How much water should be in a baby turtle tank?
A turtle’s basic need is a wet environment. A baby turtle should have a tank with a depth of at least 12 inches that can be filled up to 2/3 full with water.
This will allow the baby turtle room to swim and explore as well as provide it access to food and shelter from predators, such as other turtles or fish.
The shallow end of the tank should gradually slope into deeper water so that the baby doesn’t become startled by finding itself in deep water unexpectedly.
Baby turtles often like to burrow under rocks and logs near the surface for safety, so make sure there are plenty of these hiding places available for them, too.
Now, going back to the question, “How much water should be in a baby turtle tank?”
Related Posts:
- Top 5 Turtle Substrate for Your Pet Tank
- Can Turtles Live in a Fish Tank Filled With Water?
- Can I Use a Fish Water Conditioner for Turtles?
- Can I Keep My Turtle Tank Outside?
- How Big of a Tank for a Painted Turtle?
How Much Water Should Be in a Baby Turtle Tank?
How much water should be in a baby turtle tank?
10-15 gallons of water for every inch should be in a baby turtle tank. Fill the tank with enough clean water so that they can swim comfortably. The water should always be deeper than the turtle is wide.
How do you keep the new water in the turtle tank clean?
We need to put some chlorine remover or de-chlorinator into the water before adding it to the tank so that it is safe for them to swim in.
Add about 1 oz of chlorine remover per gallon of water, shake well, and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
After that, you can use a pump or hose to fill your tank with fresh, clean water until it covers all surfaces of the aquarium (and up onto the backglass) but leave air space at the top. Do not use an electric pump in aquariums containing turtles.
How Do I Clean a Turtle Tank?
With a kiddie pool, the water is drained and the turtle must be removed from the tank for any cleaning of gravel, rocks, plants, etc.
In order to keep the water healthier, you should change 20% every two weeks or so. You can add chlorine remover to help neutralize any harmful chemicals, which could harm your turtle if not changed often enough.
Be sure to remove all food before changing out the dirty water. If you have too much dirty water in there, it will raise toxic gases and contaminate your water faster than usual! Allowing a turtle to swim in dirty water can be harmful.
What Is the Best Water Filter for a Turtle Tank?
The bigger your turtle tank is, generally speaking, the easier it will be to maintain.
The more surface area you have in your tank, the more oxygen there will be in your tank, which equals cleaner water!
A larger filtration system with the right chemicals and equipment will always do a better job than what comes standard with one or two small turtles. Your kiddie pool needs no filter, just an air pump attached to an airstone.
What Is the Ideal Water Temperature in a Baby Turtle Aquarium?
The ideal water temperature for baby turtles should be 78-82°F (25-28°C). This is the optimal temperature that ensures your little terrapins are healthy.
This means that when you are setting up a new turtle environment, you should already have the best water heater installed in order to present your tiny turtle with everything he or she needs to live happily!
Why does it matter so much?
While some tropical fish can survive within this range of temperatures, there are only a few species of reptiles and amphibians who actually do well at these specific ranges.
If anything, keeping things at 80 degrees Fahrenheit will be just fine.
However, if you were able to set up a tank for turtles, it is best to go with 78-82°F.
If you are going to buy a water heater, make sure that you research first and pick the one that’s right for your freshwater aquarium.
There are different models available on the market today, from submersible ones to those which can hang from the edge of your tanks. Make sure that you get the reliable one if you don’t want any accidents or problems with heating!
What Are the Most Common Water Heating Options Available?
- Under-gravel Heater – This can be placed under your tank’s substrate. The cord then runs through the gravel and attaches to a thermostat. These are great for keeping things stable, especially if you have curious turtles who love digging around the bottom of their tanks.
- Submersible Water Heater – These can fit into any regular-size tank and they’re very easy to set up and maintain. They also tend to be more powerful than other models, so consider that when purchasing one!
- Canister Water Heater – This is one of the best options because it doesn’t need any installment at all since it lives inside its own filtration system. The canisters themselves move water and heat it as well, so these things are really amazing.
- Flat Panel Water Heater – This is for those who don’t want to install any other stuff into their tanks since the heater will just sit on top of the tank’s glass surface.
It is also very important to know that all turtles need a basking site (UVA and UVB lighting) that simulates natural sunlight.
This allows them to heat up under the light and then cool down in water or even go out into their outdoor enclosure during warmer months.
You should make sure that your tank provides enough room for both heating and cooling areas, and you should always include an easy-access ramp for your aquatic turtle friends!
Turtles are more accustomed to shallow water, so make sure that you keep the depth of your tank at no less than 8 inches.
Some turtles love swimming and playing in deeper tanks, but this lot isn’t really used to it. They’re more on land types actually.
How to Set Up an Aquatic Turtle Tank?
