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