Indoor setups

 

Habitat

In nature, RES are found in ponds, streams, rivers and lakes. They require fresh water and prefer calm waters with dense vegetation for food. Your turtle will need a freshwater aquarium with a powerful filter and a dry area for basking.

 

   

 

  • 40 gallons/150 litres for boys minimum.

  • 75 gallons/285 litres for girls minimum.  

  • Options include glass aquariums, preformed ponds, and stock tanks.

  • The larger the tank you get, the happier your turtle will be.

  • Aquatic turtles like water depth.  Please fill the setup up at least ¾ the way to the top.

 

Filtration

  • Turtles do their eating and defecation in the water so an especially good filter is needed.

  • Whatever size tank you get, purchase a filter rated for twice that size for optimum performance.

  • We highly recommend external canister filters.

 

Please click here for more information on filtration and tank cleaning.

 

Heating

  • Daytime Terrarium Air Temperature: 23-26 °C (75-80°F).

  • Basking Spot: 29-32 °C (85-90°F) Zoo Med's Turtle Tuff™ Splash-proof Halogen Lamp is the safest and best choice for providing basking heat to your turtles.

  • Water Temperature: 25-26 °C ( 78-80°F).

  • A quality aquarium heater will be needed to maintain water temperatures between 78-80°F.

 

Lighting

  • UVB Lighting is essential for aquatic turtles to process calcium in captivity. Lighting should be provided for 8-10 hours per day.

  • Provide either a compact fluorescent or tube UV5.0 light.

  • Without UVB lighting turtles will develop serious health problems such as Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

 

Basking

  • Basking is vital to a turtle's health.

  • Zoo Med’s large floating turtle dock is recommended for small to medium sized turtles.

  • Larger docks can be created with logs, bricks and rocks.

  • Arrange your basking area so it is partially submerged so your turtle can easily get out of the water onto the basking area.

 

Feeding

  • Turtles, especially younger ones, prefer protein.  However, too much protein can lead to various health issues. Your turtle’s diet should be comprised of 50% veggies, 25% pellets and 25% live foods.  

  • Most aquatic turtle foods have been formulated to offer balanced nutrition throughout the changing life stages of your turtle.

  • Providing a Cuttlebone will help maintain proper calcium levels and help maintain the turtle's beak.

 

Décor

  • A screen top is recommended for aquariums to allow for basking and uv light to reach the basking area.  

  • Aquatic turtles need places to hide and feel secure.

  • Fake water plants will make for a more natural looking setup but keep in mind turtles will continuously redecorate their habitat.

  • We do not recommend using substrates such as sand or gravel for aquatic turtles. These substrates can be accidentally ingested and may cause impaction.

 
 
 

I’d adopt but I don’t have an aquarium!

Thinking of adopting a turtle but you don't have a proper setup?  We can help! We offer used aquatic setups at below market prices to help insure a wonderful and lifelong adoption. Just mention you need a setup on the adoption form.

 

I’m ready to adopt!  How do I proceed?

This is the easy part!  Click here to start the process: