Mississippi Map turtles are named from the lines and markings on their carapace which resemble the contour lines of a map. These turtles are found in the Mississippi Valley from Illinois and Nebraska, down into the Gulf States from Mississippi to Texas, usually in rivers, lakes and large streams. Mississippi Map Turtles are very communal and are found in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds with dense vegetation. Map turtles are excellent swimmers and will do better in deeper waters. With proper care, they can live 15-25 years.
In this comprehensive care guide, we've compiled everything you need to know about caring for a Mississippi Map Turtle, including large aquarium setup, heating, lighting, feeding, water filtration, and all essential supplies. We've evaluated each product based on quality, safety, appropriateness for map turtles, ease of use, and value. All products reviewed here include direct Amazon purchase links with our affiliate tag.
Quick Answer: Essential Mississippi Map Turtle Supplies
If you're in a hurry, here are the must-have items for a Mississippi Map Turtle:
- Aquarium: 75-125 Gallon Aquarium - Minimum 75 gallons for males, 125 gallons for 10" females
- Water Filtration: Powerful Canister Filter - Keep water clean, essential for health
- Heating: Water Heater - Maintain 75°F water temperature
- Lighting: UVB Lighting - Essential UVB rays, 85°F basking area
- Basking Platform: Basking Platform - Completely out of water, fully dry shell
- Substrate: Reptile Sand or Fine Pea Gravel - Safe, appropriate for aquatic turtles
About Mississippi Map Turtles
Scientific Name: Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii
Native to: Rivers in Mississippi and Missouri
Maximum Length: Males 3-5 inches, Females 6-10 inches
Life Span: 15-25 years with proper care
Characteristics
Mississippi Map turtles are named from the lines and markings on their carapace which resemble the contour lines of a map. These turtles are found in the Mississippi Valley from Illinois and Nebraska, down into the Gulf States from Mississippi to Texas, usually in rivers, lakes and large streams.
Mississippi Map Turtles are very communal and are found in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds with dense vegetation. Map turtles are excellent swimmers and will do better in deeper waters. Even as juveniles, they prefer relatively deeper water with plenty of cover for security. They tend to prefer habitat with abundant vegetation.
Essential Supplies for Mississippi Map Turtles
1. Aquarium
A minimum 75-gallon tank is needed for a single adult male, but a 10-inch female will need at least a 125-gallon enclosure to ensure adequate space. The aquarium should be large enough to provide both a swimming area with water deep enough to swim and a basking area where they can get completely out of the water.
Map turtles are excellent swimmers and will do better in deeper waters. The aquarium should be tall enough to accommodate deep water while still providing adequate basking space. Front-opening or top-access aquariums work well for easy maintenance.
The aquarium should be made from safe, durable materials that can withstand regular cleaning and water weight. Ensure the stand or surface can support the substantial weight of a fully filled large aquarium.
Key Features: Minimum 75 gallons for males, 125 gallons for large females, deep water capacity, secure construction
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2. Water Filtration
Water should be kept clean and filtered. Mississippi Map Turtles produce significant waste, so a powerful filtration system is essential. Use a canister filter or other powerful filtration system rated for the size of your aquarium.
Regular water changes are also important, but a good filtration system reduces the frequency needed. The filter should be able to handle the bioload of your turtle and maintain clean, clear water.
Monitor water quality regularly with test kits. Clean water is essential for preventing health problems like shell rot and respiratory infections.
Key Features: Powerful filtration, appropriate for tank size, easy to maintain, reliable operation
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3. Heating System
Water temperature of 75°F is recommended for these turtles. Use an aquarium water heater to maintain this temperature. The heater should be submersible and rated for the size of your aquarium.
All heating elements must be controlled by thermostats to prevent overheating and ensure safe operation. Place the heater in an area with good water circulation to distribute heat evenly.
Monitor water temperature regularly with digital thermometers. Adjust heating elements as needed to maintain the proper temperature. Water temperature is critical for your turtle's health and activity level.
Key Features: Water temperature control, thermostat regulation, 75°F water, safe operation, reliable performance
4. UVB Lighting and Basking Area
Provide UVB lighting and a basking area of 85°F. The basking platform must allow the turtle enough room to stretch out and fully dry their shell and plastron to avoid shell rot. UVB lighting is essential for vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium metabolism.
