How to properly equip an aquaterrarium for a red-eared turtle

Keeping a swamp turtle

photo can be enlarged

This species is not often found in aquatic turtle aquariums. Much more often, compatriots choose “overseas friends” than the inhabitant of the reservoirs of our country. The bog turtle is aquatic, which means it needs an aquarium with water. The nutrition of such an animal deserves great attention. The aquatic species is a pronounced predator, so it cannot feed on greens alone; such food will weaken it and make it sick.

You should not let your pet wander around the house or apartment on its own. After such walks, the animal very often gets sick due to drafts in the house. And in the dark, you can easily step on a turtle. You cannot keep several turtles of different sizes in one terrarium.

Size and Shape Requirements

There are many varieties of turtles, both land and aquatic. One of the most popular is the red-eared turtle. Typically, reptiles are kept in a special aquarium (terrarium) that has its own microclimate. It is a container of small height, most often rectangular in shape. The size of an aquarium for a turtle depends, first of all, on the size and number of reptiles. Its length and width should be several times (from 3 to 5) greater than the corresponding parameters of a turtle shell. The length of the container should be greater than its width, and the height of the walls should be small - 45–50 cm.

For a land turtle, an aquarium several square meters in size. meters is the best option. To keep 1 land animal not exceeding 15 cm, you will need a dwelling measuring 60x50x50 cm. For one large pet or 2 medium-sized ones, you need an aquarium of large dimensions with a length of 100 to 120 cm, a height and a width of 50 cm.

The size of the home for aquatic reptiles also depends on their dimensions, namely:

• small ones within 10 cm need a capacity of approximately 40 to 50 liters;
• for a 20 centimeter pet – from 90 to 120 l;
• for larger ones or 2 individuals - from 120 to 200 liters.

The shape of an aquarium for aquatic species should only be horizontal, where the length is greater than the width, since reptiles swim not deep into the tank, but along the length of the tank. For land turtles, the terrarium can be square.

Keeping a red-eared turtle in an aquarium: features

The main rules for keeping a red-eared turtle in an aquarium are maintaining the required temperature and cleanliness of the living container. Also, do not forget to feed your pet and change its water. Red-eared turtles can eat fish - hake, perch, cod and crucian carp. They also love caviar. Adults eat the fish with the head, but young ones need to cut it into pieces. Young turtles need to be fed daily, while adults need to be fed 2-3 times a week.

Fish can be alternated with seafood: crabs, shrimp, octopus, squid, etc. But they need to be heated to room temperature. Insects can serve as additional food: locusts, grasshoppers, mealworms, snails, washed earthworms, bloodworms. Be careful with caterpillars, they can cause poisoning. You can also include dry food specifically made for turtles. In the 2nd year of life, pets can also be fed meat. It is better to exclude fatty varieties, but poultry and beef are quite suitable.

It is better to give plant food to older turtles that have already gained a little weight, throwing it in thin pieces directly into the water. For these purposes, it is recommended to use lettuce, cabbage, dandelion, seaweed leaves, vegetables, fruits, herbs, etc.

It is not recommended to keep a red-eared turtle without water for more than an hour, otherwise their skin may dry out. If you accustom your pet to handling from a very young age, it will get used to it and will not bite.

Reproduction and breeding features

Puberty in musk turtles occurs quickly; already one-year-old individuals are ready to reproduce. They mate in water, and after fertilization the female remains fertile for approximately 4 years. The clutch is not numerous, consisting of 3-7 eggs.

From April to July, reptiles can be found in the coastal zone, looking for holes, and less often, digging them themselves. But some turtles turn out to be not very caring mothers and leave their future offspring without an improvised nest, on the ground.

The eggs are protected by a hard shell, but its structure is quite fragile. After 2-3.5 months, the turtles hatch and grow very actively. Representatives of this species begin to reproduce early, often, they are unpretentious and tenacious, so they are not threatened by species decline or extinction.

Aquarium decoration

The main principle of choosing decorations is safety. Do not use items made from environmentally hazardous materials or with sharp corners or edges.

The soil for the bottom should not be very fine, as turtles can sometimes swallow it. Also, fine soil quickly becomes contaminated and is difficult to clean. It is better to use pebbles with a fraction of 5-6 cm.

You can plant green plants for young turtles. Adults do not need soil, and they can eat or damage plants.

In an aquarium with red-eared turtles, artificial plants made of plastic or silk would be appropriate. They are secured in the ground using weights. You can also install artificial vines on the islands.

To decorate the terrarium, you can use a variety of driftwood, grottoes, unusual stones and other elements. The driftwood should not be fresh, as it will release harmful substances into the water. It is better to take pieces of wood that have lain in the water of a body of water for a long time. The bark needs to be removed from them.

