INDOOR TURTLE ENVIRONMENT

HATCHLING TANK
Hatchlings can be reared in a tank of approximately 60x30x30cm and for a pair this will probably only be adequate for about six months.

Do not keep hatchlings in a fish bowl ... it is not adequate.

ADULT TANK
A pair of 15-25cm turtles need a minimum 120x60x60cm tank.

WATER DEPTH
There is no maximum water depth but the minimum is twice the turtle shell length, however, do not have the water level or floating island too close to the top of the tank as turtles are good climbers and your pet could climb out. A drop of 50cm or more on to a hard surface could kill your turtle.

WATER TEMPERATURE
I recommended keeping the water temperature of your tanks at 26^oC (28^oC for Australian Painted Turtles) to avoid your Turtle refusing to eat. Once water temperatures drop below 15^oC Turtles will stop eating and can stave to death as these temperatures are too high for successful hibernating, and too low for digesting food successfully. Water temperature can be maintained by using a standard aquarium heater (inserted inside a heater guard. These prevent your Turtle from possibly breaking the heater). Your local pet shop will advise what size heater you'll require for the volume of water your Turtle lives in.

BASKING TEMPERATURE
A basking lamp must be used over the basking area to replicate natural heat to completely dry the Turtles shell. This can be achieved by using a  Basking Clamp Lamp and a 60 watt basking bulb. By allowing your Turtle to completely dry its shell, will prevent it from getting bacterial shell infections, or other possible health problems.

UVB/UVA LIGHTING
It is essential to have a UVB/UVA reptile light above the Turtles. These bulbs replicate the light given by the sun. Your Pet Shop will be able to assist you with the correct one for your tank size. (Also see Reptile Lighting)

WATER QUALITY
It is not essential to age your water but a 50% water change every day or two will assist in maintaining the water quality. Your turtle tank should be thoroughly cleaned every week. Poor water quality leads to disease. Be aware that every gram of solid food results in 4 to 5 grams of urine being excreted.

WATER FILTRATION
Frequent water changes can be avoided with the use of a quality power filter but regular cleaning will still need to be maintained. The biggest cause of death with pet Turtles is ammonia poisoning. Snake-neck Turtles and Australian Painted Turtles are the most susceptible species to ammonia poisoning! Your tank water can look clean but the ammonia levels due to their urine can be off the scale and Turtles once poisoned can die within hours.