Arrangement and design of an aquarium for a red-eared turtle

When choosing a pet, you need to know how to properly care for it. He definitely needs to prepare suitable housing. In order not to make a mistake when choosing an aquarium for a red-eared slider, you should understand what its natural habitat is. If the right conditions are created, the animal will have good health and live a long time.

In order not to make a mistake when choosing an aquarium for a red-eared slider, you should understand what its natural habitat is.

Keeping a swamp turtle

photo can be enlarged

This species is not often found in aquatic turtle aquariums. Much more often, compatriots choose “overseas friends” than the inhabitant of the reservoirs of our country. The bog turtle is aquatic, which means it needs an aquarium with water. The nutrition of such an animal deserves great attention. The aquatic species is a pronounced predator, so it cannot feed on greens alone; such food will weaken it and make it sick.

You should not let your pet wander around the house or apartment on its own. After such walks, the animal very often gets sick due to drafts in the house. And in the dark, you can easily step on a turtle. You cannot keep several turtles of different sizes in one terrarium.

What helps maintain humidity in a terrarium?

Keeping many exotic pets requires a certain level of humidity in the terrarium. For some animals, high humidity is indicated, for others, humidity is contraindicated. For example, hamsters will feel great in dry sawdust, Achatina snails vitally need a wet extract, mantises will not be able to survive if there are drops of condensation in the terrarium.

Important: The easiest way to maintain humidity in a terrarium is to spray the soil with water from a spray bottle.

The required soil moisture for pets is different:

1. Humidity for Achatina snails is checked in this way - squeeze a handful of soil in your hand, if water drips, then the soil is waterlogged. Achatina snails react negatively to high humidity: they hibernate, become lethargic, and lose their appetite.
2. Moisture is also important for ants. You can determine the level of sufficient moisture in the formicarium as follows: if perspiration appears on the walls, stop spraying.
3. The soil in the praying mantis terrarium should be sprayed rarely. It should be slightly damp. How often this needs to be done is difficult to say for sure, it depends on the air circulation in the terrarium.
4. The optimal humidity level for the tarantula spider is 35-60%.

You can determine the exact air humidity using a hygrometer .

A hygrometer determines the humidity level in the terrarium

Keeping a red-eared turtle in an aquarium: features

The main rules for keeping a red-eared turtle in an aquarium are maintaining the required temperature and cleanliness of the living container. Also, do not forget to feed your pet and change its water. Red-eared turtles can eat fish - hake, perch, cod and crucian carp. They also love caviar. Adults eat the fish with the head, but young ones need to cut it into pieces. Young turtles need to be fed daily, while adults need to be fed 2-3 times a week.

Fish can be alternated with seafood: crabs, shrimp, octopus, squid, etc. But they need to be heated to room temperature. Insects can serve as additional food: locusts, grasshoppers, mealworms, snails, washed earthworms, bloodworms. Be careful with caterpillars, they can cause poisoning. You can also include dry food specifically made for turtles. In the 2nd year of life, pets can also be fed meat. It is better to exclude fatty varieties, but poultry and beef are quite suitable.

It is better to give plant food to older turtles that have already gained a little weight, throwing it in thin pieces directly into the water. For these purposes, it is recommended to use lettuce, cabbage, dandelion, seaweed leaves, vegetables, fruits, herbs, etc.

It is not recommended to keep a red-eared turtle without water for more than an hour, otherwise their skin may dry out. If you accustom your pet to handling from a very young age, it will get used to it and will not bite.

How to make and decorate a terrarium with your own hands from a can, bottle, plastic

The plant terrarium is called florarium. You can grow plants in a bottle or jar. This flower arrangement takes up very little space, but looks impressive.

Growing plants in a jar or bottle is similar to growing plants in a greenhouse. The presence of container walls allows you to maintain the necessary microclimate of the florarium. Jars with plants are covered with lids or a small hole is left.

The disadvantage of growing plants in a jar is the difficulty of care. Cleaning a florarium and getting rid of dead plants can be quite troublesome. But, nevertheless, this does not stop connoisseurs of florariums.

For the florarium, you can use both glass and plastic bottles. Plastic containers are inferior to glass ones in their characteristics and appearance. The container does not have to be in the form of a jar. These can be vases, serving caps, large glasses, etc.

Important: You cannot grow plants that are incompatible with each other. For example, succulents and ferns. These plants have opposite watering requirements, so there is a risk that the florarium will deteriorate.

In addition to evergreen exotic plants, you can grow a single flowering plant in a jar. Recently, it has become fashionable to give such flower arrangements. The advantage of such a gift is its durability. You can, of course, give a flower in a pot, but a florarium looks more impressive and stylish.

Florariums are used to decorate home and office interiors. A row or series of florariums looks original. The process of planting plants in a jar or bottle is essentially no different from planting plants in an aquarium. However, planting plants in a container with a narrow neck is painstaking work.

How to plant plants in a bottle or jar:

• First, layers are poured in the same order as in the aquarium: pebbles, moss, soil.
• Use a long narrow stick to make indentations.
• Carefully remove the plants, along with their roots, from the pots in which they were sold.
• Using two long sticks, place the plants into the holes.

Caring for the terrarium is not difficult: just water the plants as the soil dries out, and also wipe off the dust from the jar inside and out. If there are no problems with wiping dust from the outside, then many may be puzzled - how to wipe the dust inside the terrarium? This is not difficult: you can wrap a piece of soft sponge on a flexible wire, which will simply cope with dirt. A soft-bristled toothbrush will also work if it is the right size for your terrarium.

