Beginner's Guide to Properly Housing, Feeding, and Caring for Pet Turtles

Can Turtles Survive in Tap Water?

No, turtles cannot survive long-term in plain tap water. Tap water contains chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, and fluoride – all of which can be toxic to turtles over time.

Dangers of Tap Water for Turtles

The main risks of using unfiltered tap water for pet turtles are:

• Respiratory infections from chlorine
• Shell rotting from heavy metals
• Organ damage from fluoride

Chlorinated water can also kill off healthy bacteria and dry out protective body oils. As aquatic animals, turtles absorb everything in their environment through their skin and shells.

Treating Tap Water for Turtle Habitats

If you must use tap water, treating it first is essential. Allow the water to sit out uncovered for 24 hours so chlorine can evaporate. Testing strips can confirm the chlorine has dissipated.

Next, use a high quality reptile water conditioner to remove heavy metals, chloramines, and fluoride. Choose a conditioner specifically formulated for turtles/reptiles.

Housing Pet Turtles

Providing the proper habitat is crucial for keeping turtles healthy. This includes an adequately sized aquarium or pond with appropriate heating, lighting, basking area, filtration, and furnishings.

Indoor Turtle Enclosures

For baby and juvenile turtles under 4 inches long, a 10-20 gallon aquarium is sufficient. But they will quickly outgrow this size.

For adult turtles, provide a minimum tank size of 10 gallons per inch of shell length. Bigger is always better. Aim for the largest enclosure possible for their adult size.

Outdoor Turtle Ponds

Outdoor ponds allow space for turtles to thrive. Ensure the pond is Escape proof with vertical sides, securely cover all drains/pipes, and use barrier fencing if needed.

The pond must have areas of both deep and shallow water, with smooth rocks, logs or platforms for basking above water level. Partially bury pond heaters and filters below ground level.

Water Depth

Aquariums and ponds must be deep enough for turtles to swim and turn around. As a general rule, water depth should be at least 1.5 times the length of the turtle’s shell.

Basking Area Essentials

All turtles require a dry basking area to regulate body temperature and prevent shell infections. Provide ramps or piles of large rocks so they can exit the water easily.

Place a heat lamp directly over the basking platform to maintain 85-95°F during the day. Nighttime can drop to room temperature.

filtration & Cleaning

Canister filters work well for turtle tanks to remove food debris, waste, and algae. Power filters may be strong enough to trap small turtles.

Clean tanks at least once a week – siphon waste from the gravel, scrub algae if needed, and replace 25% of the water with fresh treated water.

Feeding Pet Turtles

Feed baby turtles daily, juveniles every other day, and adult turtles 2-3 times per week. Give them more vegetables than protein.

Best Foods for Pet Turtles

A nutritionally balanced diet for pet turtles consists of:

• Dark leafy greens – kale, lettuce, collard greens
• Other vegetables – carrots, squash, bell peppers
• Some fruit – melon, mango, berries
• Commercial turtle pellets
• Occasional treats – mealworms, crickets, shrimp

Avoid spinach, tomatoes, aquarium plants, and insects from outside due to pesticides.

Supplementary Calcium

Turtles need extra calcium for healthy bone development, especially when young. Dust food daily with calcium powder made for turtles.

Proper Feeding Technique

Place food either directly in the water for aquatic turtles, or on dry docks/platforms for semi-aquatic types. Never hand feed.

Remove uneaten food within 15 minutes to maintain water quality. Feed only what they can consume during each sitting.

Turtle Handling Tips

Pet turtles rarely enjoy human interaction. As prey animals, handling induces stress. But some handling is inevitable – here’s how to do it safely:

• Scoop aquatic turtles gently from underneath, supporting their underside.
• For land turtles, slide hands under front and back of shell, keeping low.
• Never lift turtles by their tail or pull them sideways.
• Keep handling brief, only when necessary.
• Always wash hands before and after touching any turtle.

With gentle, proper care techniques, pet turtles can thrive and live for decades. Do plenty of research before committing to turtle ownership!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.