Turtles spend their time in water or on land.If they are to survive and thrive, they need proper care.To keep your baby turtle happy and healthy, you will need to provide the proper habitat, feed it the right foods, and keep its tank clean.
Step 1: A large aquarium is needed.
A rectangular or square glass aquarium that is the right size for your turtle will mean plenty of room for swimming, as well as space for a rock or shelf where the turtle can get all the way out of the water.The bigger the tank, the better, but be sure to meet the minimum size requirements: 30 gallons minimum for turtles between 4 and 6 inches in length, 55 gallons for Turtles between 6 and 8 inches, and 125 gallons or more for Adults over 8 Inches.
Step 2: The tank should have a water heaters in it.
Turtle's can't regulate their own body temperature, so you will need to keep their water at the right temperature for them by installing a water heater.If you want to find the care sheet for your turtle type, you should check here.Turtles may break if the heater covering is plastic or metal.In case one malfunction, consider using two heaters to heat the water more uniformly.The water temperature should be checked regularly.75 watt is the maximum for a 20 gallon tank, 150 for 40 gallons, 250 for 65 gallons and 300 for 75 gallons.
Step 3: A UVB light and a basking light are needed.
The UVB light will help the turtles develop their shells.They can get MBD if they don't have UVB light.They can't regulate their own temperature because they are cold blooded, so they need basking lights for warmth.You will need artificial lights to provide UVB and warmth.The UVB Lamps come in tubular and compact sizes.Tropical UVB or Swamp UVB lamps are 2.5% or 5% UVB.Desert lamps are powerful.The 2.5% lamp should be placed 12 inches from the water.These are normal bulbs.The right distance to heat the basking area is more important than the type of lamp.The center of the basking area should be close to 95 F.To make sure the temperature is correct, use a thermometer.To mimic the natural cycle of light and day, you will need to turn off the lights for 12 hours a day.Get a light timer to do this for you.This can damage your eyes if you look directly into the turtle light.The bulb is not visible to people sitting in the room if it is placed at an angle.
Step 4: There is a metal screen over the tank.
The screen protects the turtles from falling into the tank.UVB bulbs can explode if splashed with water, and the glass can hurt your turtle, so it's very important.UVB light cannot penetrate glass or plastic so make sure the screen is metal.
Step 5: Provide a land area where the turtle can get out of the water.
This could be a log, rock, or turtle dock.If you want your turtle to crawl out of the water, you need a slope and a big tank.It should be 1.5 times the length of the turtle and solid enough to not break.The top of the tank should be at least 12 inches above the ground.
Step 6: The water should be kept at the correct depth.
The water in the tank should be at least one inch deeper than the width of the turtle's shell.They will be able to swim freely.Deeper water can be provided as your turtle grows.
Step 7: You can use a filter to reduce the amount of water you have to change.
Turtles are a lot messier than fish.You will need to change your turtle's water daily if you don't have a water filter.If you have a filter, you need to change some of the water every few days and replace the rest.If you want to use a fish tank filter, you have to get one that is at least 3 to 4 times the volume of your tank.It will not be able to keep up with your turtle.The primary filters for tanks over 20 gallons are too small to be an internal aquarium filter.They can be used in larger tanks to circulate the water.A turtle tank's best filters are usually mounted under the tank and use an ultraviolet light sterilizer to killbacteria.You will want to get one that is at least 3 to 4 times the volume of your tank.There is a review of the most common filters here.Hang-on-back filters are designed to be set close to the water in a fish tank.The water in a turtle tank is lower than the fish tank.For the filters to function properly in a turtle tank, the glass needs to be cut lower than the rest of the tank.You will need one that is at least 3 to 4 times the volume of your tank.Under gravel filters are reverse flow UGFs that pump water up through the gravel at the bottom of the tank.They should be used with a 2 inch rounded pea gravel.They will not filter large food particles, meaning they must be netted out regularly, and cleaning them is more difficult since they are under the gravel.
Step 8: The air pump or air stone can be used to aerate water.
The growth of the anaerobicbacteria that make the tank dirty and endanger your turtle's health will be discouraged if you keep your water oxygenated.
Step 9: Artificial plants are a good idea.
Plants do provide some benefits, like removing nitrates from the water, but they are mostly decorative.With artificial plants, you won't have to worry about your turtle eating them or the plant dying.
Step 10: If you're going to have live plants, you should include a substrate.
The bottom of the tank is covered by sand, gravel, or soil.It will make cleaning the tank much harder.A painted bottom is what will do.Fine sand can be used for children's sand boxes if you want a more natural look.Softshell turtles like to dig in it.Many turtle owners find it hard to clean.The use of aquarium gravel is mostly ornamental.Don't use gravel that is too small for your turtle to eat.If you want to add plants to your tank, fluorite is the best choice.When you add it to the water, it will make it muddy.The water should be clear in a few days.
Step 11: Plants are added to the aquarium.
Some feel that a more natural environment makes for less stress on your baby turtle.aquatic plants help keep your tank clean by consuming pollutants and competing for the carbon dioxide that algae needs to grow.If you want to match your turtle species, make sure you pick the right plants.Good for turtles.Turtles that are plant-eating will destroy it.Java Fern is a plant with tough leaves that turtles don't eat.Java Moss is a moss that turtles don't eat.Hornwort is a plant that grows in floating mats.It grows quickly and can survive in low light, though it will eat some of it.Red Ludwigia is a tough plant that turtles do not eat.Requires more light (2 watt/gallon).Good for small turtles.They are plants that turtles will not eat.The plants are low light tolerant and hardy but do not respond well to uprooting.They work best with small turtles.Aponogeton ulvaceus will not be eaten by turtles.It can grow in gravel.