Florarium

Aquarium decoration

The main principle of choosing decorations is safety. Do not use items made from environmentally hazardous materials or with sharp corners or edges.

The soil for the bottom should not be very fine, as turtles can sometimes swallow it. Also, fine soil quickly becomes contaminated and is difficult to clean. It is better to use pebbles with a fraction of 5-6 cm.

You can plant green plants for young turtles. Adults do not need soil, and they can eat or damage plants.

In an aquarium with red-eared turtles, artificial plants made of plastic or silk would be appropriate. They are secured in the ground using weights. You can also install artificial vines on the islands.

To decorate the terrarium, you can use a variety of driftwood, grottoes, unusual stones and other elements. The driftwood should not be fresh, as it will release harmful substances into the water. It is better to take pieces of wood that have lain in the water of a body of water for a long time. The bark needs to be removed from them.

How to make and decorate a terrarium for rodents and hamsters?

In most cases, rodents, including hamsters, are kept in cages. Rodents can also be kept in terrariums, providing air access.

Terrariums for hamsters can be made of plastic. They have a number of advantages over the cage:

• Firstly, sawdust does not fall out of the terrariums;
• Secondly, at night you can’t hear the hamster gnawing on the bars of the cage.

A hamster can be kept in terrariums of varying sizes; the size of the pet should be taken into account. If there is a well-equipped “home”, the pet will feel quite comfortable.

How to design a terrarium for a hamster:

1. Cover the bottom with sawdust or hay;
2. Place a drum or wheel, a feeder, a drinking bowl;
3. It is also necessary to have dry twigs and sticks; the hamster will sharpen its teeth.

Comfortable house for a hamster

Conditions for keeping the red-eared turtle

For the normal functioning of the animal, the following conditions must be observed:

• Water.
• Land.
• Temperature.
• Lighting.
• Use of ultraviolet lamps.
• Water filtration.

Water

In order for the turtle to swim freely and easily perform various maneuvers, the water level in the terrarium must be at least 40 cm. It should be changed once a week, but not completely, but only 30-40% of the total volume. Newly added water must first be left for 5 days.

Land

The red-eared slider is considered a swimming reptile. In addition to water, it can also be on land, crawling out to warm itself. This area should occupy 25% of the total area of ​​the terrarium. The island should be attached to the base of the tank.

The top of the aquarium should be covered with glass with small holes to allow air to pass through. This is necessary to prevent animals from getting out.

The red-eared turtle is quite sedentary and spends a lot of time on land. You can arrange several islands for it. One may be in a shaded area, and the other in a brightly lit area.

Some points should be taken into account when arranging an island of land in a terrarium:

• A piece of land is made with a sloping shore, which should gradually rise from the bottom. It is not recommended to make steep cliffs.
• The island is made of high-quality material, and the surface must be rough so that the turtle clings to it with its nails and gets out of the water. You can place soil on it, but be sure to do it in such a way that it does not crumble into the water.
• If there are several red-eared turtles in the terrarium, then the area of ​​the island is increased so that all the animals can fit on it.
• If there are several islands of land, it will be good if some are completely dry and others are slightly damp.

A piece of land is made 30 cm below the edge of the terrarium so that the animal cannot get out.

Temperature

The water temperature in the aquarium should be 23-28 degrees. If there are two islands of land, then one should be in a shaded place, and the temperature there should be 23-25 ​​degrees. And on a warm island the temperature is usually 28-32 degrees. Such temperature changes are considered ideal for these animals.

To create this temperature, use a special aquarium lamp. A drop in temperature below 20 degrees has a negative impact on the health of this pet.

Lighting and UV lamps

In their natural habitat, red-eared turtles often crawl onto land to bask in the sun's rays. Aquaterrariums also need lighting, so incandescent lamps of 40-75 W are used for this. The lamp must be hung above the sushi island. The distance from it to the lamp should be such that the air warms up to 28-32 degrees. At night the lights are turned off.

Many owners of red-eared turtles do not even realize that these pets urgently need ultraviolet light, which helps the body absorb calcium and synthesize vitamin D 3. Their lack contributes to the development of rickets and even the death of the animal.

You should purchase a UV lamp that emits UVB and UVA rays. It is strictly forbidden to use a lamp with UVC rays, because they burn the retina, making the turtle blind.

The UV lamp is turned on every day for 12 hours. It must be installed from above at a distance of at least 30 cm from the ground. Replace the lamp once a year.

Water filtration

must always be clean

It is better not to use internal filters, because they quickly become clogged with suspended matter, losing their effectiveness.

The better the filter, the less often you will need to change the water in the aquarium. To ensure that the water is always clean, it is changed every week by 30-40% of its volume.

Important points when equipping an aquaterrarium

Before installing and equipping the tank, you should consider the following points:

1. It is necessary to choose a suitable place for it - it is strictly forbidden to place it in a draft or near a window where direct sunlight will enter the container - both of these can lead to diseases of the inhabitants and subsequent death.
2. It is necessary to calculate the volume of water and the size of land - taking into account the length of individuals and their number.
3. It is important to take care of a comfortable temperature, high-quality water filtration, lighting equipment and access to a sufficient amount of ultraviolet rays - all this is necessary for the turtles to live a full life.

