The Krefft's River Turtle (Emydura macquarii krefftii) is a Queensland subspecies of the Murray River Turtle and one of the more active and curious freshwater turtles available in the hobby. Inquisitive by nature, it recognises feeding time quickly and becomes a responsive, entertaining animal to keep. Adults can reach 20 to 28 cm in shell length and can live well over 50 years with proper care.
As with any turtle, that lifespan deserves careful consideration before purchasing. These animals outlive many pets, and many other life milestones. The commitment is real and long-term.
A wildlife keeper's licence is required in Queensland. See our Queensland Reptile Licence Guide.
Before You Set Up
Have the aquarium fully set up and the biological filter established before the turtle arrives. Turtles produce significant waste, and an uncycled tank will spike ammonia and cause serious health problems. Set up and cycle first, confirm the filter is running correctly, then buy the turtle.
Aquarium and Setup
Adults need a minimum tank of 150 x 60 x 60 cm (5 ft), and larger is always better. Fill to roughly two-thirds depth, leaving at least 30 to 40 cm of water column for swimming. Juveniles can start in a smaller tank with shallower water (around 20 to 25 cm) and be upsized as they grow.
A fully dry basking dock is essential. The turtle must be able to climb completely out of the water to bask and dry under the heat lamp. Use a gentle ramp that does not abrade the plastron (underside shell). Substrate: fine river sand mixed with Calgrit, which buffers pH and supplements calcium.
Browse our aquariums and tank stands.
Water Quality
Water quality is the foundation of turtle health. Turtles are messy, heavy waste producers, and poor water is the cause of most turtle health problems, particularly shell rot and respiratory infections.
- Filtration: use a canister filter rated for at least 3 to 5 times the tank volume, loaded with quality biomedia for a strong biological filter.
- Water temperature: 24 to 26°C, maintained with a guarded aquarium heater.
- pH: 7.2 to 7.6.
- Ammonia and nitrite: 0 ppm at all times.
- Turtle salt: add approximately 1 gram per litre to help prevent bacterial and fungal shell infections.
- Dechlorinate every water change. Tap water chlorine and chloramine destroy the biological filter and harm the turtle.
- Perform regular partial water changes and test parameters routinely.
Browse our filtration range, heaters, water test kits and water treatments.
UVB Lighting
UVB is essential for shell and bone health. Without it, Krefft's River Turtles cannot metabolise calcium properly and will develop soft shell syndrome and metabolic bone disease over time. Use a high-output T5 UVB tube (10.0 or equivalent) over the basking area, run for 10 to 12 hours per day, and replace every 6 to 12 months. Browse our UVB lighting range.
Heating
- Water temperature: 24 to 26°C (aquarium heater)
- Basking surface temperature: 30 to 32°C (basking lamp over the dock)
Use thermostats and verify with thermometers. Browse our heater range and reptile heating range.
Diet
Krefft's River Turtles are omnivores. Adults eat a mix of animal protein and plant matter, while juveniles benefit from more protein to support growth.
Good food items include quality turtle pellets as a staple, supplemented with earthworms, feeder shrimp, small fish or yabbies, and aquatic plants such as Elodea and Vallisneria. Blanched vegetables can also be offered. Feed juveniles daily and adults 2 to 3 times per week. Remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality.
Browse our turtle food range.
Health and Handling
Handle as little as possible, supporting the whole body when you do. Watch for early warning signs: a soft or discoloured shell, swollen or closed eyes, loss of appetite, or excessive basking. These usually point to water quality, temperature, or UVB deficiency. Always wash hands after handling.
Quick Reference
| Parameter | Target |
|---|---|
| Adult shell length | 20 to 28 cm |
| Lifespan | 50+ years |
| Tank size (adult) | 150 x 60 x 60 cm minimum |
| Water temperature | 24 to 26°C |
| Basking temperature | 30 to 32°C |
| pH | 7.2 to 7.6 |
| UVB | T5 10.0, 10 to 12 hrs/day, replace every 6 to 12 months |
| Turtle salt | 1 g per litre |
| Feeding (adults) | 2 to 3 times per week |
Shop
- Aquariums and Stands
- Filtration
- UVB Lighting
- Aquarium Heaters
- Reptile Heating and Thermostats
- Water Test Kits
- Water Treatments
- Turtle Food and Supplements
If you have questions about setting up a turtle tank, our team is always happy to help.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Individual animals vary and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Always consult a qualified reptile vet for health concerns. A Queensland wildlife keeper's licence is required to purchase and keep Krefft's River Turtles.
