Red-eared turtles in an aquarium

Aquarium enthusiasts who want to add a touch of reptile charm to their setup often opt for red-eared turtles. These turtles, which are well-known for their eye-catching looks and vivacious personalities, can add something amazing to your aquatic environment. There are a few crucial things you should know if you plan to keep red-eared turtles in your aquarium in order to make sure they flourish in their new surroundings.

Red-eared turtles need special care to stay healthy because, well, they’re not like fish or plants. They require a roomy tank so they can swim and relax in comfort. This implies that you will have to give them access to a dry area as well as a water area so they can sunbathe. To avoid any health problems, it’s critical to maintain a clean and well-filtered environment for them.

Another characteristic of red-eared turtles is their voracious appetites. Fresh vegetables, commercial turtle pellets, and occasionally small fish or insects serve as their main sources of protein. A balanced diet is essential for their development and health. In order to help them process calcium and maintain strong shells and bones, they also require a source of UVB lighting.

You can take in the distinct charm and behaviors of red-eared turtles by providing an appropriate habitat and attending to their dietary requirements. Their fun antics and engaging personality can make your aquarium experience much more enjoyable. Your red-eared turtles will not only survive but also flourish in their new home with a little planning and attention.

Homeland of the red-eared turtle

North America is regarded as the freshwater turtle’s native habitat. It can be encountered in South America as well as in the Mississippi River, where it swims. The turtle has recently made its way to other warm nations. It burrows a nest among vegetation in freshwater ponds and small creeks with a slow current, then emerges onto islands above the water’s surface to warm itself. Turtles in the wild consume fish, plants, insects, and snails.

Types and description of red-eared turtles

A newborn turtle’s shell measures only 3 cm in length. After nine months, the baby reaches 7.5 cm in length. After that, growth drastically slows down, reaching an average annual growth of 1-1.5 cm. The oval-shaped turtle’s shell is striped with yellow and has a stunning bright olive or green color. There are webs between the toes and rather large claws on the legs. The spots are yellow-red on both sides of the head.

Since an adult red-eared turtle can grow to a size of 28–30 cm, they are generally not considered pets. It has a 20-year lifespan at home. Many people who purchase pets are compelled to release them into the closest body of water because of their size and lengthy lifespan.

Red-eared turtles have unique care needs that require close attention, but they can be interesting and rewarding additions to an aquarium. These turtles need a large tank, appropriate filtration, sufficient lighting, and a well-balanced diet in order to stay healthy and flourish. You can help guarantee that they live a long and happy life in your aquatic setup by being aware of their natural behavior and needs.

Types of red-eared turtles:

• Trachemys scripta elegans grows up to 28 cm. It has a wide red stripe on its head, and narrow red stripes are visible on its chin. Each costal shield of the carapace is decorated with a transverse yellow stripe. The plastron (abdominal shield of the shell) has a large spot on each shield.
• Trachemys scripta scripta reaches 27 cm in length. There is a yellow postorbital spot on the head. It connects to the stripe located on the neck. There is a yellow stripe on all the shields of the costal carapace. Yellow plastron with spots on the front shields.
• Trachemys scripta troostii grows up to 21 cm. The head is decorated with a narrow yellow postorbital stripe and wide chin stripes. Each of the ribs of the carapace shield is decorated with a transverse yellow stripe. There are small black spots on the plastron.

Turtles’ senses of smell and vision are highly developed. They have a 40 m field of vision and are perfectly able to distinguish between colors. Their keen sense of smell aids in their food finding. However, hearing quality is lacking. Turtles’ skin-covered ears allow them to only perceive dull sounds and vibrations. The shell is extremely sensitive to touch because nerves pass through it. Because they are unable to breathe underwater, turtles come to the surface of the water to breathe. They can snort and hiss.

The difference between a male and a female

At one year of age, red-eared turtles reach sexual maturity; however, their length should be at least 10 cm. The tail of a female is shorter than that of a male. The position of the cloaca is a crucial factor in identifying the sex. It is nearer the base of the tail in females.

You will need a large aquarium, 150 to 200 liters, to keep a turtle. It will tighten and curve if you maintain it at a lower volume. Although these specifications might not seem sufficient at first, it’s important to keep in mind that the animal is developing and needs a place to live. There needs to be an island in the aquarium where the turtle can crawl out to warm up. The island needs to be half the size of the aquarium and fulfill the following specifications:

• The temperature on the artificial shore should be 10 degrees higher than in the water.
• One side of the island should be slightly flooded.
• Be safe, that is, do not emit harmful substances when heated.
• The island should be stable so that the animal cannot turn it over.
• Have a textured surface.

