AQUATIC TURTLES Aquatic turtles are turtles which have webbed feet and spend most of their time in water. This includes, but is not limited to red eared sliders, painted, map, reeves, soft shell and mud / musk turtles. CAPTIVITY REQUIREMENTS An aquarium works best. Twenty gallon long tanks or larger are recommended. The more room, the better. Water should be as deep as the shell is long, and preferably deeper. Ideal water temperature is 75 to 85 degrees F. year round, and is most easily maintained by a submersible aquarium heater. In aquaria with illuminated hoods, the top light along with the submersible heater may provide sufficient warmth. In open aquaria, it is suggested that a heat lamp be focused on the haul out area during daytime. Cleanliness is essential to turtle keeping. Water quality must be strictly maintained . Good filtration and frequent water changes are recommended. Large turtle habitats can benefit from ultraviolet sterilizers . This can significantly reduce the risk of salmonella. A "haul out area", a rock or wood platform, should be provided, large enough for the turtle to emerge completely out of the water. Make sure it is secure and won't fall over. -Aquarium or plant fighting must be provided for vitamin D synthesis. Different size turtles should not be housed together, in order to avoid bite wounds. Commercial turtle food makes an excellent primary food source for turtles. Offer any greens you would eat except iceberg lettuce. Other appropriate foods are "feeder" tropical fish and goldfish, crickets and mealworms, and earthworms. Do not feed live crayfish to turtles as they can transmit bacteria which cause shell disease. Vitamin and calcium supplements should be added to food. There are many brands specifically manufactured for reptiles ( do not add these products to the turtles water) . For more information, ask your dealer about books available on turtles and their care. CAUTION TURTLES AND OTHER PETS MAY CARRY AND TRANSMIT GERMS (INCLUDING SALMONELLA) TO HUMANS. IT IS IMPORTANT TO WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER HANDLING PETS OR COMING IN CONTACT WITH THEIR WATER, FOOD, OR OTHER HOUSING MATERIAL. DO NOT ALLOW PET WATER, FOOD, OR OTHER HOUSING MATERIAL TO COME IN CONTACT WITH YOUR FOOD OR AREAS WHERE FOOD IS PREPARED. PROVIDE YOUR TURTLE WITH A CLEAN HOME, A SUITABLE DIET, AND OTHER PROPER CARE. IF YOU OR ANY MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY IS PRONE TO, OR HAS SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS, OR INCLUDES INFACTS OR TODDLERS, IT IS SUGGESTEDTHAT YOU CONSULT YOUR PHYSICAIN BEFORE PURCHASE.