There are a few things you may not know about pet turtles that could make you think twice about owning one. Turtles can live up to 150 years, they require a UVB light for their shell to grow properly, and they need to be kept in water at all times or they will die.
Despite these few requirements, turtles make great pets for those who are prepared to meet them. They are relatively low maintenance and can be very entertaining to watch.

Turtles can live up to 150 years
The oldest turtle ever recorded was 188 years old. He died in an accident, but not before breaking the record for the world’s oldest turtle! At this age, turtles are ancient by human standards. They have learned a great deal about their environment and can pass that knowledge onto you if you are willing to listen.

They require a UVB light for their shell to grow properly
One of the most important things you must do if you are going to own a pet turtle is provide them with the proper environment. A good place for your turtle to live is in an aquarium that has been prepped with gravel, water, and a basking area. The aquarium should also have a UVB light to help your turtle grow a healthy shell. Without this light, your turtle’s shell may not grow properly and could lead to health problems later in life.

They need to be kept in water at all times or they will die
In the wild, turtles spend their lives in water. They come out of the water to bask in the sun, but they always return to the water to cool off. If you do not provide your turtle with a constant source of water, they will die. Make sure your aquarium has a good filtration system so that your turtle can live a long and healthy life.
Pet turtles can make great pets if you are willing to keep them properly. They require a specific environment and the death of a healthy turtle would be considered abuse.
While turtles can live up to 150 years, they must have UVB light for their shell to grow properly, and they need to be kept in water at all times or they will die, owning one is a big responsibility. If you can provide these things for your turtle, they can make a great addition to your family and will provide you with years of enjoyment.