Cuttlebone is an excellent source of Calcium for your C. insculpta, but it will quickly turn your water cloudy, within an aquaria environment.
Most prepared commercial turtle diets supplemented with small amounts of fruit, dark leafy greens and small fish will meet the nutritional requirements of young C. insculpta.
Please note, a 29 gallon aquarium will not suffice for a young C. insculpta, as these are very active turtles, not prone to lying about basking, but rather swimming about quite actively. I would suggest you acquire, at the minimum, a 55 gallon aquarium for a young specimen, but be prepared to graduate to a minimum of 125 gal at two - three years and a small pond later on. I would also suggest a minimum of 500 GPH filtration, weekly water changes and a UV sterilizer to boot.
The key to maintaining C. insculpta is maintaining excellent water quality, warmth and water movement.

Best of luck to you,

Jeff


Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.526.4856

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