To obtain a presentable turtle aquarium, you will need the following:
- a tank
- clean water
- decorations no smaller than 2 cm in diameter
- land area
- basking lights
- water filtration system
First, you will start with the tank or the aquarium. Make sure that the tank can hold the size of your turtle when it reaches maturity. This will keep you from buying a new tank every year. Also, get a tank that is made of strong material like Fiberglas. Tanks made of thin glass can break easily under strong water pressure.
Once you have a tank, clean it well before you start decorating it. You can then add the land area, which can be made of materials such as acrylic, glass, thick wood, plastic, or stone. You can either slope it or place a ramp where the turtle can climb on. This is the place where the turtle can bask.
If you add decorations, clean them first before you put them in. Make sure they are not made of poisonous material or sprayed with insecticides. Try not to place them in the middle of the tank, around the turtle’s water area, or in corners where the turtle could get stuck if it passes through. Do not use materials smaller than the turtle’s mouth, or else the turtle will swallow it. Additionally, do not put sharp or pointed objects in the turtle aquarium.
The water in the tank should be clean. Since turtles are messy animals, you will need to change the water every 45 days or so. Use a water-filtration system, which can help clean the water, and give you more time between water changes. To prevent bad bacteria and shell and skin diseases on your pet, add a teaspoon of salt for every 4-5 liters of water you put in the turtle aquarium.
After the water and land areas are in place, you can add the lights. Turtles need heat and UV rays for calcium metabolization. You can get the proper basking lights and other reptile lamps in stores. Although turtles need natural sunlight, do not place the turtle aquarium directly under the sun because this can cause faster algae growth. Besides, the glass on windows filters 95% of the UV rays. Your turtle will hardly get anything.
Place the turtle aquarium in a convenient corner in your home, preferably near electrical sockets for the lights and water filters. But also make sure that in case of water accidents, the sockets will not get in the way.
You are now ready to add in your turtle. A turtle aquarium is not hard to set up. You will just need to be patient and vigilant of whatever you incorporate into the turtle’s new habitat.
Turtle Tanks Tip #1
Remember that turtles are not all alike. Each different species and sub species require different housing, feeding and water needs. Only after you have properly identified your turtle can you create the perfect environment for raising it. Therefore, your first concern should be to clearly identify what species your pet turtle is.
Turtle Tanks Tip #2
Aquatic turtles should be kept in aquariums that have fairly deep water, a basking area, and heat and light sources. Turtles that are mostly terrestrial still need to have some water but should not be kept in aquariums. They will be happier in wide wooden or plastic enclosures that contain the right substrate and a wading dish.
Turtle Tanks Tip #3
Be sure to wash and sterilize anything you pick up from the yard before placing it in the turtle tank. Don’t add any decorations in the tank that are sharp, pointed, or small enough that your turtle could potentially swallow them.