concerning signs, such as a soft, leathery shell, cloudy eyes, or skin blisters, bring it to an exotic pet vet who’s experienced with treating turtles. Search online for an experienced local vet, or ask the breeder or pet store for referral.
Turtles carry salmonella, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Your turtle will drink the water, so it’s important to test it and keep it clean. If the pH is off, amend the water with a store-bought agent, which you can find at the pet supply store. If ammonia, nitrate, or nitrate levels are high, change the water and consider upgrading your filter.
The water contains beneficial bacteria; whenever possible, avoid changing it entirely.
Rinse the tank and accessories thoroughly, and be sure to wash away all traces of the bleach solution. After thoroughly rinsing the tank and accessories, put the habitat back together and refill it with water. Be sure to wash your hands and sanitize the sink or tub with bleach after washing the tank. Remember that turtles carry germs that can make people sick.