Step 12: Establish a good environment for your plants.
Plants need a place to put their roots.One way to give your plants the best chance to thrive is to use clay gravels.They give plant nutrition with less mess.Choose low-light plants or add light.Most plants need 1-2 watt per gallon of water in the tank, while most aquarium lights provide 1 watt.If you want to add more artificial light, don't put your turtle tank in a window as this will promote algae growth.Adding an aquatic plant fertilization at your pet store is a good idea if your plants do poorly.
Step 13: You should feed your turtle daily.
Baby turtles need a lot of food.Give them all the food they want.They take a lot of time to eat.They should be given 30 minutes to several hours.
Step 14: They need to put their food in the water.
Turtles must be in the water to eat.
Step 15: Feeding your baby turtle in a container of water is something to consider.
This will help keep their tank clean.If you feed your turtle, you need to scoop the food debris out of its tank.To cover the turtle, add just enough water.Water from the tank will not shock the turtle.Give them time to eat.The turtle should be dry when it returns to the main tank.
Step 16: There is a variety of foods for hatchlings.
A well-balanced, varied diet is the best way to make sure your baby turtles are healthy.Provide variety until you find something your hatchling will eat.You can find hatchling foods at your pet store.They have everything your baby turtle needs.Turtle sticks are good for turtles.Live blackworms, crickets, and mealworms are good for baby turtles.
Step 17: As your baby turtle grows, you can expand the variety.
The variety of your baby turtle's diet can be expanded once he is a few months old.The appropriate foods for your turtle can be found here.In addition to the turtle food and live insects, appropriate foods include: Waxworms and small roaches, cooked eggs with shells, fruit and vegetables.
Step 18: Newly hatched turtles can't eat for a week or more.
They will live off the yolk in their eggs.If they don't eat, offer them food, but be careful.
Step 19: If your turtle isn't eating after a few weeks, make sure the water in your tank is warm.
Turtles won't eat or digest food if it's too cold.The water needs to be brought to the correct temperature for your turtle.
Step 20: Leave the turtle alone to eat.
Many turtles won't eat if watched.Leave your turtle alone with its food if it's not eating.
Step 21: As you leave, make sure to clean.
This will make for a better environment for your baby turtle and allow you to go longer between big cleans.Turtles can't produce saliva, so they have to eat in the water.A messy tank is caused by the decay of leftover food.When your turtle is done, use a net to clean up any leftovers.Use a vacuum to clean the aquarium.There are rocks or gravel at the bottom of the tank.Attach the hose end to the bucket below the tank with a squeeze-bulb.The water flows from the tank to the bucket.If you want to add efficiency, you can use your siphoning as a partial water change.Just make sure you remove enough water and replace it with something else.
Step 22: The filter media should be cleaned or replaced regularly.
Dirt, un eaten food, and poop are caused by the media inside your filter.You need to rinse it with water weekly if it is a sponge.Don't use soap.If you use filter floss, polyfill stuffing, or charcoal, you can replace foam filters weekly.It's a good idea to unplug your filter before you work on it.Work away from places where food is prepared.Wear gloves when you have cuts on your hands.After cleaning the filter, wash your arms and hands with soap and water.Don't wash clothes that get splashed with water.
Step 23: You should change the water regularly.
The build-up of small particles and nitrates can be prevented by changing the water regularly.If you feel the water is dirty, you should change 20% of it every 2 days.The water should be replaced every 10 days.Change 50% of the water every 5 days in medium to large tanks.Every 12 to 14 days, replace all the water.Change 50% of the water every 7 days for high quality external filters.Water should be replaced every 17-19 days.
Step 24: Make sure you are changing your water frequently.
In the early days, you want to make sure your turtle's water stays clean.A full water change and tank cleaning is needed if there is a strong smell in the water.The water pH should be between 5 and 7.Purchase a kit at your pet store that will allow you to test your water every 4 days for the first month or so.
Step 25: When you change out the water, make sure the tank is clean and germ free.
You can push this to once every 45 days or so if you add solutions that help to clean the water and are safe for your turtle.If you want to keep your turtle healthy, you need to clean the tank more frequently.You won't be able to do a full cleaning if your plants are in the substrate.To make sure your turtle is healthy, you will want to monitor the water quality more closely.
Step 26: The appropriate supplies are gathered for cleaning and disinfecting.
You will want to place your cleaning supplies away from food preparation areas.If you want to make your own turtle-safe bleach, use 12 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water.Sponges Scrapers, bowls for soapy water, paper towels, trash bags, a spray bottle, and a bowl of rinse water are some of the other supplies.There is a large receptacle for soaking artificial plants.
Step 27: The tank must be thoroughly cleaned.
Remove your turtle and place him in a different area.It will work if he has a bucket with enough water in it.You will need to clean the tank, land area, and any other surfaces.The water heating element.It's better to use a tub or bathroom sink than a kitchen sink.All electrical devices should be unplugged and removed.Disinfectant spray and soapy water can be used to clean underwater electrical devices.It is necessary to rinse thoroughly.The land feature should be removed.Allow it to soak in the Disinfectant for 10 minutes.After that, rinse thoroughly.The substrate needs to be removed.Take it out of the water and put it in a container of Disinfectant for 10 minutes.After that, rinse thoroughly.The tank needs to be cleaned with soapy water and a sponge.Put 1 part bleach to 9 parts water in a container and let it sit for 10 minutes.You should empty and rinse thoroughly.Everything in the tank should be replaced.Before returning your turtle to his tank, make sure the water is at the correct temperature.Wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after contracting a disease.