Aquatic Turtle Care

Since the time Tom woke up, he carried a gloomy face all through the day. He was silent and sat alone by the side of the backyard fence remembering the splendid time he spent with his parents on the beach. Collecting shells, playing with baby crabs and aquatic turtles was immense fun for him. The beach didn't fascinate him as much as the baby turtles did.

After they returned home, he was missing the company of those meek aquatic turtles and remained upset the entire day. Evening dawned and he grew impatient. All of a sudden he heard his dad calling him loudly, 'Tom hurry, here's someone waiting for you.' Without wasting a moment, Tom rushed to his father. Anxiety reflected in his eyes. He opened the basket quickly and found two little eyes peering from under the shell. It was a baby aquatic turtle. Tom's joy knew no bounds. His mother patted him and said, 'Tom, now you have a companion, but do you know anything about aquatic turtle care?' Tom was still busy with his new friend. His mom and dad started taking all preparation to build a perfect aquatic turtle habitat for the new family member.

Now that was Tom's story but it applies to you as well. You can also rear aquatic turtles at home. Before you buy one for yourself, you need to have some knowledge about aquatic turtle species. Aquatic turtles are either freshwater or marine. Catch a quick glance on the most common types.

Aquatic Turtle Species - Freshwater:

• Pig-nosed Turtle
• Red Eared Sliders
• Soft Shell Turtle

Aquatic Turtle Species - Marine:

• Flatback
• Olive Ridley
• Kemp's Ridley
• Leatherback
• Green Turtle
• Hawksbill

Basic Care of Aquatic Turtle

You have brought the baby aquatic turtle to your home and wondering how to care for a turtle. Well, aquatic turtle care depends to some extent on the nature of species, i.e., total aquatic, semi aquatic, freshwater or marine. The basic habitat is more or less same. Aquatic turtle habitat should mimic their natural habitat conditions so that they are able to build a perfect niche in their own. So read the next content to know the ideal conditions for rearing aquatic turtle at home.

Housing
Turtles need large space to grow and swim. For 4-6" size, a minimum 10 gallon tank is required initially. There should be a deep swimming area inside the casing or housing. Shallow water is ideal for baby turtles when they learn to swim initially. Get rocks and shells inside to provide them rest and sleep. You can also take the turtle out in summers and allow it to bask in pools having small rock islands in them.

Temperature
You need to maintain the temperature inside the housing. Aquarium heaters are normally used to maintain temperature between 65-85º F. You can also place a UV light source above the aquarium to stimulate sunrays. It's also a good substitute that can be used in conjunction of direct sunlight. Lower temperatures make them sluggish and they tend to hibernate and stop eating.

Filtration
You must clean the aquarium at least once a month. Even the ponds must be cleaned when you keep them outdoors for basking. There should be adequate filtration system to clear the water from waste products. Canister filter, submersible power filter box and sponge filters are good options.

Feeding
Turtles grow best when fed with commercial diet, like ReptoMin. You can also feed them raw fish, turkey meat or chicken. Insects, worms and aquatic plants are also good feeding items for aquatic turtles. Dry food like trout chow or tetra ReptoMin are also healthy for them. You should not feed the turtles with foods that decompose quickly in water. Do not overfeed them as it will be wasted, and also spoil the environment inside the tank. You can also give them calcium blocks for stronger shell development.

Illness
Aquatic turtles face problems if ideal conditions are not maintained. Poor nutrition, temperature and unhygienic environment often makes them ill. Their shell is often susceptible to fungus attack. White and gray spots, lumps, and flakes are seen on their shell. You can clean their shell with 5% Iodine solution regularly. Fleshy skin, cuts, injuries and swollen eyes are common symptoms of illness. If you observe any changes, take your pet to a vet for check up.

Aquatic turtles make good and playful pets and you can rear them at home with all these conditions.