Aquatic Turtle Habitat Set Up and Care
Aquatic turtles are popular pet reptiles because of their easy demeaner and aquatic “dog-like” behaviors. Nearly 250 of the 325+ species of chelonians are aquatic, and they come from very diverse environments. It is important to research your specific species needs to ensure you are providing them with the best care practices. In the United States, red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) and painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) are commonly kept, and as temperate species have different needs than a tropical species such as a mata mata turtle (Chelus fimbriata). Be sure to seek out information on the life history and needs of your turtle to ensure they have what they need. Remember, these animals are long-lived and can live for many decades (likely even more than a century in some species!).
By doing your homework ahead of time, you will ensure that you will have the best habitat and nutrition for your turtle prepared for their arrival.
Quick facts
- Aquatic turtles are found on every continent except Antarctica.
- The scientific name of the red-eared slider turtles, the most common pet turtle in the USA, is Trachemys scripta elegans.
- Male red-ear slider turtles are smaller than females and have exceptionally long claws on their front legs. They use these claws to attract the attention of a female. Male red-ear sliders also have a longer tail than females.
- Red-eared slider turtles are omnivorous, so they will eat both animal and plant food sources.
- Some aquatic chelonians are considered more exclusively carnivorous, such as snapping turtles, soft-shell turtles, and mata mata turtles.
- Some aquatic turtles like to bask to increase their body temperature (e.g., red-eared slider turtles), while others rarely bask (e.g., snapping turtle).
- With appropriate care, red-eared sliders can live for 40-50 years.
Enclosure
For aquatic turtles, it is important to provide the largest enclosure that you can. For indoor enclosures, a glass fish tank works well. The larger the enclosure, the more exercise the turtle can get, and the easier it is to maintain the water quality. Water quality is very important to aquatic turtles. The best way to manage the water is to use a filter that combines biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration, such as a canister filter. Regular water changes are also important. Glass tanks are also easy to disinfect. When selecting a tank, the horizontal size (length and width) is most important. Aquatic turtle tanks do not have to be too deep.
For outdoor ponds, the same recommendation holds true, bigger is better. It is also important to be sure that the turtles cannot escape the enclosure. Protecting turtles from wild predators, such as racoons, is also an important consideration for outdoor aquatic turtles.
Substrate
Select a substrate that will best meet the needs of your species of aquatic chelonian without causing complications. For most species, aquarium gravel works well as a substrate. It is important that the pebble size is large enough that the turtle cannot accidentally ingest the gravel, otherwise this can lead to impaction. For some species, such as soft-shell turtles, a sand substrate is preferred so they can bury in the sand. Always be sure to thoroughly wash the substrate prior to adding it to the turtle’s enclosure. Also, the gravel should be cleaned on a regular basis to remove waste and debris. An aquarium gravel cleaner can be used to clean the gravel.
For outdoor ponds, a gravel substrate is also recommended, especially if you have a plastic pond because the plastic can lead to wounds on the feet (especially rear feet) because of the smooth nature of the substrate.
Accessories
Aquatic turtles, especially those that naturally bask like red-eared slider turtles, should be provided floating basking sites. Basking allows them to increase their body temperature and regulate their metabolism. This is especially important to help them digest their food and manage their immune system.
Aquatic plants and accessories in the enclosure that allow the turtles to hide, especially in outdoor ponds where predators may roam, are also important. Plastic plants or live plants can be used. Don’t be surprised if some species of turtles eat some of the live plants since they are omnivores and plants are part of their diet. Always be sure that plants are safe to eat too by seeking the advice of an expert at a pet store or online.
Temperature and Lighting
All reptiles should be provided with supplemental environmental heat to ensure they can meet their needs. As poikilotherms or ectotherms, they depend on their environmental temperature to regulate their core temperature. For aquatic turtles, heat can be provided through two avenues: a basking lamp and a submersible heater for the water. A basking lamp can be situated over a log of floating basking site so that the turtle can draw itself out of the water to heat up. The submersible heater can be set to a defined temperature to maintain the water temperature. The temperature ranges for aquatic turtles may vary based on where they originate from. For example, turtles that are native to the USA, such as red-eared slider, snapping, and softshell turtles, do well in a water temperature of 80-84oF. The red-eared slider turtle would also benefit from a basking area that reaches 88oF, while the snapping and softshell turtles won’t typically draw out of water to bask.
An ultraviolet B (UVB) bulb would also be beneficial for the red-eared slider turtle, or other turtles that tend to bask. Research done using Fluker Farms UVB bulbs has shown that these animals can increase their vitamin D concentrations following UVB exposure. Vitamin D is an essential hormone that regulates bone health, immune function, and heart health, among other factors.
Turtles should be exposed to basking and UVB lighting for 12 and 2 hours per day, respectively.
Diet and Nutrition
Aquatic turtles are typically omnivores or carnivores. Turtles that are omnivores, such as red-ear slider turtles, can eat a variety of foods, including both plant and animal products. Providing a variety of foods, such as Fluker Farms aquatic turtle pellets, live and freeze-dried insects, fish, and fresh greens (e.g., romaine lettuce pieces), is a fantastic way to meet their needs. For more carnivorous species, such as snapping turtles, they can be offered live foods such as fish and earthworms but can also be trained to accept turtle pellets.
Juvenile turtles should be fed daily, but as they age that can be altered to every other day. Because the turtles don’t get much exercise in captivity, they can become too heavy if fed daily. Smaller meals that they must search for can increase their daily exercise.
Handling and Safety
Aquatic turtles should be firmly grasped by the sides of the shell to provide support and avoid potential bites. One exception is the snapping turtle, where the shell should be grasped toward the rear of the shell. Many aquatic turtles can become accustomed to handling overtime.
Because aquatic turtles can carry Salmonella, it is important to thoroughly wash your hands after handling these animals or their enclosure. Children should always be supervised when handling aquatic turtles and observed closely to ensure they thoroughly wash their hands after handling the turtle or anything associated with their enclosure.
Contact a veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness or distress such as more time spent hiding in the shell, eating less, weight loss, swollen joints, discharge from the eyes or nose, discolored shell, or abnormal feces.
Shopping List 
Diet- dry aquatic turtle food
Freeze-dried bugs
Live bugs
UVB lighting
Heat lamps
Others you have?