New Turtle? this is what to prepare

This is it... Finally we talked about my most favorite animallllsssss, well i love other animals too but this one is my truely favorite since i was 4 years old. Turtle is a small animal thats live quite long enough to see you growing up. Turtle doesnt need alot of caring but still need YOUR LOVE

1.Purchase a tank

One guide suggests having 10 gallons of capacity per inch of turtle length, plus an additional 15% space for a basking area. For the first year you can get by with a 50 gallon tank for a baby, but after that you need at least 120 gallons.^[1] Take into account:

• Water depth: Turtles love to dive and chase food, so make sure the water is plenty deep enough to allow this.
• Space: Turtles are territorial so make sure they have plenty of space to keep away from one another, or you may need to separate them into individual tanks.
• Waste: Turtle waste is more solid than fish waste. This needs to be kept well diluted by providing a large volume of water, and /or the use of filter system designed for turtles.

2Look for a cheaper tank alternative

The ideal container is a large glass aquarium but these can be expensive. A cheaper alternative is a stock tank. A 100 gallon stock tank can be purchased relatively inexpensively. Avoid purchasing acrylic tanks, which are cheaper, but easily scratched by turtle claws.^[2]

• If you live in a warm climate and have a suitable backyard, you can dig out a pond and use a liner to provide a suitable home for a slider. While this will provide a more natural environment for your turtle, you will have less control over environmental conditions and may need to bring your turtle inside during inclement weather.

3.Buy a filter system

The filter keep help prevent bacteria from flourishing in your slider's tank. You don't necessarily have to buy a filter system. You can change the water regularly, which is a highly labor intensive task, or use a filter system designed for turtles. There are different types of filter, depending on your current needs and budget:

• Under-gravel filter: This needs a large surface area. It's only useful where you have one or two turtles. If it's air pump powered, it will only be useful for small turtles or hatchlings. Use a powerhead if using the filter with turtles older than hatchlings.
• Internal canister filter: This filter sits inside the tank. The larger the better. This can be both affordable and effective. Look for one that allows for easy cleaning, such as the foam type.
• External canister filter: This one sits outside of the tank. They tend to be expensive, but they are excellent at filtering, which reduces the number of times you need to change water. One canister filter recommended by many turtle owners is the Rena Filstar Xp3 or Xp4.

4.Decorate the tank

Decorations can add diversity and interest to your turtle's habitat. Substrate, the material that lines the bottom of the tank, offers a way for the turtle to move between water and basking rocks with ease. River rocks provide a space for your turtle to bask. You could also make a basking spot from a plexiglass shelf glued to the side of the tank. Check that the glue is non-toxic.^[3]

• Avoid fish tank gravel as it presents a health risk––it could fatally block your turtle's intestines if swallowed. Also, carefully consider using water plants. While they can make the tank look nice and help with filtration, your turtle may be tempted to eat them. If you notice this happening, remove the plants and wash the tank.
• Place a well-fitting screen over the top of the tank to prevent a daredevil escape and to catch anything accidentally dropped from above.

5.Set the correct temperatures
The water should be 80 - 82 degrees Fahrenheit ( 26.5 - 27.5 Celsius) for a hatchling or a sick turtle, and 77 - 80 degrees F (25.5 - 26.5 C) for a healthy turtle over a year old. The basking (dry land) area should be 10 degrees F (6 degrees C ) warmer than the water to entice the turtle to warm up by basking. The air temperature in the tank needs to be around 75 - 82 degrees Fahrenheit (24 - 28 degrees Celsius).^[4]

6.Use the right kinds of lights

Turtles rely on UVA and UVB lights for vitamins, as well as a heat light. UV light does not travel through glass, so it is very important that you get a 5% or more UV lamp. The bulbs should be replaced about every 6 months. The heat light keeps the basking area temperature 10 degrees higher than your water temperature.^[5]

• Your turtle shouldn't be able to reach the lighting, since the bulbs can burn. Screw the lights tightly out of the way of the turtle. Also, never leave a glass or plastic tank in full sunlight as it will quickly overheat.