Water turtles (turtles whose feet are webbed and can swim) can be fun pets, but they need very specific habitats. This habitat includes a variety of needs, including water and heat lamps (heating lamps-light bulbs that tend to be used to increase heat). This article will help you to create a great habitat for your pet water turtle.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Determining the Needs for Your Water Turtle Habitat
Step 1. Choose a closed container for your water turtle
Water turtles need a container / closed environment that is appropriate for its size. It's best if the enclosure is large enough so that the tortoise has plenty of room to swim, absorb heat from the heating lamp, and move around in it.
- Do some research to find out how big your water turtle will become.
- Water turtles with a carapace (top shell) about 20.32 cm in diameter or larger should get a 20-gallon (±75.708 litre) container (pond, aquarium, etc.) 584 liters) for each additional tortoise.
- Use a gauze cover that allows airflow to secure the top of your turtle tank.
Step 2. Provide heating lamp
Water turtles are reptiles that need a heat source to regulate their body temperature, so you will need to provide a heating lamp for this. Install a thermometer to make sure the temperature level in the basking area under the heating lamp is between 26.7 and 29.4 degrees Celsius.
- The heating lamp is UVA light, which is best used in basking areas, however, water turtles also need UVB light. So, plug in both types of lamps and place them both complete with timers to mimic the pattern of sunlight, adjusting for different seasons.
- For safety reasons, follow all instructions for installing the heating lamp.
Step 3. Determine how much pond/aquarium water is required
The amount of water needed depends on the type of tortoise you have: aquatic tortoise, semi-aquatic tortoise, or tortoise. Aquatic turtles should have a habitat with 75% water, while semi-aquatic turtles should have a habitat with 50% water. Land turtles live on land, but the turtles still need water to soak - 25% of their habitat can be water, provided that the water must be very shallow because tortoises can drown.
- Be sure to seek information on the species of water turtle (turtle) or tortoise that you keep to find out the specific water requirements of their habitat.
- You will need a water heater to set the water temperature to 25.56 degrees celsius, although that temperature may vary slightly between species.
- You will also need a filter to keep the water in the pond/aquarium where your turtle is kept.
- A piece of soluble sulfur block will treat the water and help your tortoise stay healthy and disease free.
- Water without chlorine (deodorizing agent) is best for your turtle pond/aquarium.
Step 4. Decide on the type of plant and the surface of the sun area you want to use
Plants may be needed to make the habitat look natural and provide some protection for the turtles. Sunbathing surfaces can be purchased at shops selling pet goods. This includes factory-made ramps (slopes) that water turtles can crawl on as they emerge from the water or it could be a combination of driftwood and rocks from the outside.
- You can use real or artificial plants, but some types of water turtles may try to eat artificial plants. If that happens then artificial plants should be replaced with real plants, provided the plants you choose are not toxic to your pet water turtle species.
- Make sure the rocks and/or driftwood are clean and dry before you put them in the pond/aquarium.
- The substrate-gravel or sand-is not important and may actually make cleaning the pond/aquarium more difficult.
Method 2 of 2: Organizing Your Water Turtle Habitat
Step 1. Clean the pond/aquarium where your water turtle lives
Whether it's a new container or an old one that you've decided to use, it's best to make sure that it's clean. Use only aquarium-safe sponges (available at pet stores) as well as pure water to clean the turtle's home (pond, aquarium, etc.).
- Do not use any chemicals to clean the pond/aquarium.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaning sponges because these materials have the potential to scratch the glass (aquarium), thereby allowing algae/algae contamination to occur.
Step 2. Add any plants of your choice to work with
As with the substrate, plants are not necessary for a water turtle to live in. However, if you intend to use it-either real or artificial-place the plant after the substrate, if used. Plants living in water may increase oxygen levels for water turtles while the animal is in the water.
Make sure that any plants you choose are not toxic to your species of water turtle. Replace artificial plants with real plants if your tortoise tries to eat them
Step 3. Install ramps
Install a ramp (sloping plane) or "turtle dock" for the basking area at that point. The sundeck may be store-bought or a rock/drift wood whose position allows the sunbathing area to be out of the water.
Keep in mind that the sunbathing area will be directly under the heating lamp, so its position depends on where you want the lamp to be installed
Step 4. Add the water heater, filter and sulfur block
Before adding water, install the water heater according to the instructions. Next, collect and install a water filtration system. Finally, add soluble sulfur blocks, which will condition the water and help keep your turtle healthy.
- Make sure the water heater is fully submerged as soon as you add water.
- Use a filtration system intended to double the capacity of your aquarium to help filter efficiency.
Step 5. Add water
Immediately after completing the above steps, add water to the pond/aquarium and activate the water heater and filtration system. Avoid using water treated with chlorine or tap water (PAM). Let the water sit for 24 hours to allow the water to undergo a dechlorination process (removal of active chlorine). Dechlorination can also be achieved with commercially available additives.
Vitamin supplements that can be added to the water can also help keep your turtle healthy
Step 6. Install a gauze cover that allows airflow and light to enter
Install a gauze cover that allows airflow to the top of the pond/aquarium after completing the steps above. Then put a lamp producing UVA and UVB rays on top of the gauze cover. Some types of lamps provide both UVA and UVB spectrum. Make sure the lamp is equipped with a timer to mimic the time pattern of daylight and is installed over the sunbathing area you have created.
Remember to install the lights carefully to prevent accidents
Step 7. Let the aquarium sit for 24 hours and then enter your water turtle
Before placing your turtle in it, let the tank sit for 24 hours to allow the filtration and heating systems to work. This method also provides time for you to make sure the timer on the heating lamp is working properly. After 24 hours, gently place your turtle on the basking area and attach a mesh aquarium/pond cover that allows airflow and light to enter.
It's best to leave the water turtle behind so it can explore its new home
Step 8. Add lots of food choices for the water turtle to find and eat
Water turtles are omnivores (animals that eat both plants and meat), although some may be strict vegetarians. Look up information about your water turtle to make sure it's the right food for it. Leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, flowers, worms, snails, insects, and boiled meats may be appropriate foods.
- Several types of ready-to-eat food available at stores that sell pet goods will meet many of the water turtle's dietary needs.
- If your turtle's diet doesn't vary, it's likely that the animal needs calcium supplements. Many types of calcium supplements are available in pet stores.
Warning
The use of substrate in the turtle's habitat is not important, and it may make cleaning a more difficult task. If you want to use it, make sure there is enough substrate to make the turtle lose the urge to eat it, as long as this substrate can adversely affect the health of your turtle
Tips
- Feed adult turtles 3 times a week, while baby turtles need to be fed every day.
- Water turtles may drink the water they live in (ponds, aquariums, etc.).
- Clean the pool/aquarium water twice a week. It is recommended to use clean water that is not treated with chlorine.
- If you intend to use a substrate, add it after the pond/aquarium has finished cleaning.
