How to Care for Small Turtles

Small, aquatic turtles make excellent pets for adults or children of at least middle-school age. Turtles require minimal attention and can be left unattended during short vacations. However, you should learn how large your turtle pet will grow before making the commitment to care for it. Large turtles do not make good pets and require large ponds, more food and more effort to maintain. Unfortunately, Red-eared Slider turtles have become established in many areas outside of their native range, because pet owners dumped them into lakes when they were unable to care for them. Plan before you purchase!

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Gravel (medium to large-sized)
  • Aquatic plants
  • Power strip
  • Full-spectrum aquarium light
  • Incandescent or ceramic heat lamp
  • Submersible charcoal filter
  • Submersible water heater
  • Aquatic turtle food pellets
  • Fresh vegetables
  • Scouring pad
  • Siphon (or large tubing)
  • Bucket
  • Dechlorinating drops
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Instructions

  1. Aquarium Setup

    • 1

      Purchase an aquarium that is large enough for your turtle--it should be at least six times as long as your turtle's shell, and three or four times as deep.

    • 2

      Fill buckets with tap water, add dechlorinating drops according to the instructions on the label, and let the water sit while you set up the aquarium.

    • 3

      Fill one end of the aquarium with gravel, creating an "island" for the turtle to use for basking (sunning itself)--this is extremely important, because the turtle needs to dry its shell to prevent excessive algae growth.

    • 4

      Add the dechlorinated water to the aquarium--the water area should be twice as deep as the length of your turtle's shell, and about four times as long. Add aquatic plants to the aquarium to provide some shelter (and food) for your turtle.

    • 5

      Add the submersible filter and water heater to the aquarium, plug them into the power strip and make sure they are functioning properly. The water must be at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit before you place your turtle pet in the aquarium.

    • 6

      Position the full-spectrum light and heat lamp over the aquarium--make sure that the heat lamp is located above the dry island you created as a basking spot--and plug into the power strip.

    Care and Feeding

    • 7

      Feed your turtle aquatic turtle pellets each day--only add as many pellets as the turtle will eat within 10 minutes, and remove any uneaten pellets.

    • 8

      Feed your turtle fresh vegetables and fruits several times a week--dark, leafy greens and chopped fruits or vegetables. Experiment to find fresh foods that your turtle likes.

    • 9

      Feed your turtle live insects, such as crickets, occasionally.

    • 10

      Provide your turtles with a vacation feeder (purchase at your local pet store) when you go on short vacations--you will need a pet sitter to drop in at least every other day if you are gone for more than a few days.

    Aquarium Cleaning

    • 11

      Fill buckets with tap water, add dechlorinating drops according to the instructions on the label, and let the water sit while you clean the aquarium.

    • 12

      Turn off the power strip, cutting power to the filter, water heater and lights.

    • 13

      Remove your turtle from the aquarium while you clean it--this will reduce stress on the turtle. Place the turtle into a secure "critter keeper" or a deep bucket or bathtub.

    • 14

      Scrub any algae from the walls of the aquarium, using the scrubbing pad.

    • 15

      Siphon half of the water from the aquarium, using the siphon or rubber tubing to "vacuum" algae or other debris from the bottom.

    • 16

      If necessary (if for example there is excessive algae growth on the gravel), drain the aquarium completely, rinse the gravel and rinse the filter before refilling the aquarium.

    • 17

      Add the dechlorinated water to the aquarium, turn the power strip back on, and allow the water to warm to at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit before returning your turtle to its aquarium.