Now that you know how much water should be in a baby turtle tank, how can you set up the tank?
One of the most popular pet choices among children and many adults is an aquatic or water turtle.
Water turtles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as the red-eared slider (Trachemys script), map turtles (Graptemys spp.), musk turtles (Sternotherus spp.), painted turtles (Chrysemys picta), common snappers (Chelydra serpentina), and even some species of softshell turtle.
Unfortunately, however, they’re not all equally suited to live in a typical human household.
Aquatic turtle keeping certainly has its share of drawbacks: high cost, the risk of introducing disease into your home, specific light and temperature needs, the need for excellent filtration, and more.
But with careful planning, you can make the experience rewarding for everyone involved.
For the most part, aquatic turtles are not difficult to care for if you have basic fish-keeping skills. If you decide to take on this responsibility, be aware of exactly what is required of you before you buy your turtle or hatchling.
Below are some things to consider.
1. Determine Whether Your Turtle Have Special Needs
The first thing that must be determined is whether or not a turtle has any special requirements that may affect its captive husbandry.
For example, many species require very specific water temperatures (often up in the low 80s), while some are highly aquatic and will spend their entire lives submerged in water, requiring little else other than lighting overhead to bask on.
Other species are semi-terrestrial, spending part of their time on land and in the water. In general, most red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) fall into this category, as do map turtles (Graptemys spp.).
In addition to determining whether your turtle is fully aquatic or semi-aquatic/terrestrial, you must also try to figure out what species it is.
The photo gallery included in this article will help you determine if the turtle is a common snapper (Chelydra serpentina) or a musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), for example.
But if you’re still not sure which species it might be, try consulting an online turtle forum or ask your local pet store.
Keep in mind that the classification of turtles is still largely based on morphological traits, and there are many exceptions to what you find in books and online resources.
The red-eared slider (Trachemys script) has long been considered a subspecies of common turtle (T. s. elegans). But today, it is often classified as its own species because of genetic differences found between Florida populations.
2. Determine How Large the Turtle Will Be as an Adult
Large aquatic turtles can be quite expensive to purchase and even more so to properly house long term, although growth rates for captive turtles aren’t always predictable.
Aquatic turtles can reach sizes exceeding 12″ SCL (straight carapace length) in 5-10 years, so you’ll need to have a decent amount of space available. Large aquatic turtles can also weigh a lot, upwards of 50 lbs or more for some species!
3. Consider the Turtle’s Needs for Both Land and Water
When setting up the aquarium, don’t forget to take into account the turtle’s needs for both land and water.
One end of the tank should be set aside for dry land, allowing your turtle plenty of space to bask under the lights.
The other end should be devoted to filtration and water depth that provides enough swimming room for your turtle’s entire body to fit inside if it were completely stretched out without touching any side of the tank.
The specific size requirements vary greatly from one type of turtle to another.
Some turtles can live happily in a 30-gallon, while others will require 100 gallons or more.
For very large specimens of common snappers and map turtles (more than 4″ SCL), you’ll need an aquarium of at least 75 gallons for females and 120 gallons for males.
4. More Space Is Better Than Not Enough
Turtles are hardy creatures and can survive even if their enclosures don’t provide an ideal environment. But why put your turtle through the stress of living in substandard conditions?
If it doesn’t seem like there’s quite enough room, consider adding another aquarium to your setup so that the turtle has more room to move around. The more stressed out they are, the more likely they are to develop health problems.
5. Look for an External Canister Filter If the Turtle Is Housed in a Large-enough Tank
Speaking of filtration, you’ll probably want to use an external canister filter if the turtle will be housed in a large enough tank.
Turtles produce a lot of waste, so strong filtration is essential. An internal power filter may work for small aquariums with only one or two turtles, but anything larger than 20 gallons should use some sort of canister filter instead.
Canisters are superior to power filters because they provide better water flow and the ability to customize the media used inside for specific purposes.
6. Install UVA and UVB Lighting
When it comes to lighting, most aquatic turtles do well with either regular fluorescent lighting (shop lights with T8 bulbs) or mercury vapor bulbs that provide both UVA and UVB (such as the Mega-Ray or PowerSun).
UVA light is important because it’s what turtles need to stimulate their basking area.
UVB light mimics what they would see in the wild, and it’s needed for proper calcium metabolism.
But make sure not to place your turtle directly beneath lights that will create a hotspot. This can be dangerous if your turtle spends more than several minutes at that level of heat exposure.
Whether you choose fluorescent or mercury vapor lighting, aim to keep the highest wattage bulb no higher than 12″ over water (and 24″ over land), even if there are multiple bulbs installed on one fixture (for mercury vapor specifically).
If you use the highest wattage bulb that your fixture can handle, this will provide more than enough UVB and UVA emission levels.
