Aquatic Turtles

Offer a gradient: a dry basking spot of 90°–100°F and a cooler retreat on land and/or in the water at 75°–80°F. Keep the water heated to 75°–80°F.

Fill the swimming area with heated (75°–80°F), filtered and dechlorinated water. Under-gravel, submersible or external canister filters all work. Semi-aquatic turtles can have a smaller filtered water area, or a large water pan changed daily.

Aquatic turtles need a spacious enclosure (30 gallons minimum) with a dry, heated, well-lit "haul-out" area at least twice the size of your turtle. Submersible wood, rocks, cork bark and turtle ramps make decorative basking and hide spots. Semi-aquatic turtles should have a hide shelter under the basking spot.

With an under-gravel filter, lay 2 to 3 inches of clean gravel over the entire bottom. Semi-aquatic turtles can be kept on peat moss, orchid bark or coco products, kept slightly damp and changed regularly.

Feed baby turtles daily: whole fish, insects, worms and balanced dry pellets, plus small amounts of greens. Adults eat a similar diet two to three times a week.

Lightly dust food with a 50/50 mix of calcium and multivitamins whenever practical. Fish, worms and dry pellets can't really be dusted but are already high in calcium.

Full-spectrum light for 10 to 14 hours a day. It simulates natural sunlight, aids metabolism of key vitamins and minerals, stimulates appetite and breeding behavior, and brings out color and activity. Mercury vapor bulbs and time in natural sunlight are great health boosts. Thermostats, timers and extra filters add safety and convenience.