How to Set Up a Turtle Aquarium: 12 Steps

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How to Set Up a Turtle Aquarium: 12 Steps
How to Set Up a Turtle Aquarium: 12 Steps
Anonim

Caring for a turtle can be a very rewarding and relaxing experience, but you will have to take it seriously by first setting up an aquarium suitable for your new friend. A good aquarium for turtles will have both an aquatic and a terrestrial area, and must always be kept in optimal conditions thanks to adequate lighting and constant filtering of the water.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Part 1: The Basic Structure

Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 1
Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 1

Step 1. Choose a large and sturdy glass aquarium

Your turtle will need a glass fish tank that can supply it with approximately 15 - 25 liters of water for each inch of its length.

  • If you don't have an adult turtle, make your calculations based on the average size reached by adult individuals of the same species as yours.
  • Do not use a terrarium designed for terrestrial reptiles. The glass would be too thin, and would fail under the pressure of the water. The glass in turtle aquariums should be at least 10mm thick.
  • If you have more than one turtle, resize the aquarium based on the measurements of the first one, and add half the result for each of the turtles you intend to add. The final figure will tell you the size of the aquarium you will need to equip yourself with.
  • Keep in mind that the aquarium should be deeper than it is wide. If not, your turtle may not have enough space to flip over if it ever ends up on its stomach.
  • For most turtles, the aquarium length should be about three to four times the length of the turtle itself, and the width should be at least twice the length. The height of the aquarium, on the other hand, should be about one and a half - two times the length of the turtle, but you will also need to make sure that there is at least 30 cm of distance from the highest point it can reach at the edge of the aquarium., in such a way as to prevent it from being able to climb and exit.
Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 2
Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 2

Step 2. Equip it with a lamp

You can use a lamp that attaches to the aquarium or one that stands outside of it, but faces inside.

  • The light will have to cover the portion of the aquarium where the turtles can go to bask in the "sun".
  • Semi-aquatic turtles will need the full spectrum of light, so you will need to use bulbs that emit both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays stimulate the production of vitamin D3, and are also necessary for the survival of the entire ecosystem of the aquarium, while UVA rays stimulate the turtle to be more active, as well as increase its appetite. UVB lamps should provide most of the light.
  • You should also consider managing the lamps through a timer, in order to simulate the natural light cycle. Most turtles need light for around 12 to 14 hours, followed by 10 to 12 hours of darkness.
  • You will also need to place the aquarium in the right place. You can place it in indirect sunlight or shade, but never expose it directly to sunlight. The excessive heat generated by the sun on some days could end up killing it.
Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 3
Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 3

Step 3. Consider using a water heater

Use a submerged heater to keep the water temperature constant throughout the year. These types of heaters attach to the aquarium glass with suction cup holders.

  • It may be necessary to hide the heater behind something to prevent the turtle from breaking it by swimming near it.
  • Before buying a heater, make sure your turtle needs it. The ideal water temperature differs depending on the species. Those who prefer room temperature water will not need a heater, but it will be necessary for those who prefer higher temperatures.
Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 4
Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 4

Step 4. Invest in a good filter

Filters are critical to the life of your aquarium, but choosing the right type can be difficult. Turtles produce more waste than fish, and without a filter, you should change the water daily.

  • Large external filters work best. They may be expensive, but the large size makes them difficult to clog. As a result, the aquarium environment will remain healthy and the turtles healthy. Furthermore, the external filters will considerably reduce the cleaning interventions that you will have to carry out. Finally, even if the initial cost of an external filter will be higher than the other types, the costs associated with water and filter changes will be lower in the long run.
  • If you still decide to use an internal filter, buy the largest you can find and use two instead of just one.
  • Even with a good filter, you will still need to change the water at least once every two weeks.
Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 5
Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 5

Step 5. Look for a lid for the aquarium

Choose a metal lid (therefore heat resistant). While not essential, the lids will protect the turtle from potential dangers, such as a lamp that breaks.

  • Since the lamps used for these types of aquariums tend to heat up a lot, they are likely to explode easily if they come into contact with water splashes, so the risk of accidents is not that remote.
  • You could also attach the lid to the aquarium to prevent larger turtles from escaping.
  • Do not use glass or plexiglass lids, as these will filter out the UVB rays needed by the turtles to survive. In addition, they could shatter or melt.
Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 6
Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 6

Step 6. Equip yourself with the necessary tools to monitor the condition of the aquarium

The conditions of the aquarium will in fact tend to change over time if left to themselves, you will therefore have to monitor them and make sure that they always have an acceptable range of values, to ensure good health for the turtle.

