In order to keep a healthy turtle, you will require the following:
Turtle
Of course, there wouldn't be too much point in getting all of this equipment without the Turtle to put in it
Approximate Cost: $80-150 (depending on the availability and the demand. Baby turtles are generally available in Australia from December onwards).
Tank
For a baby turtle you need a minimum of a 2ft tank, but you could get up to 4ft tank if you can afford it and have the space. If you do get a 2ft tank, be aware that as the turtle grows, you will need to upgrade the size of the tank. Another thing to be aware of is the width of the tank. Try to make sure that the tanks width is at least 30cm (but the bigger the better). This will give them more space the swim around and is beneficial to them. Don’t be worried about putting baby turtles into a large tank, as they will grow and in the long run it will save you money and you can avoid having to upgrade the tank once or twice. The tank must have an open top (otherwise the turtles will suffocate). If you have other pets such as cats who might like to jump up and hurt the turtles, you should be able to get a grate to go over the top of the tank.
Approximate Cost: $100-400
UVB light (5% or higher)
These need to be replaced every 12 months as they wear out. This should be placed within 30cm of the basking platform and should not be shielded with glass – glass will filter out some of the UV radiation. You can also use a normal light as well as the UV light, as this will provide extra light and warmth in the tank.
Approximate Cost: $30-50
Light fitting
Generally UVB lights don’t come with the fitting, so this will need to be purchased separately)
Approximate Cost: $70 (for a good one)
Shelf/Rock
This is required for the turtles to bask on. Generally piling up rocks in a corner of the tank is not the best idea as this is not a stable place for turtles to climb up to. There are various varieties of shelves available, including floating shelves and suction capped ones. I chose a fake rock that sits in the corner and also contains the filter. This disguises the filter somewhat so that there is one less thing for the turtles to bite at and also makes the tank look a bit neater. This works out a bit more expensive than most shelves, but I have found it to work very well. (the turtle cliff that we got is the Exo-Terra Turtle Cliff and contains the filter).
Approximate Cost: $50-150
Water Heater
The best temperature for turtles is 22-25 degrees celcius.
Approximate Cost: $20-40
Water Filter
This will keep the tank clean. However you will still need to clean the filter regularly and siphon the gravel.
Approximate Cost: $50-100
Neutralizer Block
This lets out calcium into the water and keeps the PH regulated.
Approximate Cost: $3 each (depending on where you get them from, I have seen them for up to $10), these will need to be replaced in the tank regularly.
Timer
This is to control the lighting, turtles need to have day/night cycles. I have the lighting in my turtle tank coming on at 7am and going off at 7pm. This can be changed, but generally it should be something similar to this arrangement. The timer is great because you don’t have to remember to turn the light on and off every day.
Approximate Cost: $20-30 (these can be purchased from a hardware store)
Some equipment which you don’t need to have, but it would be nice (and make your life easier):
Magnetic Glass Cleaner
This is a great tool to get gunk off the glass.
Approximate Cost: $20
Gravel
This soaks up a lot of the muck that can build up in the tank so that the filter doesn’t have to work so hard and then you can suck it up with the gravel siphon when cleaning out the tank water). Make sure that you wash the gravel thoroughly before adding it to the tank. Even after washing the gravel it can make the water quite murky and it is a good idea to let the filter run for a while before putting the turtles in the water to get some of the muck out.
Approximate Cost: Up to $100 for a large tank, a reasonable price is $3.50 per kg
Gravel Siphon
This is required to clean out the gravel (is much easier than trying to clean out the tank without it.
Approximate Cost: $20-30
Thermometer
I keep this at the opposite end of the tank to the heater so that we can check that the heater is doing a proper job. These aren’t required but can be useful and aren’t very expensive.
Approximate Cost: $7
Stand
You wouldn’t want to have the tank just sitting on the floor, but you also don’t have to purchase a stand that comes with a tank (or go out looking for a tank which comes with a stand that you like). I just went out to a second hand furniture store and bought a nice cupboard with doors on it that is sturdy to be able to hold the tank.
Approximate Cost: $20-500
Aquarium Plants
These are not completely necessary but can be good for the turtles to nibble on and can be good places for the turtles to hide and swim around in.
Approximate Cost: $4-5 each
Feeder Fish
Feeder fish can be any sort of fish that lives in a warm environment. If you like you can go to the shops and buy some fancy tropical fish (just don’t be too upset if the end up getting eaten). My turtles found that the small neons were quite exciting when we first got them – I guess because they’re so bright, as turtles eyesight is not that great. Guppies and goldfish can be good basic feeder fish. This will give your turtle the option of eating them if they’re feeling hungry between meals and can also give them exercise by chasing some faster fish.
Approximate Cost: $2-30
Water Conditioner
This removes the chlorine from tap water. This is a must if you are planning to have fish in the tank with your turtles.
Approximate Cost: $6
