Recommended Supplies for Your Pet Turtle

Recommended Supplies for Your Pet Turtle

Aquarium: The first thing you'll need for your pet turtle is an aquarium. Make sure it is large enough for your turtle to move around in and has a basking area where it can get out of the water. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 10 gallons of water per inch of the turtle's shell length.

Water filter: Turtles are messy pets, so you'll need a good water filter to keep their environment clean. A filter that can handle at least twice the aquarium's capacity is recommended. You'll also need to clean the filter regularly to keep it functioning properly.

Heat lamp: Turtles need heat to digest their food and stay healthy. A heat lamp should be placed above the basking area to provide warmth. You can use a ceramic heat emitter, basking bulb, or UVB bulb depending on your turtle's needs.

Substrate: The bottom of the aquarium should be covered with a substrate that your turtle can dig into and that can also help filter the water. Avoid using sand or small pebbles that your turtle could swallow. Instead, opt for larger river rocks or a commercial turtle substrate.

Food: Feeding your pet turtle a balanced diet is important for its health. Depending on the species of turtle, it may eat pellets, vegetables, fruits, shrimp, worms, and other food items. Consult with a veterinarian or do some research to find out what your specific turtle species needs in its diet.

Water conditioner: Tap water can contain chlorine and other chemicals that can harm your pet turtle. Using a water conditioner can help neutralize these chemicals and make the water safe for your turtle to swim in. Follow the instructions on the conditioner's label.