Water temp.

[Alex Netherton]

I have seen a few references about water temp in DBT tanks, and was wondering. First, when I was working in Environmental Education in South GA (USA), the water temp rarely got up to 80 deg F. even in the summer; it usually stayed around 74 or so during the summer. This time of year, it was a frigid 65! The Terrapins were all over the place, walking across the road, and the near shore waters were cold enough to numb the human skin. This was at Tybee Island, just offshore (and across a magnificent marsh system) from Savannah. On Jekyll Island, where I also worked, the temps would aproach 80, but this is the area near where M. t. tequesta takes over from M. t. carolina. Carolinas in the area of the Carolinas, and M. t. terrapin (northerns) would rarely see even a day of 80 deg. F. I am just curious why folks are keeping their terps at 80…..? Alex NethertonThe Appalachian NaturalistAsheville, NChttp://www.appalachian-naturalist.com

[irnbru@erols.com]

Alex, A lot of the care sheets I have read regarding aquatic turtles in general suggest a tank set-up with a water temp of “78 degees F” and a basking area of “80-85 degrees”. Articles say that for hatchlings the temp should be a little higher than 78 degrees; ie., 80 degrees. See eg., “Basic Aquatic / Basking Turtle Indoor Habitat by Nathan N. Aileo”. But, I have been advised that 74 degrees is okay. Bob — In diamondbackterrapins@y…, “Alex Netherton”

[Macrospilota]

Alex, Interesting bit of information. I tend to keep mine between 75-82 in the summer. I have seen that the air temps in the upper peninsula of Fl are around 80-85 now. The coastal currents are around 68-72 I believe. But the shallows of the marshes are 75 to 82 during the day time now and I doubt they are much less than 70 at night. The marshes soak up the daylight warmth quickly and hold it pretty well. I agree that over 82 may be a bit warm unless the individual is diseased. I also provide a basking area that gives mine access to temps over 90F if they wish. Scott — In diamondbackterrapins@y…, “Alex Netherton”

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