How to Build a Habitat for Semiaquatic Turtles

Semi-aquatic turtles, like the red-eared slider and painted turtle, are a popular choice for beginning pet owners, because they are fascinating to watch and study, and fairly easy to maintain. The first step to proper care is setting up a quality habitat. Turtles are cold-blooded and unable to create body heat, so they require an external heat source. Each species varies on specific requirements and needs, but basic guidelines can be followed to ensure a safe, inviting environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Screen cover
  • Gravel, rocks, or soil
  • Underwater filter
  • Reptile thermometer
  • Spot lamb and reptile bulb
  • Submersible heater
  • Nighttime lamp and bulb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure the aquarium is large enough for the adult size of the turtle, or expect to upgrade as the turtle grows. A 20 gallon tank will accommodate a turtle up to 8 inches in length; add an extra ten gallons of space for each additional turtle.

    • 2

      Divide the aquarium into separate land and water areas. Depending on the species, this ratio may need to be adjusted, but most semi-aquatic turtles require half of the space to be covered in water.

    • 3

      Create a basking area from a substrate appropriate for the turtle species, usually aquarium gravel, sand or garden soil. Large rocks or driftwood can be used, as long as the turtle can easily climb into and out of the water on a gentle slope.

    • 4

      Add logs and plants or a wooden turtle house to provide a safe place for the turtle to hide. Turtles will eat plants, both plastic and natural, so choose non-toxic additions, using mostly fake plants in smaller tanks.

    • 5

      Install a submersible water heater and filter. Keep the temperature around 65 to 75 degrees during the day, and 10 degrees cooler at night, monitoring it with reptile thermometer.

    • 6

      Fill the turtle's water area with water. This should be as deep as the width of the turtle's shell, and it should be able swim both freely and completely submerged.

    • 7

      Cover the aquarium with a fitted mesh cover. The screen will allow air to circulate properly, unlike glass covers, which are intended for fish.

    • 8

      Set a spot lamp, with UVA/ UVB light bulb on top of the wire screen, above the turtle's basking spot. This should be left on most of the day. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees at night, a night lamp will also be needed.