1 Answer

Step 1

Prepare a place for your turtle to live. your turtle needs a pool of water at least twice as deep as it is tall. Also, the pool should be at least three times as long and wide as your turtle's length. Your turtle needs a soil and gravel resting place away from the water, and it would appreciate decorations such as plants to give him places to hide and feel secure. A 15- to 30-gallon aquarium should fit your turtle, depending on how big it is.
Step 2

Add appropriate heat and light sources. Amphibian Care suggests using both UVB-producing fluorescent and household lightbulbs. Turtles require UVB rays in order to keep their shells hard. Look for a bulb that produces at least 5 percent UVB radiation. The basking place out of the water should be kept between 90 and 100 degrees; Amphibian Care recommends placing a 50-watt lightbulb six inches from the surface of the gravel and soil to accomplish this. Use an aquarium water heater to keep the water heated to 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.