It’s important to provide UVB lighting if you want your turtle to be able to make their own vitamin D3 in order for their bodies to absorb calcium (which is otherwise contained mostly in their diet).
If you plan on letting your turtle bask outside or have a large tank that allows turtles to leave the water without drowning, then this should not be an issue that you have to worry about.
7. Measure the Temperature in the Tank
The basking area also needs to be kept at the right temperature in order for your turtle to thrive.
This should be 88-92 degrees Fahrenheit when measured at the top of the basking rock or branch and approximately 80 degrees near the waterline (where a submerged heater might be used instead).
Use several thermometers around the tank in order to get an accurate reading.
If you’re using a mercury vapor bulb, aim for one hotspot, in particular, to reach 95-100 degrees so your turtle can properly thermoregulate itself by moving between areas with warmer or cooler temperatures.
8. Provide the Turtle With an Area to Retreat Into
Turtles are ectotherms, so it’s important to provide them with areas to retreat into if the temperature becomes too extreme.
Ambient air should be kept at 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit (27-29 degrees Celsius). And make sure that your turtle can access a cooler area of about 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit (24-26 degrees C) for sleeping at night.
9. Put Live Plants Safe for Turtles in the Tank
If you plan on keeping aquatic plants in your turtle tank, make sure they are live plants instead of plastic or silk ones that turtles could accidentally eat.
Also, bear in mind that some turtles like to snack on plants or uproot them whenever there is nothing else available to eat!
Even small snappers and map turtles can easily uproot plants. Floating plants designed specially for aquarium use may be more difficult for turtles to uproot.
10. Add Two or More Turtles to the Tank
Keeping fish in the same tank as a turtle is usually not recommended because of the risk that turtles pose to fish (even small fish such as feeder guppies).
Some turtles may try to eat anything they can fit into their mouths, and this includes fish.
If you want your turtle to have some company, consider purchasing rather than adopting another one of its own species instead. Most aquatic turtle species will do alright with a cage mate.
11. Don’t Put Anything in the Tank That Will Cause Stress to Turtles
Turtles, especially those kept in tanks that are too small, will sometimes resort to biting or doing other things that could be potentially injurious when they’re feeling stressed out.
It’s important to pay attention and remove them from stressful situations so they don’t injure themselves or other animals.
12. Feed Them Using a Separate Container With Submersible Heaters
An all-too-common problem is the idea that turtles are always supposed to keep their eyes peering at the surface of the water, so people feed them floating pellets or cuttlebones.
This causes buoyancy problems for their internal organs since turtles evolved to submerge themselves underwater without issue.
Feeding your turtle in a separate container with submersible heaters can help even out the temperature gradient and avoid causing buoyancy issues for your turtle over time.
But make sure to read up on proper substrate choice beforehand because many substrates designed for fish tanks may contain chemicals toxic to turtles.
13. Give the Turtles Nutritious and Safe Food
Turtles need calcium to maintain healthy shells, bones, teeth, skin, and claws.
Without enough calcium, they can become weak and sick.
The primary source of calcium is from the food that you feed them. Try to give them a variety of food (aquatic plants, snails, shrimp, fish, and other prepared foods containing calcium) rather than one main source such as only kibble.
How to Take Care of Baby Water Turtles?
A baby water turtle with a diameter of about 10 cm is provided by the sea turtles and tortoises association.
The most suitable way to take care of the little friend is to release it into nature once it grows bigger. But if you want to keep it as your pet, you need to follow the steps below.
First of all, provide a container where the baby can stay in comfort for one or two weeks until its shell hardens and the scutes set-ups.
A 30cm high aquarium with a 50 cm long size is suitable for this purpose while more space will be required later on during his life span of up to 40 years, which means having a spare room available after he reaches adult age.
The best substrate for this purpose is sand. However, if there are children at home who will play with the turtle, it is better to use peat, soil, or potting soil.
You need to be aware that even though sand looks more natural than other substrates for him, it is not healthy for the little pet because his shell will grow around any sharp edges on it and he can get an infection in this way.
The water temperature of the container should be between 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit) all year round, which means you have to install a water heating system for this purpose.
To set up the system by yourself, you need to buy one big enough to heat 10 cm of water approximately. You need also an aquarium thermometer able to measure from 5 to 30 degrees Celsius so you can adjust the temperature if required.
The baby’s diet is mostly composed of live food such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, mosquitos, and other insects while its size requires feeding approximately every one or two hours.
To prepare his meals, you need to put them in a blender where they will be cut into tiny pieces so he can eat them easily.
You should also know that it is not healthy for him to overfeed because this may cause vitamin E deficiency, which is linked to loss of appetite and a neurological disorder that causes his head to tilt towards one side.
