I see people who have turtles for pets and their housing seems too small What is a turtle supposed t

I would like to know the size of the tank needed, does it need rocks to get up on, and how often should you clean the water and what kind of water should you use. also what do they eat and how often. thanks to all who respond.

Tanks:

It is recommended that you have alt least 10 gallons of swimming water per inch of turtle shell. Thus, a 3" turtle should be in a 50 gallon or so tank with about 30 gallons of water in it. Most keepers use large plastic (Rubbermaid, Sterilite, etc.) tubs instead of heavier, more expensive glass tanks.

Some people say that the water should not be too deep because if the turtle gets trapped, it will drown. Instead, your cage should just be designed so turtles cannot get trapped! On the other hand, in general, it is better for the tank to be wide than it is for it to be deep.

The tank water should be heated to 75-80, and filtered heavily- about twice as much filtration as a fish tank the same size would use.

Basking Sites:

Your turtles need to get out of the water in a way that is safe, does not scrape them badly, and lets them feel comfortable. Most pond turtles prefer to be sunning over water than on a beach so they can just drop back in the water when threatened.

You can acomplish this with a pile of rocks, driftwood, rafts, platforms attached to the tank, etc. Avoid oily or treated wood (including redwood or cedar). You should usually try to provide several basking options- and warm at least some of the sites to about 90.