Performing filtering

Every turtle aquarium must be kept clean. The health of the pet depends on the state of the liquid in the aquaterarium. It is best to equip an aquarium for turtles with an external filter. In this case, absolutely any model and type of device will be ideal.

Experts do not recommend installing the filter directly into the water, as it becomes clogged very quickly and completely loses its effectiveness. Please note that the better the filter does its job, the sooner you will have to change the water in the aquarium itself. However, it is still recommended to maintain ecological balance. To do this, it is advisable to change half the volume of available water once a week. Before replacing, the liquid must be allowed to settle.

Temperature Requirements

Stability is important for reptiles - this applies to the temperature of the aquatic environment and air, and it is advisable to maintain the indicators within limits. The optimal temperature for turtles on land is 27°-28°C, in water – from 30° to 32°C. If the air temperature in the tank is allowed to rise significantly (often this occurs due to improper installation and use of lighting fixtures), the animal may overheat and die.

As for water, to maintain indicators it is better not to rely on your own feelings and not to allow it to cool below 20°C. It is advisable to install a heater that maintains the required temperature. You should regularly measure the air and water in the aquarium in order to adjust them in time. And for this you need to install thermometers in the tank.

How to properly equip a plot of land

When buying a red-eared turtle, be sure to keep in mind that such a reptile leads a sedentary lifestyle. She spends a lot of time not only in water, but also on land

Therefore, it is very important to create the right island. It will be better if he is not alone

In this case, one part of the land should be brightly lit, while the other should be in the shade. Typically on land, turtles enjoy ultraviolet light and also feed on oxygen.

So, when creating land plots, it is very important to pay attention to the following nuances:

land should make up at least a quarter of the total space in the aquaterrarium; at the same time, the islands must have a smoothly rising shore so that the animal can simply climb on them. You cannot create steep cliffs, as the pet may fall and get hurt; It is very important to pay attention to the material from which the surface itself is made. It should be of the highest quality, and its texture should be rough; if several individuals live in your aquarium at once, then make sure that each of them can be on the surface at the same time; if your aquarium contains several land areas at once, then you can make sure that some of them remain completely dry, while others are slightly submerged in water. In this case, the land areas should be located in such a way that the animal cannot independently get out of the aquarium

In this case, dry areas should be located in such a way that the animal cannot get out of the aquarium on its own.

Arrangement of the island

The reptile spends a lot of time on the shore, so you can safely equip several areas of land. Each animal should have a separate island. One should be placed in the shade, and the other in a bright place. While on land, the reptile receives an ultraviolet tan. When arranging islands, it is important to listen to the following recommendations:

1. The shore should rise smoothly from the bottom; steep cliffs are unacceptable. You can leave a ladder or a small ladder, use a large stone or a grotto with gentle walls.
2. The surface of the sushi must be made rough, it must be made of high quality materials.
3. For several turtles, you will need a large area so that they can be on land at the same time and fit freely there.
4. If there are many islands, then some of them may be covered with water by several millimeters.

To prevent reptiles from escaping, you need to place dry land 30 cm below the edge of the aquarium.

The reptile spends a lot of time on the shore, so you can safely equip several areas of land.

Ultraviolet lighting

The main principle of keeping turtles in captivity is to create a natural environment. In nature, turtles love to bask in the sun, so in an artificial pond you will need:

• An incandescent light bulb is placed over land to achieve a temperature of 23-28C. At night the lights are turned off.
• The most significant aspect in keeping red-eared turtles is considered to be ultraviolet lighting, with the help of which the reptiles absorb calcium, which is necessary for the strength of the shell. In terrariums, UV lamps must be installed at a distance of at least 30 cm from the soil. Daylight hours are 12 hours.

About water filtration

Clean water is a prerequisite for keeping red-eared turtles, naturally, if the owner cares about the health of his charges. The reptiles themselves leave a lot of garbage and bio-waste; they like to pick up suspended matter and eat in the water. Naturally, all this does not allow the water to remain clean and transparent for a long time.

To provide your pet with a suitable aquatic environment, you should equip the aquarium with special external filters. You can purchase any model, regardless of the type and shape of the tank. It is not recommended to use indoor appliances, as they very quickly become clogged with suspended matter and lose their efficiency.

If the filters function properly, the owner can save himself from frequent cleaning of the tank and complete water changes. To maintain ecological balance in an artificial reservoir, you should change the water weekly by 40-50% of the total volume. The tank can be filled with ordinary water, previously settled at room conditions. This is an important point to rid the water of excess chlorine and other harmful elements.

Conditions and equipment

When setting up an aquarium, you should first place all the necessary equipment in the tank and make sure that the conditions created are acceptable for keeping turtles. In aquaterrariums the following is installed:

• heater;
• filter;
• lighting;
• Ultraviolet lamp.

The heater is installed to maintain the required temperature: in dark areas 23–26C, in illuminated areas – 28–30C. The main heating is created by a special lamp located above the land islands, but if this is not enough, then another device is additionally installed.

External filters are used for aquariums, as internal ones quickly become clogged. Water changes are carried out weekly, replacing 40–50% of the liquid with settled water.

A UV lamp is one of the most important devices for the life of turtles. Ultraviolet radiation helps animals synthesize vitamin D3 and absorb calcium, and without it, pets will simply die. Ultraviolet daylight should last 12 hours, and only UVB and UVA rays are suitable.