Description of the species

Ornate turtles (Chrysemys) are divided into eight species. Their representatives live in various bodies of water in South and North America. The most famous of them is the beautiful and slender red-eared turtle.

Its shell reaches 28 cm in length. The pattern on it and coloring are individual for each individual. A characteristic feature of this species is two orange, red or yellow spots that are located on the sides of the head.

These turtles prefer shallow, swampy waters. In their homeland, they are more often called “red-eared sliders” for their special manner of running away from danger at very high speed, sliding their belly along the surface of the soil in order to quickly dive into the water.

Conditions for keeping the red-eared turtle

For the normal functioning of the animal, the following conditions must be observed:

• Water.
• Land.
• Temperature.
• Lighting.
• Use of ultraviolet lamps.
• Water filtration.

Water

In order for the turtle to swim freely and easily perform various maneuvers, the water level in the terrarium must be at least 40 cm. It should be changed once a week, but not completely, but only 30-40% of the total volume. Newly added water must first be left for 5 days.

Land

The red-eared slider is considered a swimming reptile. In addition to water, it can also be on land, crawling out to warm itself. This area should occupy 25% of the total area of ​​the terrarium. The island should be attached to the base of the tank.

The top of the aquarium should be covered with glass with small holes to allow air to pass through. This is necessary to prevent animals from getting out.

The red-eared turtle is quite sedentary and spends a lot of time on land. You can arrange several islands for it. One may be in a shaded area, and the other in a brightly lit area.

Some points should be taken into account when arranging an island of land in a terrarium:

• A piece of land is made with a sloping shore, which should gradually rise from the bottom. It is not recommended to make steep cliffs.
• The island is made of high-quality material, and the surface must be rough so that the turtle clings to it with its nails and gets out of the water. You can place soil on it, but be sure to do it in such a way that it does not crumble into the water.
• If there are several red-eared turtles in the terrarium, then the area of ​​the island is increased so that all the animals can fit on it.
• If there are several islands of land, it will be good if some are completely dry and others are slightly damp.

A piece of land is made 30 cm below the edge of the terrarium so that the animal cannot get out.

Temperature

The water temperature in the aquarium should be 23-28 degrees. If there are two islands of land, then one should be in a shaded place, and the temperature there should be 23-25 ​​degrees. And on a warm island the temperature is usually 28-32 degrees. Such temperature changes are considered ideal for these animals.

To create this temperature, use a special aquarium lamp. A drop in temperature below 20 degrees has a negative impact on the health of this pet.

Lighting and UV lamps

In their natural habitat, red-eared turtles often crawl onto land to bask in the sun's rays. Aquaterrariums also need lighting, so incandescent lamps of 40-75 W are used for this. The lamp must be hung above the sushi island. The distance from it to the lamp should be such that the air warms up to 28-32 degrees. At night the lights are turned off.

Many owners of red-eared turtles do not even realize that these pets urgently need ultraviolet light, which helps the body absorb calcium and synthesize vitamin D 3. Their lack contributes to the development of rickets and even the death of the animal.

You should purchase a UV lamp that emits UVB and UVA rays. It is strictly forbidden to use a lamp with UVC rays, because they burn the retina, making the turtle blind.

The UV lamp is turned on every day for 12 hours. It must be installed from above at a distance of at least 30 cm from the ground. Replace the lamp once a year.

Water filtration

must always be clean

It is better not to use internal filters, because they quickly become clogged with suspended matter, losing their effectiveness.

The better the filter, the less often you will need to change the water in the aquarium. To ensure that the water is always clean, it is changed every week by 30-40% of its volume.

FILLING THE AQUATERRARIUM

The larger the area of ​​the turtle's home, the more opportunities for creating beautiful decor.
Stones are usually placed at the bottom of the aquarium; you can buy colored stones for aquariums - but be sure to choose all of them that are smaller in size than your pet’s head, so that he does not swallow them and choke. Sturdy shells without sharp edges also look great. Turtles love to dig and dig , turn over and drag everything that gets into their aquarium. Even plastic algae, usually sold with a base, can be easily peeled off. Therefore, it will not be possible to arrange a beautiful, neat landscape - the turtle will quickly arrange everything the way it likes.

In this regard, it is better to place on the bottom either something that can be easily moved and that changing places will not affect the overall appearance - for example, stones, shells and pieces of glass, or large objects that cannot be moved. These can be special driftwood, inside of which, by the way, you can hide a heater, or ceramic elements. You should not buy hollow snags and caves; the turtle can climb into them while it is small, however, it is just as likely to get stuck there.

You can glue photo wallpaper to the back of the aquarium. It is useless to plant algae near turtles; very soon they will be torn out and most likely eaten. However, in general, placing them in the aquarium is a good idea, but they are specifically edible and tasty for the turtle to enjoy. Those that float on the surface are most suitable.

