Turtles are exothermic; which means they have to rely on external sources to maintain body temperatures. Therefore, the tank for your pet turtle must have the necessary arrangement to keep it warm.
Do turtles need a water heater in the tank, then? Well, it depends on the species of the turtle you have. However, for most species, you will need to add a water heater. Maintaining an ideal temperature is crucial for their development, digestion, and overall health conditions.
This article will help you understand the ideal temperature for your reptile friend, why it is crucial, and how a water heater can help.
Why Do Turtles Need A Water Heater?
A water heater can help your turtle live in comfort and have more fun. Here are the major reasons to include a water heater in their tank:
Turtles Are Cold-Blooded
Like all other reptiles, turtles are exothermic. It means that they are cold-blooded animals, and so cannot maintain their body temperature internally. Their body becomes cold when the external temperature drops. Adding a water heater will keep them warm all the time.
Seasonal Temperature Changes
If you live in a warmer location where the water of the turtle tank is naturally warm, you may still need a water warmer. Why? This is because, during the winter season, water gets cold. It will make it difficult for the reptile pet to swim around.
Therefore, you need to add one or two water heaters to the tank. This will save them from getting frozen. You must remember that it is not a good idea to keep aquatic or semi-aquatic turtles from water, not even in the winter.
Save Them from Stress
Every turtle species has a comfort zone when it comes to temperature. If the temperature gets lower than their comfort level, they get psychologically stressed. They show abnormal behavior like lethargy and anorexia. Sometimes, turtles start digging holes to release pent-up sentiments and anxiety.
Effect on Metabolism
Temperature affects the metabolism of turtles significantly. When the temperature gets colder, turtles become lazy and even sometimes go into hibernation. Though it’s part of their life-cycle, untimely hibernation can be harmful for their health.
Learn when turtles go to hibernation
Prevention of Diseases
It is important to keep an ideal temperature in the water for turtles. Cold water is suitable for pathogens to thrive. These pathogens can affect the immune system of turtles and cause different diseases. You need a water heater to keep the water free of harmful pathogens.
What Temperature Is Good for Pet Turtles?
The ideal temperature for pet turtles depends on the species of the turtle you have. However, most turtles feel comfortable at the temperature around 20-25 degree Celsius.
The temperature of the water in the tank should be slightly lower than the air temperature. The warmer air will help them enjoy basking. The temperature at night often gets lower than expected. Adding a heat lamp can be a good step to solve the issue.
Do All Turtle Species Need Water Heaters?
Do turtles need a water heater? Yes. But do all of them need it? No. Not all turtles need a water heater. There are some species of turtles that can adapt and survive in a cold environment without facing any major issues.
Aquatic turtles are the ones that mostly need water heaters. They feel comfortable in lower temperatures. Besides, in general conditions, they like to spend hours swimming in the water. If you keep them from water, it can affect their overall well-being.
Therefore, before deciding to implant a water heater, you should know your turtle properly. Learn about the species of your turtle and its natural habitats, and seek experts’ verdicts regarding the water heater in its tank.
Also read: Can Turtles Drown? (Click to read)
How to Set Up A Water Heater Safely for Turtles?
Since a water heater is crucial for your turtle’s healthy life, you need to install one as quickly as possible. Here are the necessary instructions you should follow to set up the heater:
- Pick a water heater designed for aquariums, preferably with adjustable temperature settings. Ensure the heater’s wattage is suitable for the size of the turtle tank.
- You must rinse the new heater before placing it.
- Maintain a water temperature of 75-80°F (24-27°C) for most turtle species. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature consistently.
- Place the heater horizontally or vertically, based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep it fully submerged in the water, as most heaters require this.
- Use suction cups to attach the heater to the tank wall securely. You need to place it in a spot where turtles cannot knock it loose or damage it.
- Consider using a heater guard to prevent turtles from coming into direct contact with the heater. This reduces the risk of burns or injuries.
- Plug the heater into a grounded outlet to avoid electrical hazards. You must avoid using extension cords, and keep the plug away from any water.
- Let the heater run for at least 24 hours before introducing turtles to ensure it maintains a stable temperature. Check for any signs of malfunction, such as fluctuating temperatures.
Safety Precaution for Using Water Heaters for Turtle Tanks
Don’t forget that the water heater uses electricity. You need to be extra careful when both electricity and water stay together. Here are some safety measures that you should be careful about:
- Do not plug in the heater before installing it properly into the tank
- If you are putting your hand into the water, make sure to switch off the heater first.
- Set a drip loop in the wire of the plug so that water cannot reach the power chord.
- Check the condition of the glass that covers the heating element of the heater. If you notice any leakage, switch off the heather immediately.
- If you see your turtle is trying to eat the heater, switch off or unplug the device immediately. You can give it a toy that it can chew and play with. This will distract the turtle from the heater.
FAQ
Do turtles need a water filter?
Since turtles spend a good amount of their time in water, you need to ensure the quality of their water. Adding a water filter will ensure their good health and overall well-being.
Do turtles need heated water?
Usually, room-temperature water is fine for turtles. However, if it is winter or the temperature of your area is pretty low, you need to provide warmer water. This is because the body temperature is controlled by the environment’s temperature.
Do red-eared sliders need a heater?
Red-eared slider turtles need warmer water. The necessity of a heater will depend on your location and the condition of the temperature. If the water gets too cold, then the turtle will need a water heater.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you are no longer in confusion regarding “Do turtles need a water heater?” Most of them, especially the aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles, need a water heater to maintain their preferred temperature all the time.
Proper temperature of the water is crucial for the health of turtles, and water heaters ensure that. Adding a water heater will benefit them in several ways and ensure they remain active and playful, saving them from hibernation.