Design for aquarium

Having finished installing equipment in an aquarium for turtles, you can begin the most pleasant and exciting thing - decorating the tank. When creating and thinking through the design, you can give free rein to your imagination: create a rocky river bank near a forest, or a tropical corner with vines and bright flowers. The stores sell a lot of decorative elements that will help you create a design to suit every taste and please the owner of the turtles. However, there are some minor rules that should be followed when registering:

• Decorations and other items placed in the aquarium must be made of non-toxic materials and not have sharp ends.
• The soil for the water part is small and smooth, for example pebbles.
• The vegetation in the tank is planted alive, but in no case is it poisonous - the turtles will certainly taste it. If this is not possible, then choose artificial types of flora made of silk or plastic.
• When decorating an aquarium, do not use fresh stumps or driftwood - the objects emit toxic substances. To place decorations in a tank, the item must remain in the liquid for a long time.

A cozy and properly equipped aquarium for turtles is a must for keeping funny reptiles. Having created your own little world with clean water, beautiful plants and interesting decorations, where the turtle will feel protected, you can safely move a tenant there and admire the pet.

Choosing an aquarium

When choosing the size and type of aquarium, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of an adult animal and the characteristics of its body. Red-eared turtles spend a lot of time underwater or at the bottom of an artificial reservoir, where they feel safe.

The volume of the aquarium is selected depending on the size and number of turtles. For one turtle 13 cm long or a pair of young individuals 10 cm long, a 100-liter aquarium will be enough. As the container grows, it is replaced with a larger one. So, for a pair of turtles 20-30 cm long, you will already need a two-hundred-liter aquarium.

If the volume is too small, the water becomes contaminated faster, which leads to red ear disease.

The red-eared slider is a swimming reptile. In addition to water, it vitally needs land on which it basks and receives an ultraviolet tan. The recommended size of the land area is at least 25% of the total area of ​​the aquarium. It is advisable to firmly attach the island to the base of the container.

The container should be equipped with a lid so that pets cannot move it and get out, but at the same time it allows air to pass through well.

Choosing the size and volume of the aquarium

There are both land and aquatic turtles. The most common breed is the red-eared one. Any type of reptile is kept in an aquarium, which is a rectangular or square container of small height.

The size of the dwelling depends on the size and number of animals. Its length should be 4-5 times the diameter of the reptile's shell. The recommended wall height is 45 cm.

Habitat parameters depend on the breed of animal:

1. The land turtle is constantly moving, so choose a terrarium that does not limit the pet. To keep 1 individual, a container measuring 60x50x50 cm is required. The length of the aquarium for 2 turtles is 100-120 cm.
2. The size of an aquarium for aquatic reptiles is also selected taking into account the diameter of their shell. For a turtle with a small shell, a 50-liter container is sufficient. For a comfortable stay for an animal measuring 15-20 cm, 100-120 liters of water will be required. When keeping 2 turtles, an aquarium with a volume of 200 liters is made.
3. For a red-eared reptile up to 10 cm in size, a 40 liter terrarium is required. If the diameter of the shell is 10-20 cm, the volume of the dwelling is increased to 80 liters. To keep 2 animals you will need an aquarium with a capacity of 150 liters.

The housing for the aquatic turtle is made rectangular. Animals swim horizontally rather than vertically. For land breeds, a square container is also suitable.

Aquarium decoration

Designing an aquarium for turtles is a creative process in which every owner can show their imagination and test themselves as a designer. However, in pursuit of beauty, one should not forget about the design rules, the purpose of which is to create comfortable conditions for pets. How to set up an aquarium for turtles correctly and aesthetically:

• Decor - when decorating a container with decorations and decorative elements, items made from environmentally friendly materials are used. Elements with sharp edges or made of plastic cannot be placed in aquariums. To give the pond a picturesque look, pebbles, driftwood and shelters are placed in aquariums.
• Soil - substrate for the bottom is used in the middle fraction, since small particles are swallowed by turtles. In addition, the fine substrate quickly gets dirty, and cleaning it is a labor-intensive process.
• Vegetation - live flora is used in aquariums with young turtles, since adult pets can eat grass. It makes more sense to place artificial silk vegetation in a container, securing the flowers with weighty objects or weights. Areas of land can be decorated with artificial flowers.

Keeping and caring for red-eared turtles requires investment of effort and time from the owner of the reptile, but the work will be rewarded with good health and vigor of the pet. Having acquired a cute turtle, you should provide the reptile with a properly equipped house, where the pet will grow and develop, bringing joyful minutes and moments.

Prohibited aquariums for turtles

The following aquariums should not be used for aquatic turtles:

• Having a volume of 50−70 liters. If a turtle lives in such a small space for a long time, then over time it develops infectious skin diseases, degeneration and softening of the shell.
• In which the sushi island is made of plastic.
• In which it is impossible to install lighting, ultraviolet lamps and filtration. Their absence leads to the death of turtles.

Thus, caring for a red-eared turtle is still not very easy. Only compliance with all conditions of proper maintenance makes the life of turtles long and happy.

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How to choose the right turtle for your home

When choosing a charming reptile, howbuysell advises paying attention to several nuances at once

When to buy?

The best time to purchase a pet is to choose the period from late spring to early autumn. In the warm season, it is less likely that the animal is sick and will not catch a cold while it is being transported to a new apartment.

Where to buy a turtle for your home

Immediately give up the idea of ​​​​buying a turtle from strangers or at a flea market: this way you can end up with an individual infected with some disease or an individual protected by the Red Book. It is best to contact breeders, specialized stores or nurseries.

