Aquatic Turtle Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

30-40+ years

AVERAGE ADULT SIZE

Up to 12 inches

CAGE TEMPERATURE

Basking spot – 85-90 F

Daytime temps – 75-80F

Nighttime temps – No to drop below 70 F

Water Temps – 75-80 F

CAGE HUMIDITY

60-70%

ENCLOSURE SIZE 

A 40-75 gallon is needed for adult turtles, depending on species. 

SUBSTRATE

A bare bottom tank or large stones the turtle cannot consume is recommended.

HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT

Turtles are aquatic, or semi-aquatic. This means you must provide both water and a land area in your pet’s enclosure. This can be achieved by providing multiple docks or perches for your turtle to get out of the water and bask on.

UVB LIGHT

Aquatic Turtles must be exposed to UVB lighting 8-12 hours a day. This exposure is critical in allowing the animal to synthesize vitamin D3 and absorb calcium.

DAY/NIGHT LIGHT CYCLES & HEATING

All reptiles must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosure to maintain their biological rhythms. Aquatic Turtles need 8-12 hours of daytime and nighttime.

WATER

Aquatic turtles must be kept in clean fresh chlorine free water deep enough for them to swim in. The tank should be 60-75% filled at all times.

FEEDING

Aquatic Turtles are omnivores and require a varied diet of plant matter and protein sources. A turtle's diet should consist of 50% vegetation, 25% protein sources and 25% pelleted foods. Turtles should be offered food daily as juveniles and every 1-2 days as adults.

PROTEIN

Protein sources such as: gut-loaded crickets, roaches, superworms, earthworms and hornworms should all be offered in a varied diet.

SUPPLEMENTS

Dust food with calcium supplement and vitamin supplements. As a rule, a growing juvenile’s food should be dusted more often than an adult’s.

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing any uneaten foods or excess waste and wiping glass clean. Filter maintenance, water testing and water changes should be performed at least every few weeks to maintain a healthy environment.

NORMAL BEHAVOR & INTERACTION

Aquatic Turtles are active and personable animals that can make great pets but require a fair amount of upkeep too maintain their environments. They are diurnal, which means they are most active during the day. Turtles are happy to live alongside each other as long as they have enough space.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

•  40 Gal (or larger) aquarium tank with secure metal mesh lid (smaller tanks are acceptable for babies) 
• Large domes & appropriately sized heat lights 
• UVB bulb & housing 
• Temperature/humidity gauge 
• Shatterproof aquarium heater 
• Turtle docks or perches to create dry basking spots 
• Submersible or canister aquarium filter 
• Live food 
• Aquatic Turtle pelleted foods 
• Calcium and vitamin supplements 
• Gravel vac for water changes 
• Water dechlorinate drops

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.