What is an aquaterrarium for red-eared turtles, how to properly equip an aquarium using lamps

Red-eared turtles are aquatic species of these animals. To keep them, you need a large and comfortable aquarium. It is correct to call it an aquaterrarium, because such a reservoir contains water and has access to land.

This animal is demanding about its place of residence. Therefore, it is necessary to know how to equip the terrarium for the red-eared turtle in such a way as to create a natural habitat for it. Only in this case, this animal will live a long life, devoid of disease.

How to choose an aquarium for the red-eared turtle

When choosing an aquaterrarium for the red-eared turtle, be sure to take into account the size of the animal and features of his body. These aquatic turtles are under water for a long time, feeling safe there.

The aquaterrarium should be of such a size that the turtles can have plenty of room to swim with the obligatory access to land. Terrariums can be low with a large area, and with the help of stones you can lay out a natural shoreline.

• Such aquaterrariums are ideal for small turtles that swim a lot and often crawl out to bask.
• Larger animals can escape through the low sides.

Thus, if the turtle has a length of 10-13 cm, then a 100-liter aquarium will be enough for it. As it begins to grow, they acquire a larger container. When this animal reaches a length of 20-30 cm, she will already need a 200-liter aquarium.

Too small aquaterrarium volume contributes to rapid water pollution, which can make red-eared turtles sick.

Conditions for keeping a red-eared turtle

For the normal life of an animal, it is necessary comply with the following terms and conditions:

• Water.
• Drought.
• Temperature.
• Lighting.
• Use of ultraviolet lamps.
• Water filtration.

Water

In order for the turtle to swim freely and easily perform various maneuvers, the water level in the terrarium must be at least 40 cm. It should be changed once a week, but not completely, but only 30-40% of the total volume. Newly poured water must first be defended for 5 days.

Drought

Pond slider considered a swimming reptile. In addition to water, it can also be on land, crawling out to warm itself. This area should occupy 25% of the total area of ​​the terrarium. Attach the island to the base of the tank.

The top of the aquarium should be covered with glass with small holes for air to pass through. This is necessary so that the animals do not get out.

The red-eared tortoise is quite inactive, and spends a lot of time on land. You can equip several islands for it. One can be in a shaded place, and the other in a brightly lit place.

Some points should be taken into account when arrangement of an island of land in a terrarium:

• A land plot is made with an inclined coast, which should gradually rise from the bottom. Steep slopes are not recommended.
• The island is made of high-quality material, and the surface must be rough so that the turtle clings to it with its nails and gets out of the water. You can put soil on it, but be sure to do it in such a way that it does not crumble into the water.
• If there are several red-eared turtles in the terrarium, then the area of ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe island is increased so that all animals can fit on it.
• If there are several islands of land, it will be good if some are completely dry, while others are slightly wet.

A land plot is made 30 cm below the edge of the terrarium so that the animal cannot get out.

Temperature

Aquarium water temperature should be 23-28 degrees. If there are two islands of land, then one should be in a shaded place, and the temperature there should be 23-25 ​​degrees. And on a warm island, the temperature is usually 28-32 degrees. Such temperature differences are considered ideal for these animals.

To create this temperature, use a special aquarium lamp. Dropping the temperature below 20 degrees negatively affects the health of this pet.

Lighting and UV lamps

In their natural habitat, red-eared turtles often crawl out onto land to bask in the sun. Aquaterrariums also need lighting, so they use 40-75 W incandescent lamps. It is necessary to hang the lamp over the island of land. The distance from it to the lamp should be such that the air warms up to 28-32 degrees. Lights are turned off at night.

Many owners of red-eared turtles do not even realize that these pets are in dire need of ultraviolet light, which helps the body absorb calcium and synthesize vitamin D 3. Their lack contributes to the development of rickets and even death of the animal.

You should purchase a UV lamp that emits UVB and UVA rays. It is strictly forbidden to use a lamp with UVC rays, because they burn the retina, making the turtle blind.

The UV lamp is turned on every day for 12 hours. It must be installed from above at a distance of at least 30 cm from the ground. Replace the lamp once a year.

Water filtration

Aquarium water must always be clean, then the turtles will not get sick. External aquarium filters of all types are suitable for terrariums.

It is better not to use internal filters, because they quickly become clogged with suspended matter, losing their effectiveness.

The better the filter, the less often you will need to change the water in the aquarium. To keep the water constantly clean, it is changed every week by 30-40% of its volume.

How to arrange an aquarium

Whatever the design items, the most important thing is that they are safe. It is forbidden to use objects made of materials that can emit harmful substances, have sharp corners and edges.

The soil used to cover the bottom should not be very fine, otherwise the turtles will start to swallow it. In addition, it quickly becomes dirty and poorly cleaned. The best option is considered use of small pebbles.

Turtle aquarium can be decorated with artificial silk or plastic plants. They are fixed at the bottom with the help of weights. Islets look good with artificial vines.

Also, the terrarium is decorated with a variety of snags, unusual stones and other elements. Driftwood must be used those that have lain in the water for a long time. Fresh driftwood can begin to release harmful substances.

Forbidden aquariums for turtles

The following aquariums cannot be used for aquatic turtles:

• Having a volume of 50-70 liters. If a turtle lives in such a small space for a long time, then over time it develops infectious skin diseases, dystrophy and softening of the shell.
• In which the island of sushi is made of plastic.
• For which it is impossible to install lighting, ultraviolet lamps and filtration. Their absence leads to the death of turtles.

Thus, caring for the red-eared turtle is still not very easy. Only compliance with all conditions of proper maintenance makes the life of turtles long and happy.