When purchasing, ask to see a veterinary certificate (copy) about the animal’s health status, take the sales receipt.

Health Indicators: How to Choose a Healthy Turtle

• Turn the turtle over onto its shell - if the individual is sick, the legs will simply hang.
• If you bring your finger to the animal’s head, it will quickly retract into the shell.
• The nose and eyes must be absolutely clean, without any discharge.
• Take courage and look into the reptile's mouth - there should not be any plaque or wounds with defects. The palate and tongue should be clean and slightly pink.
• A healthy turtle should not breathe through its mouth.
• The shell must be without a single flaw: there should be no chips along the edges, scratches or stains.

Now you know the general rules on how to choose the right turtle. It remains to decide which type is preferable. The most unpretentious are the land (Central Asian) and red-eared turtles.

The optimal volume of liquid in the aquarium

The most optimal water level is considered to be filling the aquarium by half or two-thirds of the volume. It should be taken into account that the water should cover the reptile's shell by half. The water temperature should be kept between 26-30° C. This is the most favorable climate for the existence of individuals. You should monitor the cleanliness and freshness of the water and change it if necessary. But even with moderate contamination, it should be changed up to twice a month. Before filling the aquarium, it is advisable to test the water for chlorine content. Indicators should be minimal within normal limits. With increased concentrations of chlorine, small individuals may rub their eyes.

Note!

There are aquariums in which red-eared sliders cannot be kept:

1. Small turtle tanks with a volume of up to 50-70 liters. They can only be used for temporary housing of animals. If a turtle lives in such a container for a long time, then it develops skin infectious diseases, dystrophy and softening of the shell.
2. Aquariums in which the land is made of plastic.
3. Aquariums in which it is impossible to set the desired temperature, as well as ultraviolet light and filtration. The absence of all these conditions leads to illness and death of turtles.

Thus, caring for a red-eared slider, like any other pet, requires some effort. But a terrarium in which the water is clean, the bottom is picturesque, and the animals are healthy is a fascinating sight that is worth the time and effort.

The presenters of the Karusel TV channel will tell you how to properly equip a terrarium for a red-eared turtle:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=oMCE_7iBuQ0

Which aquariums are not suitable for turtles?

Experts do not recommend buying an aquarium for red-eared turtles with a volume of 50-70 liters. Small aquariums have a bad effect on the development and growth of the animal. In small aquariums, the animal develops degeneration of the shell, it becomes soft, and the animal’s skin suffers.

The aquarium must have space for lighting, an ultraviolet lamp, and a filter. Without this equipment, the red-eared slider will get sick and die.

You cannot house red-eared turtles with fish. She will eat small aquarium fish. If you want to combine turtles and fish in one aquarium, divide it into two halves by installing a glass partition. The glass must have holes for water. Do not make large holes; the animal should not be able to crawl into the compartment with live fish.

Turtles grow quickly. Already in the first year of life, some individuals grow up to 35 cm in length. Keep this in mind when purchasing an aquarium. Take a reserve tank. There should be no dangerous objects in the equipped aquarium: no small stones, glass, completely eliminate plastic. You cannot leave the aquarium open; the animal may crawl out and die. Caring for turtles is not difficult, the main thing is to properly arrange its home. With proper care and design of the aquaterrarium, the red-eared turtle will live for many years.

Neighborhood

A do-it-yourself terrarium for red-eared turtles allows your pet to be close to aquarium fish. Of course, it is undesirable for them to be in the same “house” - this can provoke frequent conflicts between its residents. In this case, it is better to use a vertical glass wall that will separate the aquarium for the fish and the terrarium for the turtle. There should be holes in the partition so that water can pass freely, but residents of the aquaterrarium should not penetrate through them into the neighbors’ territory.

In the part where the fish will be located, the bottom of the “house” can be decorated with special plants. Don’t bother creating a beautiful design on the turtle’s territory; it won’t appreciate your worries and will happily eat the green spaces.

Ideas for hanging and tabletop terrariums: photos

Below you will find ideas for plant terrariums of various configurations and with different plants. Get inspired to create beautiful and unusual home decorations with your own hands.

A small terrarium in a glass cup is perfect for decorating your desktop.

Tabletop terrarium

Hanging terrariums of different sizes are convenient.

Hanging terrariums

Even teapots can be used, the main thing is to use your imagination.

Original florarium

Some flowering plants will thrive in beautiful terrariums.

Blooming florarium

Decorative terrarium in a round container.

Bright florarium

A tabletop terrarium will decorate any interior.

Small tabletop terrarium

Terrarium idea

Making a terrarium for plants or animals is not difficult if you approach this issue with inspiration and the desire to create a useful and beautiful thing.

Do-it-yourself aquarium for a turtle: master class

First, determine the dimensions of the aquarium, then calculate the length and width of the individual glasses (for the usual rectangular version you will need 5 pieces). Cut out the parts for the aquarium. It is better to take the glass thickness from 5 mm. To cut it, it is recommended to use a special glass cutter; the measurement accuracy should be with a discrepancy of no more than 1.5 mm.

After cutting the glass, be sure to sand it, removing sharp edges. It is necessary to grind the edges, especially the corner ones, and not the entire surface of the end. You can work at home with medium grade corundum sandpaper under a stream of water.

