What Measures Should I Take To Care For My Turtle?

Have you researched what type of turtle do you have?

Did you get a tank according to the turtle's fully grown body measurements?

Does the tank have a secure cover?

Is the bottom of the tank covered with any type of material?

Have you made a basking area for the turtle?

Is there water on one side of the tank?

Is there a heat lamp placed on the top of the basking zone?

Has a filter been installed to keep the water clean?

The first thing to do is to get to know the species of the turtle, as even though there are a few species, for every turtle, the type of care is different.

House your turtle in the largest possible enclosure. the tank's volume should be 38 L per 2.5 cm of your turtle's shell length. If you have a juvenile turtle, be sure to find out how large it'll grow when it's an adult.

The tank should also have a secure cover to prevent your turtle from escaping.

Cover the bottom of the tank with peat moss or soil. Line the bottom of the tank with about 2 to 3 in of the mixture. Avoid lining the bottom of the tank with gravel.

Make the layer of peat moss higher with a gentle slope on 1 side of the tank. Put a rock where the turtle can bask and also get a hiding box at the pet supply store and place it in the basking area.

Fill the tank with tap water, provided your water doesn't have high chlorine levels. The water should be shallow enough that the turtle can lift its chin above the surface when it's submerged.

Use a reptile lamp to heat the basking zone. Keep a thermometer in the tank, and make sure the basking zone's temperature stays between 85 and 90 °F.

Invest in a filter labeled for a volume of water at least twice that of your tank. To keep the water cleaner, feed your turtle in a separate tank.

Taking care of turtles is a rather easy task relative to other pets but still some care is required. If you plan on taking proper care of the turtle, get a smaller backup tank as it can come in handy.