Water quality and hygiene in the turtles’ enclosure is extremely important. Dirty water can promote diseases and skin conditions that would not normally occur in a natural environment. The water quality must be tested regularly to ensure that turtles are provided with an appropriately conditioned water. There are many factors that can have a detrimental effect on turtle health including water acidity or alkalinity (pH), salinity, temperature, hardness and levels of chlorine, chloramines, nitrate, nitrite and ammonia. Wherever possible, you should try to replicate the turtle’s natural environment.

Aquarium or pond water must be kept clean through regular water changes and a filtration device. Indoor aquarium water generally needs to be partially changed twice per week, removing 25 percent of the water. Full water changes and aquarium cleans will also need to be carried out at least once per term (10 weeks) or at more regular intervals if required. Outdoor ponds require a filtration device and pond water must be partially changed regularly. Ponds can be emptied and cleaned as required to remove build ups of waste.

Any uneaten food and faeces must be removed from enclosures daily.