Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all. I just got a new Mississippi Map Turtle baby and wanted to see if anyone had any advice to give.

I have him in a 10 gal aquarium for now (will upgrade to a bigger one when he grows up a bit, right now he is about the size of a 50 cent piece).

In the aqaurium I have about 3 inches of water or so, and 2 wooden logs that reach from the bottom of the tank up out of the water that are big enough for him (or her) to bask on. They also give him spots to rest on while in the water where he just pops up his head.

On one side of the tank I have an overhead lamp with a reptile bulb (has UV and heat) which keeps his basking area around 85-90.

He spends most of his time swimming around in the water, and occasionaly will climb up on the logs to bask.

I am feeding him commercial turtle pellets (which he seems to like) 2 times a day (about 4-6 tiny pellets per feeding).

At night I turn off the light and the temp gets to 70-75 or so. He seems to sleep in the water so far.

I do not have a water filter yet but plan to get one. For now I just put in new water every other day or so.

Is there anything else I am missing or need to do to ensure my baby's health?

You are doing a great job of care. 10 gallons is just fine for a turtle of this size and don't be intimidated by the others who soon will insist you are unspeakably cruel unless you house it in an Olympic swimming pool. Use your common sense as the turtle grows to permit reasonable swimming and turning area.

sounds like youre doing ok
i would give more water to swim, triple the amount
make sure the bulb has UVB more than UVA...B is more important

Thanks. My bulb is both UVB and UVA, so he gets both. I also added some cuddlebone to the tank. I read on another post that it would be good for him. He seems really happy, but shy.

When I turn off the light at night, the temp gets down to about 70-72 or so, is that ok? Or should I get a night time heat light?

Those temperatures are fine at night.