How to equip an aquarium for turtles?

Like any other animal, turtles need comfortable living conditions. To properly equip the habitat of a turtle, you must adhere to certain rules.

There are many varieties of turtles, both terrestrial and aquatic. One of the most popular is the red-eared turtle. Usually reptiles are kept in a special aquarium (terrarium), which has its own microclimate. It is a container of small height, most often rectangular in shape. The size of the aquarium for a turtle depends, first of all, on the size and number of reptiles. Its length and width should be several times (from 3 to 5) more than the corresponding parameters of the tortoise shell. The length of the container should be greater than its width, and the height of the walls is small - 45-50 cm.

For a land tortoise, an aquarium of several square meters. meters is the best option. To keep 1 land individual, not exceeding 15 cm, you will need a dwelling 60x50x50 cm in size. For one large pet or 2 medium sized ones, you need an aquarium of large dimensions with a length of 100 to 120 cm, a height and a width of 50 cm.

The size of the housing for aquatic reptiles also depends on their size, namely:

• small ones within 10 cm need a capacity of about 40 to 50 liters;
• for a 20 centimeter pet - from 90 to 120 liters;
• for larger or 2 individuals - from 120 to 200 liters.

The shape of the aquarium for aquatic species should only be horizontal, where the length is greater than the width, since reptiles swim not in depth, but along the length of the tank. For land turtles, the terrarium can be square in shape.

The material for the manufacture of turtle aquariums is ordinary (silicate) and acrylic (organic) glass. Regular glass is more wear-resistant: unlike plexiglass, it does not form scratches during cleaning the walls. It has lower thermal conductivity, which allows you to create the necessary microclimate. Reptiles often do not see glass and hit walls.

Plexiglas is a plastic that transmits light well, has a high resistance to shock, and does not contain toxic substances. The weight of a plastic aquarium is almost 2.5 times lighter than a glass one. A large, non-toxic plastic food container can also be used as a home for the turtle. For land pets, you can use a terrarium made of wood.

Regardless of the type of turtle, each aquarium must be properly equipped. The reptile’s home should match its natural conditions as best as possible. But the individual features of the arrangement of its living space will depend on the type of turtle. Turtles are not clean and pollute water with food debris and excrement.

It is recommended to use a filter with a water throughput of 2 aquarium volumes per hour. In addition, equipment such as:

• conventional incandescent lamp (at 40 watts);
• ultraviolet lamp (UVB 5%);
• water heater.

A feeding area should be allocated by placing a feeder.

For terrestrial species, a small swimming pond should be equipped in the terrarium. The decorative design of the home is also important: they put beautiful driftwood, stones and shelters, where the pet can retire and relax.

For the comfortable maintenance of the turtle, a swimming pool is required. The volume of water in it depends on the type of reptile. For terrestrial species, the depth of the reservoir should be only 0.5 of the height of the carapace of the reptile. Freshwater red-eared turtles and other aquatic species require a slightly larger volume, which would enable it to freely turn its carapace down.

There should not be any obstacles in the pool for swimming the animal.

You can use ordinary tap water for the aquarium, only you must first let it stand for about 5 days. This is necessary for the evaporation of chlorine from it. The high chlorine content can cause allergies in the eyes and skin of the reptile. Water should always be clean and fresh. There are water quality requirements such as:

• acidity (pH) in the range of 6–8, which corresponds to tap water;
• water hardness can be any, but water with a higher carbonate content is considered to be more useful - a source of calcium;
• optimal water temperature - + 26– + 30 degrees; at lower temperatures, the red-eared bug and other aquatic species become lethargic and inert and may even refuse to eat.

Although the red-eared turtle lives and spends a lot of time in the water, in addition to the reservoir, the presence of land is necessary in the aquarium. Here the animal can breathe oxygen and bask under ultraviolet light. When equipping the shore, you should adhere to such rules as:

• the size of the coastal space should be 3-4 times larger than the size of the pet; when keeping several reptiles, the total land area should exceed 2 times the number of individuals; land to coast ratio - 20% to 80%;
• the surface of the coast should be non-slip;
• land should be placed both in illuminated and in shady places;
• land should be quite high from the water level;
• coastal areas should be well fixed so that they can support the weight of the animal;
• It is strictly forbidden to use toxic materials for making sushi;
• for safe descent into the water and rise from it, coastal areas should be located obliquely, gently descending to the bottom of the pool; can be equipped with special ladders or ladders; steep slopes are strictly prohibited;
• the coastal level should be 20-30 cm below the upper edge of the aquarium so that the animal could not get out of the house;
• for registration of sushi most often use medium and large pebbles or ordinary smooth pebbles, fastening them with aquarium sealant; taking small pebbles is not recommended, as a reptile can swallow it, which will lead to illness.

In addition to the coast, it is advisable to place islands on the water.

To maintain a microclimate and a stable temperature in the aquarium, it is necessary to apply heating. Water is heated to the desired temperature (+ 26– + 30 degrees) using a heater, which is immersed in the pool. To prevent the pet from being injured, the heater can be placed behind the aquarium decorations or covered with a plastic tube. Reptile daylight is not enough. To create comfortable living conditions, it is necessary to provide additional lighting.

An incandescent lamp (up to 60 W) should be installed above the shore, under the light of which the turtle will bask. You can use a special lamp for a terrarium with a reflector. The lamp should be placed at such a distance that the reptile does not reach it and water splashes do not reach.