  • Use thermometers to monitor the water and surface temperatures. Most turtles need a water temperature of around 25 ° C. The emerged part, on the other hand, must be between 27 ° C and 29 ° C.
  • You should also keep an eye on the humidity level inside the aquarium, so you will need a hygrometer. The right level of humidity depends on the species the turtle belongs to, and you can modify this by adding or removing substrate from the emerged part of the aquarium.

Method 2 of 2: Part 2: The Habitat

Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 7
Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 7

Step 1. Spread substrate on the bottom of the aquarium, but only if necessary

In general, there will be no need to cover the fund. This may only be necessary if you want to add plants.

  • The substrate will make the aquarium more difficult to clean.

  • If you intend to insert it anyway, the best materials are sand, gravel, and fluorite.

    • Sand is difficult to clean, but some turtles will appreciate being able to dig on the bottom.
    • The gravel will look good, but you will need to make sure that the pebbles are all larger than 1.5cm in diameter; otherwise the turtles might try to ingest them.
    • Fluorite is a type of porous gravel that can provide various nutrients to plants. Turtles will generally not try to ingest it, but you should still get a type with fairly large pebbles, just to be safe.
    Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 8
    Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 8

    Step 2. Create a land area

    Both aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles will need a surface area within the aquarium. Most semi-aquatic turtles need an exposed area that occupies at least 50% of the total aquarium space. Most aquatic turtles, on the other hand, will live well with an emerged area occupying no more than 25% of the total available space.

    • Turtles use these areas to bask in warmth and to dry off.
    • The diameter of the emerged area should be at least one and a half times the length of the turtle.
    • There are several options to consider. You can buy a turtle surfaced area at a pet store, or use a stone or log. The floating areas are preferable to the others, since they adapt to the water level and do not take up precious space inside the aquarium.
    • Avoid using stones or logs collected in nature, as they pose a danger to the turtle's health. If you decide to use an object collected in nature anyway, let it boil in a container filled with water in order to kill any dangerous algae, germs, or microorganisms.
    • If you want to use an unstable object as an emerged area, glue it to the sides of the aquarium using silicone sealant suitable for aquariums.
    Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 9
    Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 9

    Step 3. Equip the aquarium with a ramp to go from the water to the surface if necessary

    The turtles will need a means of transport to reach the emerged area. The ideal would be to gradually immerse it in water. If not, you will need to install a separate ramp.

    The ramp can also be very simple. For example, you can connect one end of a curved or straight but sloping log to the emerged area, leaving the other submerged in water. Even a piece of rigid plastic can be used in the same way

    Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 10
    Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 10

    Step 4. Choose the right decorations

    Turtles will certainly not need a decorated aquarium to survive, but adding some decorations can make it even more beautiful to look at and maybe even make the turtle feel safer.

    • Add branches, smooth stones and (terrestrial) plants to the emerged area to provide the turtle with places to hide. You can also use a wooden box. Just make sure the turtle still has enough space in the remaining surface area.
    • Real plants will do fine but be aware that turtles will eat them and you will need to be careful to choose only non-toxic plants (terrestrial or aquatic).
    • Sharp-edged decorations would pose a danger to the turtle, so they should be avoided.
    • Store-bought decorations will not need to be sterilized, but those collected in nature will be boiled in water (separately) in order to kill any germs.
    • Never use decorations with a diameter of less than about 2.5 cm, as turtles may ingest them.
    • Avoid decorations where the turtle could get stuck while swimming.
    Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 11
    Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 11

    Step 5. Carefully place various decorations and devices

    All foreign objects should be placed around the edges of the aquarium, so that the turtle can swim freely. You will be able to place some of the devices below the emerged zone, in order to hide them.

    • If you want to place something in the center of the aquarium, opt for a small group of plants, as they will not interfere with the swimming turtle. Reserve taller or stiffer decorations for the edges.
    • Make sure you don't create places where the turtle can get stuck when deciding where to place tools and decorations.
    Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 12
    Set Up a Turtle Tank Step 12

    Step 6. Fill the aquarium with clean water

    Fill the aquarium with enough water for the turtle to swim comfortably. Most turtles will need about 10 to 15 cm of water.

    • You will need to make sure that the water depth is at least three quarters of the turtle's length. That is, it will allow her to go straight back in case she accidentally capsizes while in the water.
    • The vast majority of turtles for sale in pet stores are freshwater creatures, so you'll need to use tap water or distilled water.

    Advice

    • Another aspect to consider is that of food. Learn what food is best for your turtle. Some are mainly carnivorous, while others are omnivorous. Find out what your turtle's nutritional requirements are in order to develop a well-balanced diet.
    • Keep in mind that aquatic or semi-aquatic turtles typically eat in water, so you won't need bowls to put their food on. For foods that cannot be put in water, just place them in a point of the emerged area.

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