A reptile terrarium suitable for an aquatic turtle can be made from an aquarium by adding about six inches of water and making a land area above the water. The land area can be built up from rocks or suitable aquarium decorations and should have a reptile lamp above it to provide heat.
Setting up the Terrarium
The Tank
Make sure you buy an aquarium that is big enough. At least a forty gallon tank is required for an adult turtle. Add about six inches of chlorine and chloramine free water and set up a filter and aquarium heater. External filters are preferable, as turtles can be remarkably curious and may cause themselves damage by investigating an internal heater. In addition turtles produce a great deal of waste so a powerful filter is needed. Hide the heater under some rocks to keep it out of harm's way. It may not respond so rapidly to changes in temperature but that is preferable to causing distress or injury to your pet.
Use a water treatment solution sold in aquarium shops to remove both chlorine and chloramine which are added to water by your water authority. Turtles may eat sand or gravel so do not use these on the bottom of the tank and it will be easier to clean the glass bottom.
You can place a few artificial plants in the swimming area but avoid adding too many or your turtle will not have room to swim around. Do not use live plants as the turtle will eat them. To be healthy you need to make sure the water is clean so ensure the filter works correctly and clean the tank weekly.
The Land Area
The land area can be made from artificial rocks or decorations from a terrarium supply shop or use well cleaned rocks or bricks. An area where the turtle can hide is also needed so make a small artificial cave from rocks, wood or artificial terrarium decorations. Keep the temperature around 80F in the daytime cooling down to around 79F during the night.
Lighting
Attach both a UVB lamp and a full spectrum lamp to the lid. Turtles need UVB radiation in order to keep their bones and shell in good condition. UVB lamps are expensive and generally last only around six months but they are necessary to keep your turtle healthy. Turtles also need sunlight for at least twelve hours a day. You can also provide a basking lamp above the land area.
Aquarium lids are not really suitable as you need to attach the lamp to the lid. A plank of wood, suitable painted on the outside only can be use instead.
Turtles will also need a source of fresh water so place a small pan of water in the land area. You might think there is enough water around but the turtle will soon foul the swimming area!
Feeding Your Turtle
Commercially prepared turtle sticks can be used to feed your turtle. Mix in fruit and vegetables occasionally for variety . You can also give your pet leafy vegetables such as alfalfa, clover, lettuce and cabbage and an assortment of berries. Do not overfeed and remove any uneaten food before it starts to rot.
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