Reptiles are animals in which the regulation of body temperature is carried out thanks to external sources. In conditions of natural habitat, turtles, as necessary, are either in the sun or in the shade. Therefore, the aquarium also needs to provide for the presence of both an illuminated warm area and a cooler shadow zone. To achieve this, a heating lamp is installed in the corner of the aquarium.

An ultraviolet lamp should also be placed for lighting. UV radiation is involved in the absorption of vitamin B, calcium and the production of vitamin D, necessary to strengthen the shell. UV rays also have beneficial effects on metabolism, reptile skin condition and overall well-being. However, the effect of ultraviolet light decreases with distance from the lamp. Therefore, it is placed strictly following the instructions.The approximate distance from land to the lamp is 30 cm. Also, the lamp needs to be replaced periodically, as the beam intensity gradually decreases. The UV lamp is turned on only for a while (10-12 hours).

Often, aquariums are covered with a lid with holes on top so that the turtle does not get out. But such ventilation does not provide sufficient fresh air. Poor aeration leads to air stagnation and the accumulation below the tank of gases (especially carbon dioxide) emitted by reptiles. This leads to various diseases of the animal. Therefore, additional flow aeration is so necessary. When arranging ventilation in aquariums for land turtles, the method of thermal convection is used: Through the openings in the lower part of the walls, cold air enters the aquarium, then, when heated, it rises and leaves through the upper openings in the lid.

Using ventilation, you can also control humidity, which depends on the number of inlets and outlets. Less humidity is achieved due to the large number of these holes, and large - due to a decrease in the number of those and other holes. For aeration of air in the aquarium of a red-eared aquatic turtle, in addition to a cover with holes, a compressor is usually used, which simultaneously fills with air and water.

An empty aquarium does not look quite aesthetically pleasing. You can beautifully equip a pet's home at home with your own hands. You can decorate it with different attributes, but the main principle of arrangement is the safety of the animal. When decorating a reptile's home, it is important not to fill the space too much so as not to interfere with their movement. A layer of coarse gravel can be placed at the bottom of the aquarium of the red-eared bug, although it will make it somewhat difficult to clean.

The best option for arranging the bottom for them is a multi-layer soil, which includes both hard zones, where the turtle walks and grinds its claws, and zones of bulk materials so that it can dig into it.

Soil needs to be issued as follows:

• the lowest layer is a film that absorbs moisture well; it will absorb the waste generated by animals in the process of life;
• then put the usual litter with holes that are used in the bathroom, excess moisture will leak through the holes and absorb into the film; this mat should be fixed so that the pet does not crawl under it;
• soil is poured on top - gravel or pebbles can be used for a hard zone, and sand for bulk zones; it is important that the pebbles are fairly large and have no sharp edges.

The pool of the red-eared pet can also be beautifully designed.

Such accessories can be bought or made with your own hands from non-toxic materials. They must be safe for animals and not have sharp edges.

Usually, living plants are not used to decorate the aquarium, because reptiles like to feast on them or just dig them up. Natural plants can create an aquarium only for young individuals: turtles do not eat greens until they are one year old. Sometimes artificial plants are used, having fixed them well in the bottom soil. However, there is also a risk that the pet will bite them. Sushi and islets are often decorated with artificial vines. Exactly the same means, you can equip an aquarium for land turtles.

After creating favorable living conditions, proper reptile care should be organized.It includes such things as good nutrition, caring for the animal itself and cleaning his home. Trachemys, like all other aquatic species, is omnivorous. Before reaching 3-4 years of age, she is fed mainly meat. Starting from the age of 4, when puberty sets in, the plant share of the diet increases from 30 to 50%.

Only marine fish can be given. Plant food is represented quite varied, namely:

• plants for aquariums with the exception of Elodea;
• indoor plants - tradescantia, aloe and barbed cactus, hibiscus;
• herbaceous plants - plantain, clover, dandelion;
• beet and carrot tops, salad leaves;
• various vegetables - bell peppers and cucumbers, carrots and zucchini,
• fruits - apples and pears, plums and bananas.

Caring for the most rubella reptile is to clean its shell. Since it has nerve endings, and it has sensitivity, you need to clean the shell only with a soft sponge.

The rubella tortoise can often molt, with peeling of the surface layer of the skin. In this case, it is useful to bathe in a warm chamomile broth. Dried flakes can also be carefully removed with cotton buds. Care is also required for the pet's dwelling. It is necessary to monitor the purity of the water in the pool. Water in it is often changed - up to 2 times a week. Water can not be changed all, but only a third part to preserve the microflora of the reservoir.

The aquarium should be washed if the walls are dirty. To do this, first isolate the pet and drain all the water. Then the soil and accessories located in the pool are washed well in clean water without detergents. Next, clean the walls of the aquarium with a wooden scraper without using cleaning products. You can use only baking soda, after which the container should be thoroughly washed.

If there is no filter in the aquarium, then water is replaced more often: full - once a week, and partial - after 3-4 days. Land turtles should also be kept clean. Since they like to bury themselves in the ground, they quickly become polluted. Therefore, they should be regularly bathed.

Wash them in warm water with the addition of soda at the rate of 1 teaspoon per liter of liquid, immersing them in water and leaving it for 20 minutes. Then, taking out the turtle and letting it dry, wipe its skin with a swab dipped in olive oil. Of course, the comfortable arrangement of living space and the provision of proper maintenance requires some material costs and labor investment. Therefore, before acquiring an exotic animal, all this should be considered.

How to start an aquarium for a turtle, see below.