Water Temps For Turtles

Water temperature is a major factor in turtle health. It is important to know what water temperature your turtle needs, and why.

Turtles have many different types of habitats, like ponds or streams, so it’s hard to make one rule that applies to all turtles.

The best thing you can do for your turtle is research how their habitat should be before deciding on what water temperature to set your water.

Different turtles have different ideal water temperatures. For example, a slider turtle’s ideal water temperature is 73 degrees Fahrenheit while a map turtle prefers a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are many benefits to keeping your turtle’s habitat as close to its natural environment as possible.

Besides providing a healthy and comfortable home for your turtle, it also helps maintain the natural environment by providing a healthy ecosystem.

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Turtle Water Temperatures

Ideally, the water temperature for turtles should be between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for most turtles.

However, sick or young turtles need slightly warmer temperatures, around 80-82 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps to increase their immune system and swimming ability. Turtles that swim in warm water have a faster stroke rate.

However, the answer is determined by a number of factors, such as the turtle species, age, tank size, and your region’s weather.

RELATED READ: The Best Turtle Tank Heater

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Water Temperature for Turtles Tanks

Here is a list of the water temperatures recommended for different turtle tanks:

Turtle	Temperature Range
Red-Eared Slider	between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Painted Turtle	between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle	between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Mud Turtle	between 74 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit
Musk Turtle	between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit
Softshell Turtle	between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Map Turtle	between 72 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit
Spotted Turtle	between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Wood Turtle	between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
African Sideneck Turtle	between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit

Baby Turtle Water Temperature

For baby turtle water temperatures you can take the recommended water turtle temps and add a couple of degrees more.

RELATED READ: How to Take Care of a Baby Turtle

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Basking Temperature for Turtles Tanks

Here is a list of the basking temperatures recommended for different turtle tanks:

Turtle	Temperature Range
Red-Eared Slider	between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit
Painted Turtle	between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit
Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle	between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit
Mud Turtle	between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit
Musk Turtle	between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit
Softshell Turtle	between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit
Map Turtle	between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit
Spotted Turtle	between 82 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit
Wood Turtle	between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit
African Sideneck Turtle	between 95 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit

RELATED READ: How to Set Up a Turtle Tank

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How to Regulate the Temperature of a Turtle Tank?

There are a few ways to regulate the temperature of a turtle tank. You can use artificial light to heat up the tank, or you can use a heater to heat up the water.

If you use artificial light, be sure to use a full-spectrum light. This will help your turtle get the UVB light it needs to stay healthy.

If you use a heater, be sure to get one that is specifically made for turtle tanks. This will help regulate the temperature of the tank and keep your turtle healthy.

Water Temperature for Turtles Outdoors

If you have an outdoor pond, it’s important to keep the water temperature in the pond at a healthy level for your turtles.

In the summer, the water temperature in a pond should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, the water temperature in a pond should be around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the water temperature in your pond is too hot or too cold, it can be harmful to your turtle.

You can keep the water temperature in your pond at a healthy level by using a pond heater or a pond cooler.

Do Turtles Get Cold?

No, turtles do not get cold in the traditional sense. They are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is regulated by their environment.

If it is too cold outside, they will move to a warmer area. If it is too hot outside, they will move to a cooler area.

This is why it is so important to have a thermometer in your turtle tank to check if the water is safe.

Do Turtles Need a Water Heater?

Some turtle species can survive in cold water without a heater. However, most turtles need a heater to avoid hibernation and getting sick.

Can Turtles Be in Cold Water?

Most turtle species that live in the wild can survive if they are frozen. However, captive turtles are not used to this and might not make it if they are put in this situation.

Coldwater can cause hibernation, which is when the turtle’s body slows down to conserve energy. This can be harmful to the turtle and may lead to death.

Do Turtles Like Warm Water?

Yes, turtles generally prefer warm water. Warm water promotes activity and helps keep the turtle healthy. It is important to keep the water temperature within the turtle’s ideal range to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Do Turtles Like Cold Water?

No, turtles do not generally like cold water. Coldwater can cause the turtle to hibernate, which is when the turtle’s body slows down to conserve energy. This can be harmful to the turtle and may lead to death.

What Happens To A Turtle If The Temperature is Too Low?

As mentioned earlier, turtles are ectothermic which means that they can’t control their body temperature without some help.

When the temperature falls below a certain point, turtles go through physical changes, including:

• The turtle will not poop.
• They can experience respiratory infections, which can make them feel sick.
• Your turtles may not stop drinking water, but they will stop eating food.
• Turtles go into a state where they barely move, which can be bad for their health.
• The heart rate of turtles will slow down when they experience a slow cardiac output.
• If the cold weather lasts for a long time, your turtle can either hibernate or die.

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Can Turtles Survive A Low Temperature?

Yes, to some extent. In the wild, turtles hibernate to survive the cold atmosphere. They have adapted to deal with the freezing temperatures.

However, for captive turtles, the temperature shouldn’t be a problem. You can easily install a water heater to regulate the temperature.

RELATED READ: The Best Basking Lights for Turtles

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Conclusion

Turtles are ectothermic, meaning that their body temperature is regulated by the environment.

If it’s too hot or cold outside, they will move to a warmer or cooler area respectively. They need UVB light and have different water temperatures based on time of year and location (indoors vs outdoors).

Turtles can be in cold water as long as it isn’t for an extended period of time; however, turtles cannot survive hibernation if the temperature falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time.