The red-eared turtle is a species of American freshwater turtle that is very popular with reptile enthusiasts around the world. If properly kept, these animals can live up to 60 years.
It is necessary
- - heater for an aquarium;
- - ultraviolet lamp;
- - aquarium water filter;
- - driftwood or plastic shelves to create a land area.
Instructions
Step 1
Get an aquarium. An adult turtle needs a reservoir of 150-200 liters. If you want to have a couple of reptiles, the size of the tank needs to be doubled. Be sure to take care of the water heating system. The comfortable temperature for red-eared turtles is 25-28 ° C. Water must not be cooled below 20 ° C.
Step 2
Red-eared turtles need to regularly bask on land. This supports their immunity. Therefore, 25-30% of the surface of the aquarium should be devoted to dry land. Many aquarists arrange driftwood and other decorative items so that they protrude above the water. You can also place a special plastic shelf near one of the walls of the aquarium, imitating the shore of a reservoir. It is unnecessary to cover it with pebbles or fine gravel, because turtles will ingest this material, which can cause intestinal obstruction. Also, do not use pebbles and gravel in the bottom decoration.
Step 3
Place an ultraviolet light source over the makeshift land to create a substitute for natural sunlight.
Step 4
Keep your aquarium clean. In dirty water, pathogens actively multiply, which can cause various diseases in turtles. The water in the aquarium should be changed 1-2 times a week. To make it easier to care for red-eared turtles, you can install an electric filter with a pump.
Step 5
Customize your aquarium. Please note that all decorative items and plants must be safe for red-eared turtles. Avoid plastic algae. The turtle can bite off and swallow a piece of plastic, which in turn can lead to a blockage in the intestines. Live plants must be non-poisonous. Do not place stones with sharp edges in the aquarium to avoid injury to the turtle.