Once the turtle reaches 4-5 cm in diameter, it’s time for him to move into a bigger water container (aquarium) with enough space for him to move around where the water level must be between 15-20 cm deep.
You should also know that if your pet lives alone, he may become aggressive, so it is better to buy two baby turtles of the same sex and separate them once they grow up.
The right temperature in his new home must be 24-27 degrees Celsius (75-81 degrees Fahrenheit) with the same pH value as the previous one (7.5-8.0).
The water needs to be changed once a week entirely with dechlorinated tap water (the chlorine will harm your turtle).
The water heating system has to be set up again with the thermometer taking into consideration that, this time, there are bigger dimensions according to how big or long the new water container is.
The feeding of baby turtles is divided into three meals a day since their stomachs are small and unable to hold a large amount of food, which can cause serious digestive problems or even death.
You need to feed them live food as often as they want but also offer them some vegetables such as cucumber, zucchini, and lettuce leaves.
In order for the pet not to get dehydrated, you have to make sure that his environment has enough humidity as this involves swimming and basking at the same time.
In other words, you must spray the tank with water on a daily basis while he can use a bowl filled with water where he will dip his head occasionally in order to drink it.
Once every two weeks, you can use a calcium supplement for turtles that you will dissolve in the bowl as well as a special vitamin supplement.
If you decided to buy two baby turtles of same-sex, during their first year of life, you have to keep them separated from each other since they may become aggressive towards each other if one tries to lay eggs, which is dangerous for both, especially for him.
The right time for this separation is after 4-6 months when they grow up and reach 10 cm in diameter.
At first, cut a small part of the glass between the tanks so your pets will be able to smell each other but not touch one another with their claws.
Cutting out more glass afterward on a monthly basis until there is no hole left between them apart from the one where the food goes in. Make sure that they don’t hurt themselves while fighting because this may cause serious injuries.
Conclusion
How much water should be in a baby turtle tank?
At least 10 gallons of water should be in a baby turtle tank. Fill the tank with water and make sure there are no sharp or abrasive objects inside it to avoid injury.
It is also important that you keep the temperature in their habitat between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit (24-29 degrees Celsius) to ensure they stay healthy!
Key points about how much water should be in a baby turtles tank:
Maintaining the right water level in a baby turtle tank is crucial for their well-being and development. Baby turtles have specific requirements that need to be met to create a safe and comfortable aquatic environment. Here are some important considerations regarding the water level in a baby turtle tank:
1. Aquatic vs. Semi-Aquatic Turtles:
- The appropriate water level depends on the species of turtle you are caring for.
- Some turtles are primarily aquatic, while others are semi-aquatic and require a mix of land and water.
2. Aquatic Turtle Species:
- Aquatic species, like red-eared sliders, painted turtles, and map turtles, require an almost fully submerged habitat.
- The water level should be deep enough for swimming, typically around 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) for baby turtles.
3. Semi-Aquatic Turtle Species:
- Semi-aquatic species, such as box turtles and mud turtles, require a shallow water area.
- A water depth of 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) is usually sufficient for baby turtles of these species.
4. Temperature and Basking Area:
- All turtles, regardless of species, need access to a basking area where they can climb out of the water to dry off and regulate their body temperature.
- Ensure the water level allows the turtle to easily access the basking area without difficulty.
5. Gradual Depth Increase:
- When setting up the habitat for a baby turtle, it’s a good practice to start with a shallow water level.
- As the turtle grows and becomes more confident in the water, gradually increase the water depth.
6. Filtration and Water Quality:
- Proper filtration and water quality are paramount for maintaining a healthy aquatic environment.
- Invest in a quality aquarium filter to keep the water clean and free of contaminants.
7. Swimming Space:
- Baby turtles, like all turtles, need enough space to swim and exercise.
- Ensure the tank or enclosure is appropriately sized for their species and age.
8. Dechlorinated Water:
- Always use dechlorinated water when setting up the tank.
- Chlorine and other chemicals in tap water can harm your baby turtle.
9. Monitor Water Level:
- Regularly check the water level to ensure it is maintained at the appropriate depth.
- Water can evaporate, especially if you provide a basking area with a heat source.
10. Safety Precautions:
- Ensure the tank has a secure lid or cover to prevent the turtle from escaping or getting trapped.
11. Cleaning and Maintenance:
- Maintain a routine cleaning schedule for the tank to prevent the accumulation of waste and bacteria.
- Regular water changes are also essential for a healthy aquatic environment.
12. Veterinary Care:
- Schedule regular check-ups with a reptile veterinarian to ensure your baby turtle is healthy and thriving.
Providing the right water level in a baby turtle tank is vital to their health and development. It’s essential to consider the species, age, and specific needs of your turtle to create an optimal environment. Monitoring and maintaining water quality and depth, along with offering a suitable basking area, will contribute to the well-being of your baby turtle.
