Very popular amongst kids, the  freshwater turtles or commonly known as Terrapins, require water that is deep enough for them to dive.  Depth of the water should be at least the same width as the shell.

Depending on the species, these turtles strive well in the range of 20 and 28°C (68 and 82°F).  A radiant heat lamp may be require to keep the water warm in cold countries.  Be careful of using aquarium heaters as they can be damaged or destroyed easily by the stronger turtles.

Water turtles do best in a combination of terrarium and aquarium, or known as an aqua-terrarium.  

Aqua-terrarium consists of a land part and a water part.  On the land part, there should be sufficient space and large enough for the turtle to sunbathe.  As a rule of thumb, ensure the land mass large enough to accomodate the length and width of your turtles.  Don’t be stingy and be generous in establishing the land part in considering the size of these young turtles that can grow into.

A sloppy embankment or stones can be built or stacked for the turtles to get from the water to the land with ease.  Beware that sharp-edged rocks may injure the turtles while they move around.

Driftwood or plants should not be used as they will hinder the free movement of the turtles, not forgetting that they may hurt themselves when trying to remove obstacles in their way.

As the turtles like to eat plants, do avoid having poisonous plants in close proxmity to the terrariums, to avoid the risk of leaves falling-in from poisonous plants to the terrarium.