Video: content

Temperature

Turtles are cold-blooded animals. This means that their activity directly depends on the environment - when the temperature drops, the turtle will begin to move little and sleep a lot, and may even hibernate, which is extremely dangerous for domestic turtles. Cold water is also dangerous because your pet may develop pneumonia, in other words, he will catch a cold.

The optimal temperature is about 25-28 degrees . To maintain it in winter, it is enough to purchase a good heater for aquariums - it will automatically turn on when the temperature drops and heat the water to the specified level. This is especially true in winter.

Performing filtering

Every turtle aquarium must be kept clean. The health of the pet depends on the state of the liquid in the aquaterarium. It is best to equip an aquarium for turtles with an external filter. In this case, absolutely any model and type of device will be ideal.

Experts do not recommend installing the filter directly into the water, as it becomes clogged very quickly and completely loses its effectiveness. Please note that the better the filter does its job, the sooner you will have to change the water in the aquarium itself. However, it is still recommended to maintain ecological balance. To do this, it is advisable to change half the volume of available water once a week. Before replacing, the liquid must be allowed to settle.

How to properly equip a plot of land

When buying a red-eared turtle, be sure to keep in mind that such a reptile leads a sedentary lifestyle. She spends a lot of time not only in water, but also on land

Therefore, it is very important to create the right island. It will be better if he is not alone

In this case, one part of the land should be brightly lit, while the other should be in the shade. Typically on land, turtles enjoy ultraviolet light and also feed on oxygen.

So, when creating land plots, it is very important to pay attention to the following nuances:

land should make up at least a quarter of the total space in the aquaterrarium; at the same time, the islands must have a smoothly rising shore so that the animal can simply climb on them. You cannot create steep cliffs, as the pet may fall and get hurt; It is very important to pay attention to the material from which the surface itself is made. It should be of the highest quality, and its texture should be rough; if several individuals live in your aquarium at once, then make sure that each of them can be on the surface at the same time; if your aquarium contains several land areas at once, then you can make sure that some of them remain completely dry, while others are slightly submerged in water. In this case, the land areas should be located in such a way that the animal cannot independently get out of the aquarium

In this case, dry areas should be located in such a way that the animal cannot get out of the aquarium on its own.

Temperature

The recommended water temperature for the red-eared turtle is 23-28 °C. The temperature on a shaded (cold) island of land should be 23-25°C, and on a brightly lit (warm) area - 28-32°C. This is an absolutely ideal option for arranging the most suitable temperature conditions for the red-eared turtle.

To create such temperature conditions, heating is necessary. The main heating is carried out using a special lamp, which is fixed above one of the islands. If the temperature when heating with a lamp is insufficient, then additional heating is used.

You can use a heater in the form of a long glass tube that is immersed in water. Particular attention should be paid to its location: the turtle should not be able to accidentally bite the electrical wire or damage it with its shell.

Ultraviolet lighting

The main principle of keeping turtles in captivity is to create a natural environment. In nature, turtles love to bask in the sun, so in an artificial pond you will need:

• An incandescent light bulb is placed over land to achieve a temperature of 23-28C. At night the lights are turned off.
• The most significant aspect in keeping red-eared turtles is considered to be ultraviolet lighting, with the help of which the reptiles absorb calcium, which is necessary for the strength of the shell. In terrariums, UV lamps must be installed at a distance of at least 30 cm from the soil. Daylight hours are 12 hours.

Basic parameters of the island

As you know, without being able to get to land, a turtle can simply drown. Therefore, the absence of an island for red-eared turtles is an unforgivable mistake. Thus, it is necessary to take into account the main parameters:

• The size of the island should be 3-4 times greater than the parameters of the reptile. If there are two turtles, the land area will be 2 times larger.
• The piece of land must be positioned in such a way that the pet can climb onto it without obstacles. It is advisable to lay a gentle ladder to its surface.
• An island for turtles should have a rough surface, which will help them get out of the water with ease.
• The area should be located above the water level so that it does not get wet.
• It is advisable to install the island 20 cm below the edge of the aquarium so that the turtle cannot crawl beyond it.
• You should definitely create an artificial sun by installing an ultraviolet lamp. As you know, water does not transmit ultraviolet rays well, which are necessary for turtles to grow and produce vital substances. The temperature on the land area should not exceed 30 degrees.
• The installed dry land must be made of non-toxic materials.

Conditions and equipment

When setting up an aquarium, you should first place all the necessary equipment in the tank and make sure that the conditions created are acceptable for keeping turtles. In aquaterrariums the following is installed:

• heater;
• filter;
• lighting;
• Ultraviolet lamp.

The heater is installed to maintain the required temperature: in dark areas 23–26C, in illuminated areas – 28–30C. The main heating is created by a special lamp located above the land islands, but if this is not enough, then another device is additionally installed.

