For example, a single musk turtle can live in a 20 US gal (76 L) tank. If you plan to keep 2 musk turtles, you’ll need a tank that’s at least 40 gallons (150 L). [2] X Research source An adult mud turtle needs a tank that’s at least 50–100 gallons (190–380 L). If you want to keep more than 1 turtle, you’ll need a tank or tub that provides at least 6 inches (15 cm) of floor space for every 1 inch (2. 5 cm) of turtle. [3] X Research source Spotted turtles are among the largest of the mini turtles. They need a tank that’s at least 55 gallons (210 L) or a medium-sized tub habitat. [4] X Research source

Musk turtles need water that is shallow enough that they can stretch up to breathe while keeping their back feet on the floor. [6] X Research source Mud turtles like deeper water. Keep it about twice as deep as the turtle’s length. [7] X Research source Spotted turtles are not strong swimmers. Make sure their water is no more than 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep. [8] X Research source

Some good options include submersible (or internal) aquarium filters and canister filters. Look for a filter that’s rated for the size of your tank or tub. Look at the user manual on your filter to determine how often you need to change the filter.

Some types of mini turtles need relatively large basking areas. For example, mud turtles should have a basking area that takes up at least 1/3rd of the space in the tank. [11] X Research source www. exoticpetvet. com/mud-turtle-care. html Spotted turtles are poor swimmers and are prone to shell rot, so make sure they have at least 2 basking areas where they can go to dry off completely. If you have multiple turtles, offer enough basking spots so that all the turtles can bask at once if they want to. [12] X Research source

Most turtles do best if their basking spot is maintained at a temperature of around 85–90 °F (29–32 °C). Keep the light on for 12 hours during the day and off for 12 hours at night to help maintain your turtle’s natural biological rhythms.

If you keep musk turtles, maintain a water temperature of around 72–78 °F (22–26 °C). [16] X Research source Mud turtles like their water a little warmer, around 78–82 °F (26–28 °C). [17] X Research source www. exoticpetvet. com/mud-turtle-care. html For spotted turtles, keep the water cooler, at around 65 °F (18 °C). [18] X Research source

Most mini turtles don’t need a substrate. Leaving the tank bare will make it easier to maintain, so this is also a good option if you don’t want the extra hassle of cleaning the substrate.

Some types of mini turtles, such as the spotted turtle, also enjoy greens. [22] X Research source Try offering your turtle some romaine lettuce, dandelion leaves, or water lettuce. [23] X Research source

As a general rule, you should not feed your turtle more than it can easily eat in about 15 minutes. [24] X Research source While most mini turtles only need to be fed every other day, adult mud turtles should be fed once a day. [25] X Research source www. exoticpetvet. com/mud-turtle-care. html

Another way to get your turtle extra calcium is to provide a cuttlebone for it to chew on.

If your tank has a substrate, agitate it a little to loosen up dirt that has settled to the bottom of the tank. [29] X Research source www. exoticpetvet. com/mud-turtle-care. html You can also use a siphon with a gravel vacuum to help keep the substrate clean.

This is also a good time to replace the old substrate, if your tank has it. [31] X Research source

If you have to pick up your turtle, hold it near the back of the shell so it’s harder for the turtle to bite you. [32] X Research source

Don’t keep your turtle in an area where you will be handling or preparing food.