Caring for aquatic turtles

Shell size and the law

In the US and Canada, turtles can't be sold until their shell is at least about 10 cm (4 inches) long, to protect children from salmonella. Florida also prohibits red-eared sliders.

Tank and water

Allow roughly 40 litres of water per 2.5 cm of shell length, a strong filter rated for much bigger tanks, and a dry basking dock with a heat lamp and UVB.

Change part of the water weekly. Dirty water causes shell and skin infections.

Diet

Feed turtle pellets, leafy greens and aquatic plants, with occasional insects or fish. Young turtles eat more protein, adults more plants (musk turtles stay mostly carnivorous).

Never release a turtle

Released sliders spread disease and outcompete native turtles; they're invasive in many places.