External filters are used for aquariums, as internal ones quickly become clogged. Water changes are carried out weekly, replacing 40–50% of the liquid with settled water.

A UV lamp is one of the most important devices for the life of turtles. Ultraviolet radiation helps animals synthesize vitamin D3 and absorb calcium, and without it, pets will simply die. Ultraviolet daylight should last 12 hours, and only UVB and UVA rays are suitable.

Filters and aeration

Red-eared turtles quickly pollute the water with waste products and protein food residues, which begin to deteriorate at high temperatures under lamps. To avoid water pollution, it is necessary to equip the aquarium for the red-eared turtle with a special filter. Pet stores offer two types of devices:

• external - installed outside the aquarium, have several compartments, and due to the high power of the pump, they are best suited for large-volume containers;
• internal - submersible devices that are installed at the bottom or near the wall of the aquarium, designed for a volume of no more than 50-80 liters;

Aquarium filtering equipment uses different types of cleaning, the most common is mechanical - water is driven through a sponge, which traps particles of contaminants. A much more effective method of purification is that using the proliferation of bacteria - they feed on organic residues and at the same time enrich the water with useful compounds. For the life of bacterial colonies, oxygen is required, so a water aeration device must be installed in the aquaterrarium. Most external biofilters already have a built-in aeration function.

Choosing an aquarium

When choosing the size and type of aquarium, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of an adult animal and the characteristics of its body. Red-eared turtles spend a lot of time underwater or at the bottom of an artificial reservoir, where they feel safe.

The volume of the aquarium is selected depending on the size and number of turtles. For one turtle 13 cm long or a pair of young individuals 10 cm long, a 100-liter aquarium will be enough. As the container grows, it is replaced with a larger one. So, for a pair of turtles 20-30 cm long, you will already need a two-hundred-liter aquarium.

If the volume is too small, the water becomes contaminated faster, which leads to red ear disease.

The red-eared slider is a swimming reptile. In addition to water, it vitally needs land on which it basks and receives an ultraviolet tan. The recommended size of the land area is at least 25% of the total area of ​​the aquarium. It is advisable to firmly attach the island to the base of the container.

The container should be equipped with a lid so that pets cannot move it and get out, but at the same time it allows air to pass through well.

WHY TERRARIUM?

The red-eared turtle is an aquatic animal.
Letting her out on the floor or putting her in a box is the biggest mistake; with such care she will not last long. Pet stores usually recommend a cute and comfy tortoiseshell. This is a small plastic basin with a convex bridge and a shore, on which a green palm tree is installed as decoration. The big-eyed turtle the size of a coin (that’s how they are sold) looks very cute on her and seems like she will have plenty of room in the turtle hut for a long time.

However, no matter how the seller claims, such a container is completely unsuitable for keeping a red-eared turtle. Moreover, placing it in such a container is dangerous for health and life.

Contrary to popular belief, coin turtles do not stay that tiny their entire lives. Dwarf turtles do not exist in nature - and red-eared turtles, moreover, grow very quickly. Within a year, a healthy turtle can reach the size of the palm of an adult man. The maximum you can expect when buying a green pet is that it will grow to be about the size of a plate (30 cm in diameter). Naturally, an animal of this size cannot live in a small basin with an inconvenient bridge and a minimum of water.

What should a red-eared turtle’s home look like if the turtle house is not suitable for it?

Aquarium decoration

Designing an aquarium for turtles is a creative process in which every owner can show their imagination and test themselves as a designer. However, in pursuit of beauty, one should not forget about the design rules, the purpose of which is to create comfortable conditions for pets. How to set up an aquarium for turtles correctly and aesthetically:

• Decor - when decorating a container with decorations and decorative elements, items made from environmentally friendly materials are used. Elements with sharp edges or made of plastic cannot be placed in aquariums. To give the pond a picturesque look, pebbles, driftwood and shelters are placed in aquariums.
• Soil - substrate for the bottom is used in the middle fraction, since small particles are swallowed by turtles. In addition, the fine substrate quickly gets dirty, and cleaning it is a labor-intensive process.
• Vegetation - live flora is used in aquariums with young turtles, since adult pets can eat grass. It makes more sense to place artificial silk vegetation in a container, securing the flowers with weighty objects or weights. Areas of land can be decorated with artificial flowers.

Keeping and caring for red-eared turtles requires investment of effort and time from the owner of the reptile, but the work will be rewarded with good health and vigor of the pet. Having acquired a cute turtle, you should provide the reptile with a properly equipped house, where the pet will grow and develop, bringing joyful minutes and moments.

