Before you bring a pet turtle home, you'll need to make sure you have everything you need to provide it with a healthy and happy home. Here's a list of essential items you'll need:

What Do You Need for a Pet Turtle?

Habitat

1. Tank: The size of the tank will depend on the type of turtle you get. Generally, a 10-gallon tank is a good starting point for a small turtle. As your turtle grows, you may need to upgrade to a larger tank.

2. Substrate: The substrate is the material that covers the bottom of the tank. It can be made from a variety of materials, such as sand, gravel, or coconut husk. Choose a substrate that is safe for your turtle to eat if it accidentally ingests it.

3. Water: Turtles need both water to swim in and dry land to bask on. The water should be clean and dechlorinated. You can use a water filter to keep the water clean.

4. Basking area: The basking area is a place where your turtle can go to get out of the water and warm up. It should be located under a heat lamp that provides a temperature of 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Food and Water

1. Food: Turtles are omnivores, so they eat both plants and animals. You can feed your turtle a variety of foods, such as pellets, live insects, and fruits and vegetables.

2. Water: Turtles need access to fresh, clean water at all times. You can provide your turtle with a water bowl or a shallow dish filled with water.

Other Supplies

1. Heat lamp: Turtles are cold-blooded animals, so they need a heat lamp to keep them warm. The heat lamp should be placed over the basking area.

2. UVB light: UVB light is essential for turtles to produce vitamin D3, which helps them absorb calcium. You can provide your turtle with UVB light by using a special UVB light bulb in the tank.

3. Thermometer: A thermometer is used to measure the temperature of the tank. It's important to keep the temperature within the ideal range for your turtle.