Turtles are fascinating and mysterious creatures, and much about their behavior remains unknown. That’s why questions like “Do turtles drink water?” are common.
Turtles need water to survive. Without enough, they risk dehydration. Clean drinking water is crucial for their health. However, turtles often drink from the water they live in, making it difficult to tell if they’re drinking or just opening their mouths.
Do Turtles Drink Water?
Turtles, like all animals, need water to survive. However, you may not notice them drinking because they live in it, making it hard to tell if they’re drinking or just opening their mouths.
The fact that turtles drink the water they live in has both advantages and drawbacks. One issue is that turtles also excrete in the water, and drinking water with waste in it is unhealthy.
In natural habitats like lakes, this isn’t a significant concern. Good bacteria break down waste and harmful bacteria, and the water volume is large enough that it dilutes any detrimental effects.
However, in a tank, the situation changes. When waste breaks down, it creates ammonia, a toxic substance that can cause skin irritation, illness, or worse. If the water isn’t changed regularly, the turtle may swim and drink contaminated water.
The good news is you don’t need a separate tank for clean drinking water. While turtles drinking and living in the same water can pose risks, there are steps you can take as a turtle owner to keep things safe and manageable.
How Often Can Turtles Drink Water?
Turtles require ten gallons of water for every inch of shell length. For example, if a turtle’s shell is two inches long, it needs twenty gallons of water. If the shell is six inches, it needs sixty gallons. This rule is simple and effective and should always be followed. While a turtle could technically live in a smaller tank with less water, it would not be ideal for its health. Always adhere to this guideline for their well-being.
3 Benefits of Water to Turtles
1: Essential For Survival
“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” – Loren Eiseley.
Turtles need water to survive. Without enough water, they may die. Providing clean water is crucial for their metabolism and helps prevent choking. Since turtles don’t have salivary glands, they rely on water to help push hard foods, like apples, carrots, and potatoes, down their throats.
2: Serves As A Natural Habitat
Turtles need water to regulate their body temperature, stay hydrated, and produce energy. These marine turtles are specially adapted to their aquatic environment and cannot survive for long on land. Additionally, they must drink water while eating.
3: Essential to Various Cellular Functions
Turtles rely on water for various cellular functions and to maintain their energy levels. The amount of water they drink depends on their diet. Most turtles are opportunistic feeders, consuming both plants and animals. If fed a meat-based, dry diet, turtles may drink more water. Conversely, plant-based foods like broccoli, cabbage, and kale contain moisture, meaning your turtle will need less water when eating these.
However, only about 50% of their diet should consist of plant-based foods. If more than 75% of their meals are vegetables, your turtle may not get enough essential vitamins. For optimal health, offer a balanced diet with both animal-based foods and greens. This combination supports their immune system and helps prevent illnesses like lung infections.
What Kind of Water Do Turtles Need?
Turtles spend most of their time in the water—living, drinking, and swimming in it. This makes water quality crucial in their tank.
Both bottled and tap water are options for your turtle, but tap water can sometimes be unsafe. It may contain high chlorine levels, which can harm your turtle’s eyes.
While turtles are generally hardier than fish, it’s still important not to expose them to harmful conditions. Using a water conditioner is the quickest and most effective way to treat tap water. Water conditioners are affordable and safe for your turtle.
Conclusion
Turtles need water to survive, but they also require oxygen and access to land. Semi-aquatic turtles, in particular, need both to thrive. It’s essential to maintain a clean tank to avoid potential health issues. Thankfully, there are several ways to extend the freshness of the water.
Turtles have a strong immune system that can handle the microorganisms present in water. As a result, they’re not as vulnerable as other animals. It’s generally safe to wait a few days before replacing the water in the tank.
FAQs
Do turtles drink the same water they swim in?
Turtles use the same water for drinking and swimming. While this may seem risky, it is entirely safe for them in their natural environment, like a lake.
Do turtles need a separate cup of water?
Your turtle does not need a drinking bowl. Instead, you can offer clean drinking water in a separate cup.
Do turtles need dechlorinated water?
Turtles need dechlorinated water because chlorine can harm them. While fish are sensitive to chlorine, turtles are not as affected. However, chlorine can irritate their eyes.
Do turtles need distilled water?
Distilled water for turtles is safe but costly. It’s beneficial because it doesn’t require conditioning. Unlike tap water, distilled or filtered water is free from chlorine and other additives.