How much water do turtles need?
Turtles, like all animals, require water in order to survive and thrive. But, how much water do turtles need? The answer depends on a few factors and can vary from species to species.
Factors Which Affect Amount of Water Needed
- Size – Bigger turtles, such as sea turtles, need more water than smaller species.
- Activity level – Turtles, like all other animals, require more water when they’re active and exercising.
- Habitat – Turtles that live in water, as opposed to on land, will need constant access to fresh water.
General Guidelines
For general turtle care, a good rule of thumb is to provide your pet turtles with 5-10 inches (12.7-25.4 cm) of clean, chlorine and chemical-free, filtered water, per every inch (2.5 cm) of length of the turtle. This should give your pet turtle enough water to swim, play, and relax in.
Also, turtles should have access to dechlorinated tap water for drinking and basking in as well. It is important to not just rely on the water in the tank for drinking; provide two separate water dishes for your turtle—one for swimming and the other for drinking and soaking.
Keeping Turtle Water Clean
It’s important to keep water for turtles clean, even more so than for fish, because turtles use the water as their “bathroom.”
Cleaning the turtle tank and filter weekly is essential in maintaining a healthy environment. You should also test the water periodically to ensure that it has the required amount of aeration and the right pH balance.
Final Thoughts
Turtles need plenty of water to stay healthy and happy. As a pet owner, it is important to be informed of the appropriate levels of clean and filtered water to provide your turtles. By following the above guidelines, you can ensure your pet turtles are getting the proper amount of water they need.
