What exactly is substrate? Substrate is the loose material that one lays on the ground of a tank or pond. Plenty of materials can be considered as substrate and these include sand, river rocks, aquarium gravel, and other special materials that can be found in pet stores. While this will provide your turtle with rummaging substance, it will also require you to clean your tank more frequently. Having said that, there is no problem as well with leaving substrate out if you feel that cleaning will be a burden. More tips on pet care by Menomonee Falls vet clinic.

On the other hand, if you choose to put in substrate, river rocks are a great example. They make the environment feel more natural and are very readily available. Ensure that their size is suitable; they need to be bigger than the head of your turtle. Keep away from gravel as you risk choking and blockages in your slider that can lead to death. It also makes the tank dirty.