Proper ventilation

Aquariums are often covered with a lid with holes on top to prevent the turtle from getting out. But such ventilation does not provide sufficient fresh air. Poor aeration leads to air stagnation and accumulation of gases (especially carbon dioxide) emitted by reptiles at the bottom of the container. This leads to various diseases of the animal. Therefore, additional flow aeration is so necessary. When arranging ventilation in aquariums for land turtles, the thermal convection method is used: cold air enters the aquarium through holes in the lower part of the walls, then, when heated, it rises and exits through the upper holes in the lid.

Ventilation can also control humidity, which depends on the number of inlets and outlets. Less humidity is achieved due to a large number of these holes, and more - due to a decrease in the number of both holes. To aerate the air in the aquarium of a red-eared turtle, in addition to a lid with holes, a compressor is usually used, which simultaneously fills air and water.

How to choose the right turtle for your home

When choosing a charming reptile, howbuysell advises paying attention to several nuances at once

When to buy?

The best time to purchase a pet is to choose the period from late spring to early autumn. In the warm season, it is less likely that the animal is sick and will not catch a cold while it is being transported to a new apartment.

Where to buy a turtle for your home

Immediately give up the idea of ​​​​buying a turtle from strangers or at a flea market: this way you can end up with an individual infected with some disease or an individual protected by the Red Book. It is best to contact breeders, specialized stores or nurseries.

When purchasing, ask to see a veterinary certificate (copy) about the animal’s health status, take the sales receipt.

Health Indicators: How to Choose a Healthy Turtle

• Turn the turtle over onto its shell - if the individual is sick, the legs will simply hang.
• If you bring your finger to the animal’s head, it will quickly retract into the shell.
• The nose and eyes must be absolutely clean, without any discharge.
• Take courage and look into the reptile's mouth - there should not be any plaque or wounds with defects. The palate and tongue should be clean and slightly pink.
• A healthy turtle should not breathe through its mouth.
• The shell must be without a single flaw: there should be no chips along the edges, scratches or stains.

Now you know the general rules on how to choose the right turtle. It remains to decide which type is preferable. The most unpretentious are the land (Central Asian) and red-eared turtles.

Note!

There are aquariums in which red-eared sliders cannot be kept:

1. Small turtle tanks with a volume of up to 50-70 liters. They can only be used for temporary housing of animals. If a turtle lives in such a container for a long time, then it develops skin infectious diseases, dystrophy and softening of the shell.
2. Aquariums in which the land is made of plastic.
3. Aquariums in which it is impossible to set the desired temperature, as well as ultraviolet light and filtration. The absence of all these conditions leads to illness and death of turtles.

Thus, caring for a red-eared slider, like any other pet, requires some effort. But a terrarium in which the water is clean, the bottom is picturesque, and the animals are healthy is a fascinating sight that is worth the time and effort.

The presenters of the Karusel TV channel will tell you how to properly equip a terrarium for a red-eared turtle:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=oMCE_7iBuQ0

Caspian

A flat-shelled turtle with an oval-shaped carapace of brown or green-brown color. A slight contrast is created by yellow stripes on the limbs and head. It is perfect for keeping in a large home aquarium, since in nature it tries to stay close to the water and is undemanding to its parameters and quality. However, the cleanliness of the environment still needs to be constantly monitored.

The reptile is omnivorous, feeding on both meat and plant foods. Lives up to 30 years. If you want to get offspring, the Caspian turtle should be put into hibernation (November-March), although in general hibernation is not necessary - the turtle feels great in constantly comfortable conditions. The ratio of land and water is 1/3.

Caspian turtle.

Neighborhood

A do-it-yourself terrarium for red-eared turtles allows your pet to be close to aquarium fish. Of course, it is undesirable for them to be in the same “house” - this can provoke frequent conflicts between its residents. In this case, it is better to use a vertical glass wall that will separate the aquarium for the fish and the terrarium for the turtle. There should be holes in the partition so that water can pass freely, but residents of the aquaterrarium should not penetrate through them into the neighbors’ territory.

In the part where the fish will be located, the bottom of the “house” can be decorated with special plants. Don’t bother creating a beautiful design on the turtle’s territory; it won’t appreciate your worries and will happily eat the green spaces.

Manufacturing materials

The material for making turtle aquariums is ordinary (silicate) and acrylic (organic) glass. Ordinary glass is more wear-resistant: unlike plexiglass, scratches do not form on it when cleaning the walls. It has lower thermal conductivity, which allows you to create the necessary microclimate. Reptiles often do not see glass and hit the walls.

Plexiglas is a plastic that transmits light well, is highly resistant to impact, and does not contain toxic substances. The weight of a plastic aquarium is almost 2.5 times lighter than a glass one. A large plastic non-toxic food container can also be used as a home for a turtle. For land pets, you can use a wooden terrarium.

