How to Care for a Freshwater Turtle

In the 1960s and 1970s, freshwater turtles were in great demand for pets. Sold with a small plastic dish with an island in the middle, it was presumed that these reptiles were extremely easy to care for. However, many of these turtles died in a brief time because of inadequate space and a diet lacking in essential vitamins and minerals. Despite this early record, with proper care freshwater turtles, which include red ear slider, map and painted turtles, can live a long life and provide years of enjoyment.

Things You'll Need

  • 75-to-100 gallon aquarium
  • Large rock or log slice for an island
  • Water filter
  • Submersible water heater
  • Heat lamp and ultraviolet lamp
  • Water
  • Thermometer
  • Fresh greens
  • Reptile stick
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill your aquarium one third of the way with distilled or dechlorinated water.

    • 2

      Add a rock or a slice of log so that your turtle can get out of the water for a while. Place a lamp --preferably an ultraviolet one -- over this "island" so that your turtle can bask in the ultraviolet rays. Turtles must have access to sunlight or an ultraviolet lamp so that they can synthesize Vitamin D. You will also need to add a filtration system. Turtles can be very messy, so be sure to change the water often, preferably once a week even with filtration.

    • 3

      Check the temperature of the water in the turtle habitat often; while turtles can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from 32 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, they prefer the warmer end of the spectrum. The temperature over their rock should be slightly warmer than the rest of the habitat so that they can "sun" themselves.

    • 4

      Feed a variety of foods to your turtle. Very young turtles will need more meat in their diet than older turtles will. While a pelleted turtle food is available, your turtle will do better if you also add fresh fish, such as guppies, shrimp, beef, meal worms, crickets, lettuce and other vegetables. Occasionally provide reptile sticks, which include minerals and vitamins. The trick to keeping freshwater turtles in good health is to provide a variety of foods. Feed young turtles or hatchlings once a day. Feed adult turtles every two or three days.

    • 5

      Provide 10 to 14 hours of light daily, but do not keep lights on around the clock. Try to duplicate the light cycle where you live.

    • 6

      Watch your turtle for any changes in condition or attitude. If your turtle seems lethargic or off its diet, you may want to check with a veterinarian. If you provide a variety of foods and a healthy environment, health problems should be minimal.