🐢 Reeves’ Turtle (Mauremys reevesii) Care Sheet

A hardy, semi-aquatic turtle that thrives in well-maintained enclosures with plenty of space to swim and bask.
Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Lifespan: 15–25+ years
Adult Size: 6–9 inches
Enclosure Size: 90–120 cm aquatic setup (minimum 3 ft tank)
Temperament: Generally calm but not fond of handling; can be territorial with others

🏠 Enclosure

• Type: Aquatic tank or indoor pond setup

• Minimum size: 90 cm (3 ft) for one adult

• Basking area: Floating dock, slate rock, or land section with easy access

• Lid: Optional, but good for preventing escape and maintaining warmth

🌿 Substrate & Décor

• Substrate: Bare bottom, river pebbles (too large to swallow), or aquatic-safe sand

• Décor: Driftwood, aquatic plants, caves or hides (ensure they don’t trap the turtle)

• Plants: Live or artificial—note that real plants may be eaten or uprooted

🌡️ Temperature & Heating

• Water temperature: 22–26°C (72–78°F)

• Basking spot: 30–32°C (86–90°F)

• Night drop: Allowed to 20°C (68°F)

• Use an aquarium heater with guard and a thermostat-controlled basking bulb or ceramic heat emitter

💡 Lighting

• UVB required for shell and bone health

• Use a T5 10–12% UVB tube over the basking area

• Maintain a 12-hour day/night cycle

💧 Water Quality

• Filtration: Strong external canister or turtle-rated filter ideal

• Water changes: 25–50% weekly

• Dechlorinate tap water or use reptile-safe water conditioner

🥩 Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous—feed a mix of:

  • High-quality turtle pellets

  • Insects: crickets, mealworms etc.

  • Aquatic plants: duckweed, water lettuce

  • Occasional protein: cooked fish, shrimp, or boiled egg

  • Vegetables: kale, dandelion, squash, green beans

• Feeding schedule:

  • Juveniles: Daily

  • Adults: Every 2–3 days

• Supplement: Calcium powder or cuttlebone; multivitamin once a week

⚠️ Handling & Behaviour

• Not a handling-friendly species

• Can bite if stressed but generally shy

• Some aggression toward tankmates—best kept solo unless outdoor pond or very large setup

🧼 Cleaning

• Spot clean uneaten food and waste daily

• Clean filter monthly in tank water

• Partial water changes weekly; full clean every 4–6 weeks as needed