Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got a african side neck and the store told me to fil the tank with about 2 inches of water. The turtle just hid under a log for days, then i read that they like to burrow so i got it some rocks so it can be out of the water and burrow and thats what it does now. Is that kind of setup ok? Also i turn the heating lamp off at night and the tank gets really cold. should i keep the heating lamp on ALL the time? and should i get something to warm the water, because it is always cold, with or without the heating lamp.

In captivity, African Side Necked Turtles should be allowed a tank with enough water for them to swim in, in addition to a land area where they can bask. As a general rule, the water should have a depth about equal to the turtle's width. Many people find that a filter provides great help in maintaining a good water quality. Water temperatures should remain between 78 and 82 degree Fahrenheit with a pH of 6 to 6.5. During the day, the temperature of the land area should remain about 83 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking area about 90 degrees. Usually, African Side Necked Turtles are fed invertebrates and a small amount of green vegetation. Commercial turtle chow, low fat dog chow, trout food, apples, or bananas can also be offered from time to time. Because they may not get along well with other animals, even turtles of the same species, African Side Necked Turtles should be kept alone unless you are attempting to breed them.

As for heat- a hood that covers the tank is the best way to maintain temps in the tank. Im very fond of canopy hoods for this purpose. You can make them as tall as you like and have plenty of room for lights and basking lamp inside. This also creates humidity in the air inside the tank. If you decide to get a heater, get a submersible made of metal. Dont get the glass one, and dont get the one that hangs on the top of the tank. Heres an example of a decent titanium heater for $17.
www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22407;category_id=3059

Follow the instructions on the heater. Most people dont and end up overheating or harming the turtle. If you slowly raise the temp like the instructions say, your heater will never be hot enough to hurt anyone in the tank. This model comes with an external heat adjustment which is cool.

Here is a simple drawing that lays out the basics for building a canopy hood. Also if you do decide to build a canopy hood, polyurethane the heck out of it, otherwise it will warp on you. Also makes it easy to clean- wipe off with damp cloth.

Below is my second hood, a lot fancier. The next one I build will probly not have the window. It collects moisture and requires constant cleaning.

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iturnrocks.com

Thank you sooo much for all of your information! It really helped, im def. going to get the water heater you told me about. One more question, should all of the lights (basking lamp and UV) be turned off at night? Thanks again

>>Thank you sooo much for all of your information! It really helped, im def. going to get the water heater you told me about. One more question, should all of the lights (basking lamp and UV) be turned off at night? Thanks again

Yes, the best way to achieve this is with a timer. You can get one at most home improvement stores. Just be sure to get one that is rated for the watt of light you intend to use. I use 2 on my tank one for basking 1 for UVB.

Intermatic
15 Amp 1750 Watt 125 Volt AC 24 Hr. Heavy-Duty Timer
Model TN311D89
Price: $10.97/ea
homedepot.com

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iturnrocks.com

You have already gotten some great advice. I am sorry the pet store that sold you the turtle was so stupid! They need ot hire employees who know what they are talking about.
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Tammy, Doug, Skylar, Andrew, Aaron, Lessley
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