To glue an aquarium you need silicone, special sealed glue, 96% alcohol, and narrow tape. To assemble the glass, you need to lay it out so that the uneven sides are at the top and the perfectly smooth sides are at the bottom. The blanks are placed in the following order: side, front, side, front. Align the edges joint to joint.

Apply tape to the glass joints. Before doing this, make sure that the workpieces are attached tightly and the edge is smooth. Apply the adhesive tape so that on the first side, where the bottom will be, it is not glued by 1 cm. Fold the edges of the unfolded aquarium blank. Apply the side that has the tape on the edge first. Align this half evenly and place the side on it where there is no tape on top. Align the parallel, then place the bottom on top and align the seams so that there are no distortions.

Degrease the seam joints with alcohol and fill with silicone (from bottom to top). Work seams from edge to edge. When gluing the aquarium, try to fill everything evenly. Clean off excess silicone from the bottom and corner seams. Leave the finished aquarium until it hardens (the silicone sets in about 1 – 2 hours). When it dries, apply more layers of silicone to the inner corners of the bottom and walls (remove the tape before doing this). You can pour water into the finished aquarium and equip it only after a day.

How to make and decorate an eternal mini-terrarium from a light bulb?

Terrariums made from light bulbs look original and stylish. The most common light bulbs of different sizes are suitable for making such a terrarium. To begin with, we recommend trying to work with the largest light bulb.

You will need:

• Large light bulb;
• Screwdriver;
• Round nose pliers;
• Scissors;
• Long tweezers.

Be sure to protect your eyes with goggles, as pieces of glass may fly off during operation.

Step-by-step production:

1. Remove the metal seal on the light bulb base.
2. Then use a screwdriver to very carefully break the internal parts of the light bulb.
3. Using long tweezers, remove the “entrails”.
4. Finish the hole well with a screwdriver so that there are no sharp edges.
5. To stabilize the light bulb, make legs by adding 2-4 drops of silicone glue.
6. Now pour sand and dry moss through the funnel and place the plants using long tweezers.
7. You can use small pebbles and plastic figures as decoration.
8. A mini-terrarium made from a light bulb can be placed on a stand. This will make it even more impressive.

Mini terrarium in a light bulb

❶ How to set up a terrarium for a turtle :: Equipment and accessories

How to set up a terrarium for a turtle

Turtle lovers buy one of two types of reptiles: either the Central Asian or the red-eared turtle. To provide animals with conditions as close as possible to natural conditions, owners have to equip a terrarium. The Central Asian tortoise lives in burrows in the wild; it is accustomed to digging up everything with its powerful claws. Imagine what noise there will be in the apartment if the terrarium is covered with a layer of sand and stones. And if it is naked, the turtle may get sick and die. Therefore, it is better to get a red-eared turtle.

Instructions

1. Take an aquarium glued together from sheets of natural or organic glass. Remember that it should be spacious enough, given that the turtle grows quickly. Please also note that the water will have to be changed frequently, so immediately think about how you will drain the contents of the terrarium - either using hoses, or by equipping the bottom with a shut-off valve.

2. Divide the aquarium-terrarium into two zones: aquatic and land. Indeed, in the wild, the red-eared turtle periodically crawls out of the water. Therefore, across the narrow part of the aquarium-terrarium, glue a horizontal sheet of glass to the side walls or install it on fixed supports. Its width should be from 1/4 to 1/3 of the length of the aquarium.

3. Attach an inclined glass plate along which the animal can get out of the water onto land. Please note that the surface of this plate must be rough, otherwise the turtle will simply slide down it back into the water. It wouldn’t hurt to also roughen the surface of the seating area. The easiest way to achieve this is to rub them with coarse sandpaper before installing the plates in the aquarium.

4. Try to correctly determine the total height of the terrarium and its land part. It should rise slightly above the surface of the water so that the turtle can dry out. But the depth must be sufficient for the turtle to swim and dive freely. Again, keep in mind that the animal will grow quite quickly and that there should be a high enough side above the land part so that the turtle does not accidentally fall over it. In any case, the height of the side above the water level should be at least 20 centimeters.

5. Choose the sunniest place in the apartment to install the terrarium. If there is a lack of sunlight (in winter or during prolonged inclement weather), you will have to irradiate the turtle with an ultraviolet lamp from time to time.

6. Plant aquatic plants. Then the terrarium will be much more beautiful, and after some time the turtle will begin to eat them.

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Providing light and ultraviolet

In their natural environment, red-eared reptiles periodically crawl out of the water onto land, where they warm up by lying on coastal areas. To provide your pet with conditions close to natural, it is advisable to install an artificial lighting device above one of the islands.

There should be a sufficient distance from the island to the light source so that the lamp warms the air to 29°-31°C, but does not overheat the reptile. If several individuals live in the tank, then they can climb on each other’s backs, trying to get closer to the warmth - it is important that they do not come close to the device. At night, lighting and heating devices should be turned off.

Also, these reptiles do not dive very gracefully; they raise a whole cloud of splashes. And then water can fall on the lamp base and destroy this hot part of the device. It is better to cover the lamp with a shade that protects it from moisture and steam.

Often, the owners of these reptiles do not pay due attention to their special need for ultraviolet light. However, only with sufficient illumination is the pet’s body able to independently produce the required amounts of vitamin D3. This element, in turn, is necessary so that calcium supplied with food can be perfectly absorbed.

