What is an aquaterrarium for red-eared water turtles, how to properly equip an aquarium using lamps
Red-eared turtles are aquatic species of these animals. To keep them, need a large and comfortable aquarium. It is correct to call it an aquaterrarium, because such a tank contains water and has access to land.
This animal is demanding of its habitat. Therefore it is necessary to know, how to arrange a terrarium for a red-eared turtle this way, to create a natural habitat for her. Only in this case, this animal will live a long life, devoid of disease.
How to choose an aquarium for red-eared turtles
Choosing an aquaterrarium for a red-eared turtle, be sure to take into account the size of the animal and the characteristics of its body. These water turtles spend a lot of time underwater, feeling safe there.
The aquaterrarium should be of this size, so that the turtles can have plenty of space 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 a natural access to the shore.
- Such aquaterrariums are ideal for small turtles, who swim a lot and often crawl out to keep warm.
- Larger animals can escape through the low sides.
So, if the turtle is long 10? 13 cm, then she will have enough aquarium on 100 liters. As it begins to grow, acquire a larger capacity. When this animal reaches the length 20? 30 cm, she will already need an aquarium on 200 liters.
Too small an aquaterrarium contributes to rapid water pollution, from this red-eared turtles can get sick.
Conditions for keeping a red-eared turtle
For the normal functioning of the animal it is necessary to adhere to the following conditions of content:
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Water.
- Drought.
- Temperature.
- Lighting.
- Use of ultraviolet lamps.
- Water filtration.
water
That the turtle could swim freely and easily perform various maneuvers, the water level in the terrarium should be at least 40 cm. It should be changed once a week, but not completely, but only 30? 40% of the total. Re-infused water must be pre-defended 5 days.
drought
The red-eared turtle is considered a floating reptile. In addition to water, it can also be on land, coming out that, to keep warm. This area should be occupied 25% from 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, air permeable. This is necessary for that, so that the animals do not get out.
Red-eared turtles are quite sedentary, and spends a lot of time on land. You can arrange several islands for it. One can be in a shaded area, and the other in bright light.
There are some things to keep in mind when setting up a land island in a terrarium:
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The land area is made with a sloping shore, which should gradually rise from the bottom. Steep breaks are not recommended.
- The island is made of quality material, and the surface should be rough, that the turtle clung to it with its nails and got out of the water. You can put soil on it, but be sure to do it this way, so that it does not fall into the water.
- If there are several red-eared turtles in the terrarium, then the area of the island is increased, so that all the animals can fit on it.
- If there are several islands of land, will be good, if some are completely dry, and others a little damp.
The plot of land is made below the edge of the terrarium on 30 cm, so that the animal could not get out.
temperature
The water temperature in the aquarium should be 23? 28 degrees. If there are two islands of land, then one must be in a shaded place, and the temperature should be there 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 such a temperature, use a special aquarium lamp. Lower temperature lower 20 degrees has a negative effect on the health of this pet.
Lighting, ultraviolet lamps
In natural habitats, red-eared turtles often crawl to land, to bask in the sun. Aquaterrariums also need lighting, therefore for this purpose use incandescent lamps on 40? 75 W. It is necessary to hang the lamp over the island of land. The distance from it to the lamp should be as follows, to warm the air to 28? 32 degrees. The lights are turned off at night.
Many owners of red-eared turtles do not even guess, 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 the death of the animal.
You should buy a UV lamp, emitting UVB and UVA rays. It is strictly forbidden to use a lamp with UVC rays, because they burn the retina, making a turtle blind.
The UV lamp is turned on every day 12 hours. It must be installed at a distance of at least at the top 30 cm from the ground. Replace the lamp once a year.
water filtration
The water in the aquarium should always be clean, then the turtles will not get sick. External aquarium filters of any type are suitable for terrariums.
It is better not to use internal filters, because they are quickly clogged with suspensions, losing its effectiveness.
The better the filter, the less often you will need to change the water in the aquarium. That the water was always clean, it is changed weekly to 30? 40% from its volume.
How to design an aquarium
What were not the subjects of design, most importantly, to make them safe. It is forbidden to use objects made of materials, which can emit harmful substances, have sharp corners and faces.
Priming, which is used to cover the bottom, should not be very small, otherwise the turtles will start swallowing it. In addition, it gets dirty quickly and is poorly cleaned. The best option is to use small pebbles.
Aquarium with turtles can be decorated with artificial plants made of silk or plastic. Fasten them to the bottom with loads. The islands look good with artificial vines.
The terrarium is also decorated with various snags, unusual stones and other elements. Cramps should be used as follows, which lay for a long time in the water. Fresh snags can begin to emit harmful substances.
Aquariums for turtles are forbidden
You can not use such aquariums for water turtles:
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Those, who has volume 50? 70 liters. If in such a small space the turtle lives long, then over time she develops infectious skin diseases, dystrophy and softening of the shell.
- In which the island of sushi is made of plastic.
- In which it is impossible to install lighting, ultraviolet lamps and filtration. Their absence leads to the death of turtles.
So, caring for a red-eared turtle is still not very easy. Only compliance with all the conditions of proper content makes the life of turtles long and happy.