As a pets, aquatic turtles are a great alternative to cats or dogs.  They are fascinating to watch, and many have attractive colors and markings, and interesting personalities. They can make great interactive pets.

But they need a different kind of work to keep your pet turtle happy and healthy. Unlike dogs and cats, turtles don’t like to handle, they life expectancy is larger (between 20 -30 years) so providing them with the proper enclosure as they grow can be a larger investment than you initially expected. They are sensitive animals: space, light, moisture and food are all important for survival. Understanding these aspects of your pet’s care will help your turtle live a long life.

So what are the things that you need to consider before getting a turtle?

The Tank

Some of the most important features for an ideal turtle tank are:

• You will need at least a 40 gallon tank to allow enough space.
• You need a land area as well as a water area (Wooden boards or bricks make great land areas as they can be cleaned easily. )
• Shelter is a good idea.
• If you put plants do a quick check to make sure they are compatible and that your turtle will not get sick if he decides to eat a few of the leaves. But just in case, use artificial.
• Do not use tap water for your tank. De-chlorinated water needs to be used for the swimming area and filtered water for your turtle to drink.

Heat and the Temperature

Turtles require 12 hours of sun a day. You have to have a heat lamp. Turtles bask in the sun in the wild because the sun helps them produce a vitamin necessary for good health; your lamp will act as the sun. Without it, over time, your turtle will die. Do not take your turtle in and out of the tank constantly; it can severely affect its immune system. Or be sure that the temperature of inside and outside is the same.

A Turtle’s Diet

The diet of our pet must be a balance one. Generally, you should feed your pet two to three times a week. Dietary requirements differ depending on the species, so do your research. Most turtles eat a variety of things ranging from berries to live fish.

• Vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, spinach, alfalfa, and clover are good choices.
• Live prey can include things such as: earthworms, crickets, mealworms, and feeder fish (goldfish and guppies).
• Fresh liver is a great choice of meat for your turtle, but make sure any meat you give, other than live prey, is cooked.

This article was inspired in following publications: The Dos and Don’ts of Turtle Care, How to Care for Aquatic Turtles