Position UVB lighting over the basking area where your turtle can receive the necessary UVB radiation. The basking area should be large enough for your turtle to completely exit the water and fully dry off.
Use timers to control the day/night cycle, ensuring consistent lighting schedules. Replace UVB bulbs regularly as they lose effectiveness over time, even if they still produce visible light.
Key Features: UVB radiation, 85°F basking area, proper spectrum, reliable operation, appropriate sizing
5. Basking Platform
The basking platform must allow the turtle enough room to stretch out and fully dry their shell and plastron to avoid shell rot. The platform should be positioned so the turtle can completely exit the water and fully dry off.
Basking platforms can be floating docks, ramps, or elevated platforms. They should be stable, easy to access from the water, and large enough for your turtle to stretch out completely.
Ensure the basking platform is positioned under the UVB and heat lights, creating a basking area of 85°F. The platform should be secure and won't shift or collapse when your turtle climbs on it.
Key Features: Large enough to stretch out, fully dry shell, stable placement, easy access, secure construction
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6. Substrate
Reptile sand or even fine pea gravel can be used as substrate. The substrate should be safe if accidentally ingested and should not create dust that could cloud the water or cause respiratory problems.
Some keepers prefer to use no substrate at all, which makes cleaning easier. If using substrate, ensure it's appropriate for aquatic turtles and won't cause problems with filtration.
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent waste buildup. The substrate should be easy to clean and maintain, or consider going substrate-free for easier maintenance.
Key Features: Reptile sand or fine pea gravel, safe materials, easy to clean, appropriate for aquatic turtles
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7. Habitat Décor
Mississippi Map Turtles prefer habitat with abundant vegetation. Provide dense vegetation, rocks, and other decorations to offer cover and security. Even as juveniles, they prefer relatively deeper water with plenty of cover for security.
All décor should be safe for aquatic environments and won't leach harmful chemicals into the water. Ensure items are securely placed and won't shift or collapse.
Key Features: Dense vegetation, cover for security, safe materials, secure placement, natural appearance
8. Monitoring Equipment
Accurate monitoring of water temperature and basking area temperature is essential for Mississippi Map Turtle care. Place digital thermometers to monitor water temperature (75°F) and basking area temperature (85°F).
Water quality test kits help you monitor pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. Regular monitoring helps you catch problems early and maintain optimal conditions.
Key Features: Accurate readings, water and basking temperature monitoring, water quality testing, reliable operation
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Product Comparison Table
| Product | Key Features | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Aquarium | 75-125 gallons, deep water, basking space | Adult map turtles, proper space | $$$$ |
| Filtration System | Powerful filtration, clean water, essential | Water quality, health maintenance | $$$ |
| Water Heater | 75°F water temperature, thermostat controlled | Maintaining water temperature | $$ |
| UVB Lighting | Essential UVB rays, 85°F basking area | Preventing MBD, vitamin D3 synthesis | $$ |
Setting Up Your Mississippi Map Turtle Aquarium
Step-by-Step Setup
1. Choose the Right Location: Place your large aquarium in a location with stable room temperature, away from direct sunlight, drafts, and high-traffic areas. Ensure the location can support the substantial weight of a fully filled large aquarium.
2. Install Substrate (Optional): Add reptile sand or fine pea gravel to the bottom of the aquarium if desired. Some keepers prefer no substrate for easier cleaning. If using substrate, ensure it's appropriate for aquatic turtles.
3. Set Up Water Filtration: Install a powerful canister filter or other filtration system rated for your aquarium size. The filter should be able to handle the bioload of your turtle and maintain clean, clear water.
4. Set Up Water Heating: Install a submersible water heater to maintain water temperature of 75°F. Connect to a thermostat for safety. Place the heater in an area with good water circulation.
5. Install UVB Lighting and Basking Area: Position UVB lighting over the basking area. Set up a basking platform that allows your turtle to completely exit the water and fully dry off. The basking area should reach 85°F.
6. Add Habitat Décor: Provide dense vegetation, rocks, and other decorations for cover and security. Ensure all items are safe for aquatic environments and securely placed.
7. Fill with Water: Fill the aquarium with dechlorinated water to the appropriate depth. Map turtles are excellent swimmers and prefer deeper water. Ensure there's enough water depth for swimming while still providing adequate basking space.
