Turtles make some of the fascinating pets. They happen to be a point of attraction for both adults and children. All the same, these pretty reptiles can be a bit delicate. That is why learning how to take care of a turtle is an invaluable investment.
All animals have their basic requirements, which pet owners have to meet.
For that very reason, we have gathered some tips to guide you in caring for your lovely turtle pet. Starting by getting the correct aquarium tank, you can go ahead and create an environment that is conducive for the turtles to thrive in.
Table of Contents
Get an Ideal Turtle Aquarium Tank
If the local environment is too cold for you to keep your turtle pets in a pond, then you need to consider getting a good turtle tank. When choosing a tank, the leading feature should be its size. The bigger the container, the better it is for your pets.
Notably, the golden rule in acquiring a turtle tank states that for every one inch of your pet’s body length, you need a 10-gallon tank. So, measure your turtle and multiply the body length by 10.
If you have two turtles, you definitely will need double the size.
On the other hand, if you have baby turtles, consider how big that species grows. Therefore, you need to work with the average body length of a mature turtle on the safe side.
Actually, turtles are some of the most playful animals, and lack of enough space could stress them and eventually affect their health.
Once you get your tank, carpet it at the bottom with soil or peat moss. You should avoid using gravel. Your turtles may choke as they try to eat some of the rocks.
When it comes to filling the aquarium with water, make sure it is at least two times the body length of your biggest turtle.
Avail a Basking Area for Your Turtle
Though turtles happen to spend most of their time in the water, they always come out to bask in the sun. Actually, their bodies need heat from the sun to function correctly.
Indeed, turtles require both UVA and UVB light. The UVA light helps in feeding, breeding, and even mood control. On the other hand, UVB is necessary for the production of vitamin D3, which is essential for bone and shell development. Without the UV light, the turtle would die of metabolic bone disease.
For that reason, you need to create a raised but sloppy basking platform. You can achieve this by molding the peat moss on one end into a gently sloping hill.
Also, make sure the basking area isn’t so smooth that turtles slide back into the water when they try to climb. In addition, the surface should have some ridges that allow the turtle’s shell to dry.
Since the turtle tank is indoors, then how will the turtles bask?
There are times when you can allow sunlight into the turtle tank, but in a season like a winter, you need to be smart.
Therefore, make sure you install a UV light above the basking area and heaters to regulate water temperatures.
Install a Turtle Tank Filter
Like any other animal that spends time in the water, the turtle also makes the water dirty. Actually, they are known to be some of the messiest pets. In that case, you need to clean the water these pets live in at all times to avoid adverse intoxication.
Notably, they use this water for drinking and as a place to cool themselves.
As such, clean water is vital for your turtle’s health. That is why you need to fit a good water filter. Most preferably, go for a filter that is labeled for double the volume of your tank.
Although you will install a water filter in the tank of the turtle, you will have to remove feces and other debris by using a net physically.
Use Bottled Water
Mostly, tapped water contains chlorine that is used in water treatment. Unfortunately, this water isn’t safe for your turtles. Therefore, the best option is to use bottled water or use a dechlorinating agent.
All the same, you need to add a teaspoon of table salt per gallon of water to help kill harmful bacteria.
Clean the Turtle Tank Every Three Weeks
To keep your turtle healthy, its habitat has to be clean. First, you need to scope out all the old food and other waste materials from the tank daily. Also, after about every three weeks, you need to clean your tank thoroughly.
Remove all tank accessories and throw the sand away. Then, clean the tank and rinse the accessories.
Replace the sand and refill the tank with clean dechlorinated water.
Conclusion
The turtle tank is the only home to your pet turtles. Therefore, to ensure that they live long and healthy, you should ensure that the container meets the recommended conditions.
No matter how eager you could be in getting your first turtle pet, without a proper tank, the animal will get stressed, sick, or even lose its life in an untimely death.
Therefore, the primary way to care for turtle pets is by availing a suitable tank and maintaining the correct environmental condition that enhances their development.