With a lack of ultraviolet rays, turtles develop rickets, and without timely treatment, individuals die. As a result of practical experiments, it was possible to find out that the ultraviolet lamp should work for about 10-12 hours per day in order to provide the red ear with the necessary rays. The device is installed at a distance of 35-45 cm from the land surface, and the lamps should be replaced every 12 months.

Caring for a turtle at home

Arrangement of living space

Pet turtles should not wander around the apartment randomly. Keeping turtles requires organizing a separate closed space for them: a terrarium or an aquarium with special equipment.

List of necessary equipment (for all types):

• room/container for keeping (terrarium/aquarium);
• ultraviolet lamp (for water UVB 5–10%, for land 10–12%);
• heater/heating lamp;
• lamp;
• thermometer for temperature control$
• stable feeder.

For land turtles, this list includes a house for sleeping and resting.

Additional equipment for aquatic species:

• 100 Watt water heater;
• filter (internal or external);
• land/shore/island.

Although red-eared aquarium turtles spend most of their time in the water, provide them with a warm, dry place on land to rest and get UV exposure. The turtle will not turn it over if one side is submerged in water. Requirements for material for sushi: non-toxic, not smooth, but rough, without sharp corners. Observe the following proportion: water - 3 parts of volume, land - 1 part.

In their natural environment, turtles climb onto snags, stones, and stable objects protruding from the water. It should also be convenient for them to climb onto the artificial shore in the aquarium.

The required aquarium volume for a red-eared turtle is from 200 liters. The more spacious the home, the healthier the animal.

For land use, you need a terrarium with a capacity of 100 liters or more. Entirely glass or made of wood, but with one wall made of transparent material.

House

So that the pet can sleep peacefully, relax, and hide, it needs a home inside the terrarium.

A ceramic flower pot, divided in half, with processed edges, is suitable for the house. Use a plastic rodent house for this purpose or make one out of wood.

Priming

In terrariums, use hay as soil - it is easy to change. Do not put sand on the bottom as animals will swallow it. Lay a two-layer coating: sand at the bottom, large pebbles at the top. The turtle sharpens its claws on it.

Do not put newspapers, expanded clay, sharp stones, or cat litter in the terrarium.

Aquatic turtles do not need soil. For aesthetics, place large stones at the bottom of the aquarium. Gravel or other covering will not work; the animal will swallow it.

Water

Clean water and a maintained temperature level are the most important things in keeping aquatic species.

In the water, the red-eared turtle swims, sleeps, eats, and goes to the toilet. To prevent ammonia, nitrates and unpleasant odors from accumulating, change the water a couple of times a week. At the same time, carry out filtering.

• 70% - plant foods (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, nettle, algae, duckweed);
• 30% - animal (meat, fish, seafood, worms, insects, bloodworms, guppies).

Aquatic turtles are omnivores. Feed regular food and artificial food, fish food, aquarium plants and insects.

Feed turtles up to two years old once a day. During this period, animal protein predominates in their diet. As the animals grow, the proportion of plant feed increases.

Vegetables are included in the diet, even if the animal does not show an appetite for them. The older it is, the more fiber it needs.

Aquatic turtles use water for swallowing as they do not produce saliva. They eat in the aquarium. It is better to feed them in a specially designated place, this will keep the home clean longer.

Hygiene

Cleaning the premises

Clean the bottom and walls of the terrarium from animal waste products every day. Wash feeding and drinking utensils whenever they become dirty.

The aquatic turtle's aquarium also needs general cleaning twice a month.

Bathing

Caring for land turtles includes weekly water treatments. Place the animal in a small container with warm water at a temperature of 30–35 degrees for half an hour. The head should be above the water. Dry your turtle after bathing.

Trimming claws

During their lives, these animals grow a shell, beak and claws. Care for your pet turtle's claws.

When the beak and claws grow to such a size that it becomes difficult for the animal to move and eat, remove them. For this procedure, special nippers are used.

Such actions are not done with aquatic species of turtles.

Shedding

Turtles are susceptible to molting.

In aquatic species, the separation of large scales on the shell and the change of skin occur regularly throughout life.

Land turtles only change the skin on their paws, this happens unnoticed.

Island or shore for an aquatic turtle

Most aquatic turtles, including red-eared turtles and marsh turtles, require a small, heated area of ​​completely dry land. Turtles breathe atmospheric air and also need rest; without an island, the animal can drown. Also, the presence of sushi will prevent some shell diseases. An ultraviolet lamp and an incandescent lamp should be located above the island.

The size of the island should be 3-4 turtle sizes in length and width, or 2 times the sum of the sizes of all turtles in the aquarium.

Some species of turtles prefer underwater shelters; if you can do this using an island, the turtle will like it. Aquatic turtles do not need shelter on land.

What should an island be like for an aquatic turtle?

1. Accessible to the turtle - so that the turtle can easily climb onto land;
2. Rough - both the island and the ladder to it should not be smooth, otherwise the turtle will slide;
3. Durable - the land must support the weight of the turtle, must be stable so as not to crush the animal;
4. Absolutely dry - no water should be poured on it, i.e. the island must be above the water level - this is the only way the turtle can dry out and warm up;
5. Position no higher than 20 cm from the top of the aquarium so that lamps can be installed and the turtle cannot escape from the aquarium.;
6. Heated - there must be a heating lamp and an ultraviolet lamp above the island (since water practically does not transmit UV rays), the temperature on the island must be higher than the water temperature, about 30-31 C;
7. Made from durable and non-toxic materials - islands made of foam plastic or covered with small pebbles, which a turtle can swallow, are absolutely not suitable; There should not be strips of silicone sealant on the island; a turtle could eat it;
8. The ladder from the island should not be located close to the bottom, otherwise the turtle may get stuck between the bottom of the aquarium and the ladder and drown.