Do-it-yourself aquarium for a turtle: master class

First, determine the dimensions of the aquarium, then calculate the length and width of the individual glasses (for the usual rectangular version you will need 5 pieces). Cut out the parts for the aquarium. It is better to take the glass thickness from 5 mm. To cut it, it is recommended to use a special glass cutter; the measurement accuracy should be with a discrepancy of no more than 1.5 mm.

After cutting the glass, be sure to sand it, removing sharp edges. It is necessary to grind the edges, especially the corner ones, and not the entire surface of the end. You can work at home with medium grade corundum sandpaper under a stream of water.

To glue an aquarium you need silicone, special sealed glue, 96% alcohol, and narrow tape. To assemble the glass, you need to lay it out so that the uneven sides are at the top and the perfectly smooth sides are at the bottom. The blanks are placed in the following order: side, front, side, front. Align the edges joint to joint.

Apply tape to the glass joints. Before doing this, make sure that the workpieces are attached tightly and the edge is smooth. Apply the adhesive tape so that on the first side, where the bottom will be, it is not glued by 1 cm. Fold the edges of the unfolded aquarium blank. Apply the side that has the tape on the edge first. Align this half evenly and place the side on it where there is no tape on top. Align the parallel, then place the bottom on top and align the seams so that there are no distortions.

Degrease the seam joints with alcohol and fill with silicone (from bottom to top). Work seams from edge to edge. When gluing the aquarium, try to fill everything evenly. Clean off excess silicone from the bottom and corner seams. Leave the finished aquarium until it hardens (the silicone sets in about 1 – 2 hours). When it dries, apply more layers of silicone to the inner corners of the bottom and walls (remove the tape before doing this). You can pour water into the finished aquarium and equip it only after a day.

Which aquaterrarium to choose for a turtle

An aquaterrarium is a special container where all conditions are created for keeping animals that need water and dry land at the same time. This tank has a water area for swimming and a dry island.

The stores offer a large selection of aquaterrariums for turtles, differing in size, shape and material of manufacture.

Size and shape

The first thing you need to calculate when purchasing a structure is its dimensions, taking into account the size of an adult turtle, so that it can swim comfortably in an aquatic environment that occupies 2/3 of the tank.

The length of the aquaterrarium should be 7 times the size of the shell of an adult pet, and the width should be approximately half the length of the container.

The average dimensions of an aquaterrarium for one turtle are 70x40x40 cm.

Tank volume:

• for small turtles up to 10 cm long – 40 l;
• for turtles within 20 cm in length - 80-100 l;
• for two small turtles up to 20 cm long – 120-150 l.

The optimal shape of a tank for keeping turtles is rectangular.

Material of manufacture

Aquaterrariums are made of high-strength silicate and organic glass in combination with a plastic sealed lid equipped with ventilation holes. Acrylic structures are prone to scratches and have poor thermal conductivity. The best solution would be to buy a tank made of organic glass, highly resistant to shock.

It is recommended to choose a fixed assembly design with high-quality silicone seams that create reliable adhesion, eliminating the risk of leakage.

❶ How to set up a terrarium for a turtle :: Equipment and accessories

How to set up a terrarium for a turtle

Turtle lovers buy one of two types of reptiles: either the Central Asian or the red-eared turtle. To provide animals with conditions as close as possible to natural conditions, owners have to equip a terrarium. The Central Asian tortoise lives in burrows in the wild; it is accustomed to digging up everything with its powerful claws. Imagine what noise there will be in the apartment if the terrarium is covered with a layer of sand and stones. And if it is naked, the turtle may get sick and die. Therefore, it is better to get a red-eared turtle.

Instructions

1. Take an aquarium glued together from sheets of natural or organic glass. Remember that it should be spacious enough, given that the turtle grows quickly. Please also note that the water will have to be changed frequently, so immediately think about how you will drain the contents of the terrarium - either using hoses, or by equipping the bottom with a shut-off valve.

2. Divide the aquarium-terrarium into two zones: aquatic and land. Indeed, in the wild, the red-eared turtle periodically crawls out of the water. Therefore, across the narrow part of the aquarium-terrarium, glue a horizontal sheet of glass to the side walls or install it on fixed supports. Its width should be from 1/4 to 1/3 of the length of the aquarium.

3. Attach an inclined glass plate along which the animal can get out of the water onto land. Please note that the surface of this plate must be rough, otherwise the turtle will simply slide down it back into the water. It wouldn’t hurt to also roughen the surface of the seating area. The easiest way to achieve this is to rub them with coarse sandpaper before installing the plates in the aquarium.

4. Try to correctly determine the total height of the terrarium and its land part. It should rise slightly above the surface of the water so that the turtle can dry out. But the depth must be sufficient for the turtle to swim and dive freely. Again, keep in mind that the animal will grow quite quickly and that there should be a high enough side above the land part so that the turtle does not accidentally fall over it. In any case, the height of the side above the water level should be at least 20 centimeters.