It is not required for the aquaterrarium to have soil. It is only there for aesthetic purposes. However, you should never use fine soil because the animal could choke to death on it.

How to heat the shore

Animals on the island prefer a temperature between 30 and 35 degrees. Observe it using a thermometer. It is important to position the lamp so that the turtle won’t burn from it. It’s important to be aware that multiple pets can climb on top of one another while simultaneously warming up. Here, the lamps are positioned higher. It’s important to keep in mind that the lamp gets wet because the turtles splash water at you when you climb into the water. For ten to twelve hours, turn on the heat.

It is best to take the lamp outside in the sun. Purchase it at a pet shop. The animal will become ill and ugly without UV rays because it won’t be able to absorb calcium.

Several images illustrating turtle aquariums:

Water in aquaterrarium

Most of the turtle’s life is spent in the water. There, she eats, sleeps, and defecates. The aquarium needs a good filter and regular water changes because water gets dirty and smells bad quickly.

The aquarium’s water level ought to be sufficient to allow the turtle to swim and turn over. Generally speaking, more is preferable. After the water is changed, it needs to be settled. The ideal water temperature ranges from 22 to 28 degrees. Install a heater if the temperature falls below that.

What to feed your pet

Red-eared turtles only eat in the water; they are omnivores. Their diet needs to be varied in order for them to be healthy. These include vegetables, some aquarium plants, fish, and a variety of insects. Special food for turtles (Tetra ReptoMin, JBL Agil, Sera Reptil Professional Carnivor, Zoomir Tortila-M) can also be included. Adult turtles receive vegetable food while frying turtles receive higher protein diet.

Every single turtle has an insatiable appetite for live small fish, including guppies, danios, other fish fries, and snails. However, serve such food infrequently. Increase the amount of calcium in the diet to strengthen the shell. Specialized feed contains calcium in the necessary amounts. Give fresh veggies to your pet multiple times a week. Richmia, Ludwig, duckweed, cucumber, zucchini, and salad leaves cooked in boiling water are all delicious foods.

The size of the pet determines how often it needs to be fed. Infants up to a year old receive daily feedings. Food is distributed every other day after a year.

Hibernation

The red-eared turtle hibernates during the colder winter months. It buries into the leaves or is buried in silt at the reservoir’s bottom during this time. Mouth membranes are used to absorb oxygen while the animal is hibernating. The conditions required for hibernation cannot be met at home. Water turtles that live in their homes do not hibernate.

Breeding turtles

The turtle’s size determines whether it is ready to reproduce. Males should measure more than 10 cm, and females should measure more than 12–13 cm. The man starts wooing the girl. He approaches the female, waves his paws, and sticks his snout in hers. Turtles can reproduce at any time of year at home and in the wild between March and June.

A place where the turtle can lay her eggs must be provided for her during her pregnancy. There can be two dozen eggs in a clutch. In ideal circumstances, three to four clutches occur annually. When the female is ready to breed, she starts to move around, digs, and tries to escape the aquarium. Spend the majority of her time on the island at the same time. Create a nest for the female if she lays one or more eggs. And keep in mind that she will probably carry the remaining eggs for a longer time.

The turtle may become infected and eventually perish if she doesn’t lay eggs but nevertheless carries them. Take her to the veterinarian right away if the eggs do not hatch.

Red-eared turtle aquarium keeping can be rewarding, but it takes careful preparation and close attention to detail. Because they are active, these turtles need a large tank with areas for both land and water in order to thrive. Keeping their habitat as close to their natural environment as possible will contribute to their happiness and well-being.

It’s essential to give the aquarium regular maintenance. To support the health of their shells, this entails keeping the water clean, regulating the temperature, and offering UVB lighting. Additionally, to keep your red-eared turtles healthy, provide them with a varied diet rich in protein sources and aquatic plants.

Red-eared turtles can be fascinating and low-maintenance pets if given the proper environment and care. They add a special charm to any aquarium, and it can be entertaining and educational to watch their behaviors. Just keep in mind that in order to ensure they live long, healthy lives in their aquatic home, you must attend to their specific needs.

Video on the topic

Basics of keeping red-eared turtles, part 1

Doomed to death: why Rosprirodnadzor advises against keeping red-eared turtles

How to build a terrarium for red-eared turtles at home