You can make different versions of the islands yourself, order them from an aquarium workshop, or buy them from a pet store:

Glass islands covered with pebbles

A piece of glass of the required size is cut out (about 1.5-2 times the size of a turtle), stones are glued onto it, and then it is glued into the aquarium using aquarium sealant (glue). The aquarium must be empty and dry. The turtle can be stocked 2-3 days after the aquarium has been ventilated.

Large stones must first be washed with soap and doused with boiling water.

Island with suction cups from Zoomed

Such a shore can be bought at a pet store with a department of goods for reptiles or ordered from an online pet store in our country or abroad. The banks from Zoomed support large turtles, but the banks from Exoterra tilt and then need to be propped up.

Canopy shore for an aquarium (or shore in American style)

There is also a Turtle Topper that sits on top of narrow aquariums. You can buy it in foreign online pet stores.

Trionics and other freshwater turtles, which lead a completely aquatic lifestyle, do not need dry land, but they crawl out close to the water's edge to bask.

Other island options are:

• floating rafts made of lightweight material. They are not very suitable, because... a heavy turtle will sink such a raft and it will be difficult for her to climb onto it.
• driftwood, branches. This is a good bank that allows the turtle to dry not only from above, but also from below, but improperly treated snags will spoil the water and rot. How to properly process driftwood...

The aquaterrarium for red-eared turtles must be properly equipped. The turtles’ habitat must and definitely include: a spacious body of water and a sufficient amount of land. Red-eared turtles are amphibians. That is, living in water, turtles need to periodically go to land to replenish oxygen reserves and feast on the gifts of nature. Setting up a pond is not that difficult, but building an island for a turtle with your own hands is not an easy task; it requires a competent approach.

Do-it-yourself island for a land turtle

Cautions

Pay attention to aquariums in which red-eared turtles cannot be kept:

• small containers up to seventy liters. Only babies can be kept in such aquariums. If you place large individuals in them, then very soon you will notice how the animal will begin to get sick, its integument will be damaged by skin infections, and its shell will soften;
• You should also not use containers in which the dryer is made of plastic or other bad materials;
• Never use containers in which you cannot install a filter for water purification, as well as special lamps. In poor conditions, turtles very quickly begin to get sick and die.

As you can see, caring for a red-eared slider, just like any other pet, has many nuances. Therefore, you need to approach with all responsibility to create comfortable conditions for your beloved animal. However, with a little effort, you can create a truly picturesque corner of your home.

Temperature

The recommended water temperature for the red-eared turtle is 23-28 °C. The temperature on a shaded (cold) island of land should be 23-25°C, and on a brightly lit (warm) area - 28-32°C. This is an absolutely ideal option for arranging the most suitable temperature conditions for the red-eared turtle.

To create such temperature conditions, heating is necessary. The main heating is carried out using a special lamp, which is fixed above one of the islands. If the temperature when heating with a lamp is insufficient, then additional heating is used.

You can use a heater in the form of a long glass tube that is immersed in water. Particular attention should be paid to its location: the turtle should not be able to accidentally bite the electrical wire or damage it with its shell.

Decoration features

They use massive stones, driftwood, and artificial plants. Experienced aquarists call plastic buildings “kitsch” with an unknown chemical composition, and they avoid placing them.

The decorations also serve as shelters. Young turtles especially need shelters. Decoration with artificial plants is necessary. Red-eared turtles eat natural greenery.

Decorative elements should not have sharp fragments. Animal skin is easily damaged.

Making an island

There are two ways to independently equip a turtle hatch for a red-eared slider with the necessary access to land. In the first case, the island is assembled with small pieces of flat pebbles and installed on the bottom. The stones must first be washed and boiled, then laid out into a kind of hill. You can use the shape of a grotto or arch to further decorate the aquaterrarium. The stones are fastened together with a small amount of sealant, and the structure is left until completely dry. The finished island is lowered into the water so that the upper part protrudes above the surface and it is convenient for the turtle to climb onto it.

To make an island shelf, use a piece of glass or plexiglass; durable plastic is also suitable. To attach it, perform the following sequence of actions:

1. Marks are made on the walls of the aquarium at the required height (the distance to the top of the walls should exceed the diameter of the shell of an adult turtle).
2. The structure is turned over to the side to which the shelf will be attached, and the surface of the glass is degreased.
3. For gluing, adhesive-sealant is used, the shelf should be located in the corner, supported on at least two sides, and you can also install a shelf that will be attached to three sides.
4. To make it convenient for the turtle to climb onto the island, a ladder is made - a strip of glass or plastic, which is attached to the shelf and rests on the bottom.
5. Small pebbles and glass granules are glued to the surface of the ladder to prevent the pet's paws from slipping.

It is recommended to glue the island shelf at the stage of assembling the aquarium itself. Sometimes bulk soil - sand or pebbles - is used to form sushi. To do this, part of the aquarium is separated by a partition of the required height - the resulting container is filled with sand, and the rest is filled with water. The turtle climbs out of the water onto land along an inclined ladder. This method is not very convenient due to the difficulties of cleaning an aquaterrarium with bulk soil.