8. Add Monitoring Equipment: Place thermometers to monitor water temperature and basking area temperature. Use water quality test kits to monitor water chemistry.
9. Test and Adjust: Before introducing your turtle, test all equipment and monitor temperatures and water quality for at least 24 hours. Make adjustments as needed to achieve optimal conditions: 75°F water, 85°F basking area, and clean, filtered water.
Feeding Your Mississippi Map Turtle
Diet Requirements
Mississippi Map turtles are omnivores. Their diet should consist of a mix of pelleted turtle food, crickets, mealworms, and leafy greens such as romaine, collard, and turnip greens.
Recommended Diet
Provide a varied diet that includes:
- Pelleted Turtle Food: High-quality commercial turtle pellets
- Protein Sources: Crickets, mealworms, other insects
- Leafy Greens: Romaine, collard greens, turnip greens
Feeding Schedule
Feed young turtles more frequently, while adults can be fed less frequently. Adjust feeding frequency based on your turtle's age, size, and activity level. Monitor your turtle's weight and adjust the diet as needed to prevent obesity.
Supplementation
Dust insects and prey items with a calcium supplement with vitamin D3, especially if UVB lighting is not optimal. Use a high-quality reptile multivitamin supplement according to manufacturer recommendations. Proper supplementation helps prevent nutritional deficiencies and metabolic bone disease.
Important Care Considerations
Aquarium Size
A minimum 75-gallon tank is needed for a single adult male, but a 10-inch female will need at least a 125-gallon enclosure to ensure adequate space. Map turtles are excellent swimmers and prefer deeper water, so ensure adequate water depth.
Water Quality
Water should be kept clean and filtered. Mississippi Map Turtles produce significant waste, so a powerful filtration system is essential. Regular water changes are also important, but a good filtration system reduces the frequency needed.
Basking Requirements
The basking platform must allow the turtle enough room to stretch out and fully dry their shell and plastron to avoid shell rot. The basking area should reach 85°F and be positioned under UVB lighting.
UVB Lighting
UVB lighting is essential for Mississippi Map Turtles. This is required for vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium metabolism, preventing serious health problems like metabolic bone disease. Replace UVB bulbs regularly as they lose effectiveness over time.
Temperature Management
Maintain water temperature of 75°F and basking area temperature of 85°F. Use thermostats to control all heating elements and monitor temperatures regularly.
Maintenance
The aquarium should be spot-cleaned regularly to remove waste. A thorough cleaning should be performed periodically. Monitor water quality regularly and perform water changes as needed. Clean the filter regularly to maintain optimal filtration.
Common Health Issues
With proper care, Mississippi Map Turtles can live 15-25 years. Common health issues include:
- Shell Rot: Caused by inadequate basking or poor water quality. Prevent by ensuring the turtle can fully dry its shell and maintaining clean water.
- Metabolic Bone Disease: Caused by insufficient UVB lighting or calcium supplementation. Prevent with proper UVB lighting and calcium/vitamin supplements.
- Respiratory Infections: Caused by poor water quality or improper temperatures. Prevent with proper filtration, clean water, and appropriate temperatures.
- Obesity: Caused by overfeeding or inappropriate diet. Prevent with proper feeding schedule and balanced diet.
Final Verdict
Mississippi Map Turtles are fascinating aquatic turtles that require large aquariums and proper water care. With a minimum 75-gallon aquarium (125 gallons for large females), powerful filtration, proper heating (75°F water, 85°F basking), UVB lighting, adequate basking platform, and a balanced omnivorous diet, your Mississippi Map Turtle can thrive and live a long, healthy life of 15-25 years.
Remember that map turtles are excellent swimmers and will do better in deeper waters. The basking platform must allow the turtle enough room to stretch out and fully dry their shell and plastron to avoid shell rot. Water should be kept clean and filtered, as clean water is essential for preventing health problems.
Quality equipment is an investment in your turtle's long-term health and happiness. Choose products that are safe, appropriate for aquatic turtles, and designed to last. With proper setup and care, your Mississippi Map Turtle will be a rewarding and fascinating pet for many years to come.
Use this care guide as a reference when setting up and maintaining your Mississippi Map Turtle's aquarium, and don't hesitate to consult with experienced turtle keepers or veterinarians if you have questions about your turtle's specific needs.