Among the all aquatic animals that we can observe in our homes, there is a fascinating world beyond the fish or shrimp aquarium. Surely, you have seen water turtles or semi-aquatic turtles living peacefully in dedicated tanks. If they have piqued your curiosity, we provide you with some practical advice on how to raise them correctly.
Pay attention to the choice of the aquarium
Choosing the right turtle tank or aquarium is essential to provide enough space for turtles to that they can swim and move freely. Choose one that offers sufficient space and allows the addition of accessories such as rocks, woods and aquatic plants.
Keep in mind that many species grow, so it will be necessary to provide a tank of adequate size for their rearing, equipped with efficient filtration. For the early growth stages or for small-sized species, we recommend considering the Amtra Turtle Tank Giglio tank or directly the Zoo Med Turtle Tub.
Filters and lighting
Water cleanliness and quality are essential for the health of turtles. Make sure to choose a reliable filtration system that keeps the water clean and free from harmful substances. Additionally, use an aquarium heater like Amtra Klima Nano Preset to maintain a constant temperature, usually between 24°C and 28°C, very useful for young specimens that need to grow.
Lighting is also crucial as it promotes the synthesis of D3 vitamin, necessary for calcium absorption and bone health. Choose high-quality aquarium lamps like Zoo Med Reptisun 5.0 Compact 13 Watt to provide an adequate source of UVB light. Make sure to position the lamp above an emerged spot or a floating platform like Zoo Med Turtle Dock so that the turtles can bask under this light for several hours a day to meet their nutritional needs.
What does a turtle eat?
In addition to proper filtration and lighting, it is important to provide a balanced diet.
In nature, many species are omnivorous and feed on invertebrates, crustaceans, fish, and plants. It is challenging to recreate such a diet in an aquarium, so you can resort to complete pellet food like Amtra Tugastick. Additionally, it is advisable to enrich their diet with a few drops of vitamins (Amtra Tugavit) and calcium (Amtra Tugamin, Zoo Med Repti Calcium with D3).
Maintain a clean environment and good water quality
Regular cleaning of the aquarium or tank is not just about aesthetics but it also directly impacts the health of turtles. A clean and well-maintained environment reduces the risk of diseases, prevents the proliferation of harmful algae, and provides turtles with a healthy and comfortable habitat.
After each water change, we recommend adding bacteria like Amtra Clean Procult 50 ml.
Take good care of the turtle tank and make sure to set aside some time for regular cleaning. This way, you will ensure an optimal environment for turtles to thrive and enjoy a happy and healthy life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lorenzo Tarocchi
Laurea Magistrale in Agriculture, Master degree in Aquaculture and Ichthiopathology
Born in 1986, Laurea Magistrale in Agriculture, Master degree in Aquaculture and Ichthiopathology. Passionate about fishing and everything that lives underwater, he began working in an Aquarium shop in 2010 and over the years in one of the major Italian ornamental fish facilities, in the meantime collaborating with the Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa and with some important companies of the sector.