Setting up the Habitat

1
Choosing the Right Aquarium
First, make sure you choose just the right tank for your breed, as an aquarium for an aquatic turtle is different from a land one and has a bigger water pool, to start with.

First, make sure you choose just the right tank for your breed, as an aquarium for an aquatic turtle is different from a land one and has a bigger water pool, to start with. Consider the dimensions of your turtle when grown up and choose appropriately ��� on average, the aquarium volume should be between 40 and 60 gallons. In any case, it should allow for setting up a semi-aquatic environment with a necessary space for both hiding and light basking.

2
Filling with Substrate

This is an easy part, and probably the only one where you won���t need to consult a specialist to figure out how to take care of a turtle. When filling your aquarium with substrate, lay a few inches of sand on the bottom and don���t forget to sculpt a slope for your turtle to get out of the water conveniently. If you have a land turtle that needs only a pan of water, make sure the substrate layer is deep enough to accommodate the submerged pan.

3
Adding Water

The only important thing to know about water is that it shouldn���t be chlorinated. Pour an optimum amount into the aquarium and then fix a special filter to keep the water clean at all times (still, it doesn���t mean you shouldn���t change water once a week).

4
Setting the Temperature and Light

Each turtle breed would require its own temperature standards. When consulting on this matter, ask for the right temperature ranges for a cooling place, a basking spot, water and nighttime. To keep up with these recommendations, you would need a few thermometers at various places, as well as portable heaters (usually, in the form of a bulb) designed especially for these purposes.

5
Accommodating Other Tank Neighbors

Although turtles are pretty peaceful creatures, they are known to be omnivorous, which means they can devour everything in their sight when hungry. To avoid this, either place only one turtle in a single tank or make sure your little pet is well fed all the time. When in doubt, consult a herpetologist or avoid a dangerous co-inhibiting altogether.