5. Choose the sunniest place in the apartment to install the terrarium. If there is a lack of sunlight (in winter or during prolonged inclement weather), you will have to irradiate the turtle with an ultraviolet lamp from time to time.

6. Plant aquatic plants. Then the terrarium will be much more beautiful, and after some time the turtle will begin to eat them.

KakProsto.ru>

DOES A PET NEED NEIGHBORS?

Turtles grow well alone, so you don’t have to worry about your pet being bored alone. Keeping several individuals at the same time is possible, but it has its own characteristics.

Turtles are very territorial animals - in a small aquarium, neighbors will fight and compete, which can lead to injury and damage on both sides. For turtles to coexist in peace, they will need a large aquarium, larger than what is needed to keep one individual, and preferably several pieces of land.

A large, beautiful aquarium with a corner of nature recreated in it is just begging to be stocked with fish, snails and other familiar inhabitants. However, this should not be done - the turtle, as a predator, will not allow such a neighborhood.

If you really want the picture of the aquatic world to be complete, you can divide the aquarium into two parts with glass with holes, assigning most of the space to the turtle, and placing fish and algae behind the fence.

The holes are needed to ensure that water penetrates equally into both parts of the aquarium, however, fish should not fit into them, much less a turtle. This method of keeping is beneficial in decorative terms and allows you to combine two aquariums into one, however, the pet may not like the food that he can see but cannot grab, and he will constantly hit the partition and try to get to the fish. This is unnecessary stress for both the turtle and the fish.

Caring for a turtle at home

Arrangement of living space

Pet turtles should not wander around the apartment randomly. Keeping turtles requires organizing a separate closed space for them: a terrarium or an aquarium with special equipment.

List of necessary equipment (for all types):

• room/container for keeping (terrarium/aquarium);
• ultraviolet lamp (for water UVB 5–10%, for land 10–12%);
• heater/heating lamp;
• lamp;
• thermometer for temperature control$
• stable feeder.

For land turtles, this list includes a house for sleeping and resting.

Additional equipment for aquatic species:

• 100 Watt water heater;
• filter (internal or external);
• land/shore/island.

Although red-eared aquarium turtles spend most of their time in the water, provide them with a warm, dry place on land to rest and get UV exposure. The turtle will not turn it over if one side is submerged in water. Requirements for material for sushi: non-toxic, not smooth, but rough, without sharp corners. Observe the following proportion: water - 3 parts of volume, land - 1 part.

In their natural environment, turtles climb onto snags, stones, and stable objects protruding from the water. It should also be convenient for them to climb onto the artificial shore in the aquarium.

The required aquarium volume for a red-eared turtle is from 200 liters. The more spacious the home, the healthier the animal.

For land use, you need a terrarium with a capacity of 100 liters or more. Entirely glass or made of wood, but with one wall made of transparent material.

House

So that the pet can sleep peacefully, relax, and hide, it needs a home inside the terrarium.

A ceramic flower pot, divided in half, with processed edges, is suitable for the house. Use a plastic rodent house for this purpose or make one out of wood.

Priming

In terrariums, use hay as soil - it is easy to change. Do not put sand on the bottom as animals will swallow it. Lay a two-layer coating: sand at the bottom, large pebbles at the top. The turtle sharpens its claws on it.

Do not put newspapers, expanded clay, sharp stones, or cat litter in the terrarium.

Aquatic turtles do not need soil. For aesthetics, place large stones at the bottom of the aquarium. Gravel or other covering will not work; the animal will swallow it.

Water

Clean water and a maintained temperature level are the most important things in keeping aquatic species.

In the water, the red-eared turtle swims, sleeps, eats, and goes to the toilet. To prevent ammonia, nitrates and unpleasant odors from accumulating, change the water a couple of times a week. At the same time, carry out filtering.

• 70% - plant foods (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, nettle, algae, duckweed);
• 30% - animal (meat, fish, seafood, worms, insects, bloodworms, guppies).

Aquatic turtles are omnivores. Feed regular food and artificial food, fish food, aquarium plants and insects.

Feed turtles up to two years old once a day. During this period, animal protein predominates in their diet. As the animals grow, the proportion of plant feed increases.

Vegetables are included in the diet, even if the animal does not show an appetite for them. The older it is, the more fiber it needs.

Aquatic turtles use water for swallowing as they do not produce saliva. They eat in the aquarium. It is better to feed them in a specially designated place, this will keep the home clean longer.

Hygiene

Cleaning the premises

Clean the bottom and walls of the terrarium from animal waste products every day. Wash feeding and drinking utensils whenever they become dirty.

The aquatic turtle's aquarium also needs general cleaning twice a month.

