Turtles are amazing creatures to keep as pets, but it is important to realise that they require specialised care remain healthy.  This is especially true for young turtles as if not kept in ideal conditions, mortality rates can be high.

The initial cost involved in setting up your turtle tank properly may seem quite expensive, but if you purchase good quality brands, you will find that they last a long time.  Firstly, your new turtle will require a suitable tank or habitat to live in.  Turtles require a basking rock or platform to allow them to hop out of the water from time to time.  Additionally, they require a light source which emits UVA/UVB light if they are kept indoors.  This is very important as lack of sunlight can result in your turtle not being able to synthesize calcium & vitamin D3 resulting in a deficiency which will manifest itself in a soft, flaky or pink underside of the shell.  Putting the tank by a window will not suffice, as these rays cannot penetrate glass.  If you do not wish to go to the expense of purchasing a UV light, then ensure your turtle gets outdoors in sun light for a minimum of 15 minutes per week.

The second important factor in keeping your turtle healthy is nutrition.  Ensure it receives a proper turtle diet which includes calcium.  There are several good brands available in pelleted form.  Frozen turtle blocks are also great and provide a fresh meat source for your turtle.  You can also offer your turtle fresh parsley which many like to eat.

Another tip is to put a neutraliser/calcium block in your turtles tank. These are a slow release block which will last a few weeks and reduce ammonia (waste) levels in the tank as well as provide calcium to your turtle.  You should check the pH level of your tank on a regular basis to ensure it remains pH neutral (7.0).  pH test kits can be purchased relatively inexpensively which provide you with the testing materials and pH buffers required to get your turtles water perfect.

The very last things that you should do are to install both a water filter and heater into your tank.  The filter will help to keep the water in the tank as clean as possible (turtles are very messy creatures!) whilst the heater should be set at 22 degrees celcius to keep the water an ambient temperature.

By getting everything set up correctly before your turtle comes home, it will ensure a smooth transition from the pet shop or aquarium and you can enjoy your new pet knowing that it is in the most healthy captive environment possible!