Terrarium for the red-eared turtle – which one is better to choose, ready-made or made to order?

Modern terrariums are very diverse in terms of shapes, volumes and technical characteristics, and may well serve as a great addition to any interior. They may or may not have a lid. The volume of the terrarium from the smallest up to 100-200 liters and more. Their form may be:

1. horizontal;
2. vertical;
3. spherical.

The latter form is highly undesirable for turtles.

Terrarium microclimate

It should be noted that for successful maintenance, and even more so for their breeding, a properly equipped terrarium designed for red-eared turtles is required. They are now on sale can be found in a wide variety of shapes, colors and volumes. But the terrarium must meet certain, extremely important parameters.

Terrarium for red-eared turtle it should be:

1. Made of non-toxic materials and elements, free of chips and scratches, no burrs.
2. It is easy and convenient to clean.
3. Suitable for the size of this individual. It should be borne in mind that turtles with good care can grow quickly. It makes sense to take a larger terrarium immediately.
4. Be sure to have an island where the turtles rest and bask with pleasure. Particular attention should be paid to the material from which it is made, the turtle should be comfortable to climb on it. It should not be slippery and chipped.
5. It is better if the terrarium has a lid, so it is easier to provide the necessary microclimate for turtles.
6. It is important to observe the proportions of water and land.

In addition to all of the above, it is necessary to create comfortable microclimate conditions for red-eared turtles.

In the terrarium, a certain water temperature must be maintained, namely 22 — 28 ° C is optimal and comfortable. If the temperature is lower, turtles, in most cases, get pneumonia, conjunctivitis.

The type of red-eared is extremely demanding on the quality of the water itself, it must be clean. Water with a high content of uneaten food, with excrement contains many microorganisms, contributes to the disease of the turtle. On sale you can find a large selection of filters, but even when using them, the water must be changed periodically. Only distilled water should be used. It is strictly forbidden to use water directly from the tap, even if it is at the right temperature. In such an environment, there are many microorganisms that will adversely affect the health of turtles, especially young turtles. The shell of the red-eared species often serves as an indicator of water quality. Every owner should definitely pay attention to it.

Of course, there should be more water in the terrarium than land. Roughly this 2/3 of the volume or a little more. There are also terrariums with very little water. Many owners are unaware of how turtles can swim well. This is a magnificent sight.

Mention should be made of a very common mistake among amateur beginners regarding the location of the land. It can be dangerous, provided that the turtle can get stuck under the bridge, as well as get injured or even choke. And this is despite the fact that red-eared males and females are adherents of the aquatic habitat.

In the presence of soil, it is important to take into account its quality, ideally it should be homogeneous. If pebbles are still used, be sure to check the absence of sharp corners and chips that can injure the turtle.

Terrarium equipment for red-eared turtles

Its purchase and installation should be approached very carefully and responsibly. Do not use equipment of dubious quality and technical characteristics, from little-known manufacturers. It should be purchased only in specialized stores and only intended for a specific type of red-eared turtles. Some stores deliver their equipment both within the settlement and beyond. It’s convenient enough. It is important to understand the purpose for which the equipment is purchased.

Extremely cautious should be used already used and only after a thorough check and its disinfection. Failure to comply with these important conditions can lead the turtle to:

• injury;
• diseases;
• death.

Red-eared turtles, like other species, are prone to various eye infections. Concerning special equipment needed:

1. Filter for water purification, there is a huge selection of them on sale, the most common are Tetra, AQUAEL. Their choice depends primarily on the volume of the terrarium.
2. UV lamp.
3. Water heater, to maintain a comfortable temperature,
4. Siphon for cleaning the soil, if the bottom is covered with soil.
5. Equipment and care products for the terrarium, which, after working with it, must be carefully processed and disinfected.
6. Humidity equipment in a terrarium is generally used infrequently and mostly by experienced owners and large numbers of turtles.
7. Feeders, drinkers can greatly facilitate the process of caring for a turtle, there are also automatic ones.

It should be noted that water filters, feeders, drinkers, siphon soil cleaning and moisture maintenance equipment are optional purchases. You can buy them later if you need them. Inventory for a small terrarium may consist of only one scraper for cleaning.

Terrarium decoration

It can be varied and depends on the skills, wishes and capabilities of the owner of the terrarium. It can be various stones, natural decorations, artificial plants. Often seen houses, feeders, drinkers when breeding and keeping a species of red-eared turtles. These elements allow you to add zest to the interior. Style can be anything, it all depends on the imagination of the owner. You can often find a terrarium decorated with natural stones, it looks especially beautiful with a large displacement. Sufficient distribution was received by decorative locks and snags.

But do not overload the terrarium with them too much. A sense of proportion is important here.

Recently, the most popular backgrounds for terrariums. They can also simulate the bottom without resorting to the use of soil. This greatly facilitates the care of the terrarium and gives it a harmonious finished look.

It is very important to place them correctly so that they do not interfere with the turtles.

Ready-made terrarium or custom-made

First of all, it depends on the owner of the red-eared turtles, on his knowledge, passions and financial capabilities. But it is better to take into account certain points.

Usually made to order large terrariums, irregular shape. They are much more expensive than ready-made terrariums. However, problems may arise when placing it in an apartment, you should clearly imagine where its place will be, how it will fit into the interior, and most importantly, it will suit the turtle.

We can say with confidence that the maintenance of the house of the red-eared turtle will give its owner a lot of positive emotions, charge him with positive energy. Watching these creatures swimming or basking on the island is soothing and helps to relax at the end of the working day. It is also important that the care and feeding of this species of red-eared turtles are not extremely difficult, they are quite accessible even to a beginner.