Bathing

Caring for land turtles includes weekly water treatments. Place the animal in a small container with warm water at a temperature of 30–35 degrees for half an hour. The head should be above the water. Dry your turtle after bathing.

Trimming claws

During their lives, these animals grow a shell, beak and claws. Care for your pet turtle's claws.

When the beak and claws grow to such a size that it becomes difficult for the animal to move and eat, remove them. For this procedure, special nippers are used.

Such actions are not done with aquatic species of turtles.

Shedding

Turtles are susceptible to molting.

In aquatic species, the separation of large scales on the shell and the change of skin occur regularly throughout life.

Land turtles only change the skin on their paws, this happens unnoticed.

Island or shore for an aquatic turtle

Most aquatic turtles, including red-eared turtles and marsh turtles, require a small, heated area of ​​completely dry land. Turtles breathe atmospheric air and also need rest; without an island, the animal can drown. Also, the presence of sushi will prevent some shell diseases. An ultraviolet lamp and an incandescent lamp should be located above the island.

The size of the island should be 3-4 turtle sizes in length and width, or 2 times the sum of the sizes of all turtles in the aquarium.

Some species of turtles prefer underwater shelters; if you can do this using an island, the turtle will like it. Aquatic turtles do not need shelter on land.

What should an island be like for an aquatic turtle?

1. Accessible to the turtle - so that the turtle can easily climb onto land;
2. Rough - both the island and the ladder to it should not be smooth, otherwise the turtle will slide;
3. Durable - the land must support the weight of the turtle, must be stable so as not to crush the animal;
4. Absolutely dry - no water should be poured on it, i.e. the island must be above the water level - this is the only way the turtle can dry out and warm up;
5. Position no higher than 20 cm from the top of the aquarium so that lamps can be installed and the turtle cannot escape from the aquarium.;
6. Heated - there must be a heating lamp and an ultraviolet lamp above the island (since water practically does not transmit UV rays), the temperature on the island must be higher than the water temperature, about 30-31 C;
7. Made from durable and non-toxic materials - islands made of foam plastic or covered with small pebbles, which a turtle can swallow, are absolutely not suitable; There should not be strips of silicone sealant on the island; a turtle could eat it;
8. The ladder from the island should not be located close to the bottom, otherwise the turtle may get stuck between the bottom of the aquarium and the ladder and drown.

You can make different versions of the islands yourself, order them from an aquarium workshop, or buy them from a pet store:

Glass islands covered with pebbles

A piece of glass of the required size is cut out (about 1.5-2 times the size of a turtle), stones are glued onto it, and then it is glued into the aquarium using aquarium sealant (glue). The aquarium must be empty and dry. The turtle can be stocked 2-3 days after the aquarium has been ventilated.

Island with suction cups from Zoomed

Such a shore can be bought at a pet store with a department of goods for reptiles or ordered from an online pet store in our country or abroad. The banks from Zoomed support large turtles, but the banks from Exoterra tilt and then need to be propped up.

Canopy shore for an aquarium (or shore in American style)

There is also a Turtle Topper that sits on top of narrow aquariums. You can buy it in foreign online pet stores.

Trionics and other freshwater turtles, which lead a completely aquatic lifestyle, do not need dry land, but they crawl out close to the water's edge to bask.

Other island options are:

• floating rafts made of lightweight material. They are not very suitable, because... a heavy turtle will sink such a raft and it will be difficult for her to climb onto it.
• driftwood, branches. This is a good bank that allows the turtle to dry not only from above, but also from below, but improperly treated snags will spoil the water and rot. How to properly process driftwood.

Cautions

Pay attention to aquariums in which red-eared turtles cannot be kept:

• small containers up to seventy liters. Only babies can be kept in such aquariums. If you place large individuals in them, then very soon you will notice how the animal will begin to get sick, its integument will be damaged by skin infections, and its shell will soften;
• You should also not use containers in which the dryer is made of plastic or other bad materials;
• Never use containers in which you cannot install a filter for water purification, as well as special lamps. In poor conditions, turtles very quickly begin to get sick and die.

As you can see, caring for a red-eared slider, just like any other pet, has many nuances. Therefore, you need to approach with all responsibility to create comfortable conditions for your beloved animal. However, with a little effort, you can create a truly picturesque corner of your home.

Coast heating and temperature maintenance

Turtles are heat-loving animals and, living in natural conditions, they love to bask in the sun. To bring the maintenance at home closer to natural conditions, you will need to install a heating lamp. To maintain optimal temperature in the aquarium there must be a thermometer.

When placing the lamp, you should pay attention to two things: firstly, it should not be located too low above the island, and secondly, you will have to install protective glass between the lamp and the water so that splashes of water do not fall on the hot lamp.

The operating time of the heating lamp is 10-12 hours a day. You can purchase it in a specialized store.