Setting Up A Turtle Tank

Although Oblong Turtles over 20cm long should go in a pond, hatchlings and juveniles can be set up quite nicely in a large fish tank.

Here’s what you will need:
- A Tank
- Heat Lamp
- Water Heater
- Thermostat
- UV Light
- Thermometer
- Substrate
- Filter
- De-chlorinator

The tank should be filled with enough water (approx 1/3) for the turtle to be completely submerged and with enough room to swim under and over any furnishings.
Set up “land” in one part of the enclosure using rocks or gravel (or a commercial platform), which will allow the turtle to leave the water entirely to bask under the heat lamp.   The “land” can be set up at either end of the tank or in the middle and should be big enough for the turtle to bask comfortably and safely or big enough for all turtles to bask. 

Thermal Gradient
Create a thermal gradient in the tank using a heat lamp set up right above the “land” where the turtle basks.  They come in several wattages and you should take into consideration the size of your tank before choosing a bulb.  Oblongs don’t like it much more than 28°C so it’s important to control the max temperature using a thermostat at all times.   Air temperature should be maintained between 18 and 27°C.  Use a thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature. You can tell at a glance exactly what’s going on and avoid any harmful temperatures.

The thermal gradient in a turtle tank includes the relative coolness of the water.  In summer your turtle will simply slip into the water to cool off, but in winter, the water may be too cold for your turtle to eat and digest its food properly.  A water heater should be used and water temperature should be maintained between 16 and 24°C.  Oblong turtles don’t naturally brumate (hibernate) in the wild and water temperatures should be kept above 13°C in winter.

Lighting
The sun’s natural rays normally provide UVA/UVB and Vitamin D.  UV aids bone growth (including shells) and digestion.  Reptiles raised in captivity without UV suffer from a severe bone disorder called Metabolic Bone Disease (see our article on MBD) that creates deformities such as crooked spines, loss of digits, very weak and easily broken bones.  A UVA/UVB fluorescent lamp should be set up above the tank safely and turned on during daylight hours. 

Water
The water in your turtle’s tank is critical to its health.  Turtles eat, sleep and poop underwater.  Remembering that there is no paper or sand to change that gets dirtied by faeces or food, this all ends up in their water where they spend 90% of their time.
Tap water may be used to fill the tank but a water de-chlorinator is recommended to remove excess chlorine.  PH levels in the water need to remain neutral and this is an excellent indication of the level of cleanliness in the tank.

Filtration
Due to little bits of leftover food and excrement in the water, filtration is essential for your turtle tank.  By removing waste matter from the water, water filters also help balance the PH levels.

Substrate
Common fish gravel and small smooth pebbles are recommended as a substrate at the bottom of a turtle’s tank.  Both are easy to clean and there are no ongoing costs associated with replacing the substrate.

Furniture
Turtles are fairly active and inquisitive.  Furnishing such as rocks, underwater branches, and commercial furniture all add to an underwater playground for your pet.  Make sure no furniture can be pushed over or fall on your pet.   Rocks and branches that are not bought commercially should be scrubbed with a mild soap and bleach solution (rinse thoroughly) before using them in the tank.  Plastic plants are excellent, as they can’t be eaten and also offer a place to hide.  Rearrange every so often – it adds to interest, activity in exploring a new environment and exercise.

Have fun and don't forget, if you have any questions, feel free to send us an email or give us a call!

Thank you

{ 7:15 PM, 17/9/2008 } { Posted by Anonymous }

Thank you for your very informative page. I have searched and searched for infomation regarding my 2 little baby Murray River turtles. Now I have some really good info.

Thanks

good info

{ 8:58 PM, 15/11/2008 } { Posted by Anonymous }

thanks for that it was very good i laernt a lot
do you have a turtle if so wat type
cheers