Pet Turtle : Costs

While the upper-limit on expenses is a function how much you can afford to spend, approximate costs for setting-up a single turtle habitat would be in the range of INR 7000 - 9000. The break up of the costs is explained below, and does not include the recurring costs of food, medicines, vitamin supplements & electricity that can also amount to INR 300 - 500/month.

(All prices in Indian Rupees (INR), based on market prices prevailing in Mumbai in mid 2001. All cost calculations based on a single turtle set-up. Increase by 50-60% for every additional turtle, in the SAME habitat.)

Turtles (red-eared slider hatchling)                                                                           100 - 200 INR

Tank/Aquarium                                                                                                  3700 - 4700 INR
(In plain glass, Length: 36inch, Width: 24 inches, Depth: 24 inches in 10-12mm glass, with suspended land area. Volume: 185-190 liters with a water level of 14 inches)

Equipment                                                                                                           2500 - 5000 INR
Filter (established brands - Rena, Fluval, etc.)
   1. Submersible filter, outflow rate of 600-800 liters/hr                                  : 900 - 1500 INR
   2. External filter, outflow rate of 600-800 liters/hr                                          : 3000 - 4000 INR
Heater
   1. Established (imported) Brand                                                                       : 1000 INR
   2. Local Brand                                                                                                     : 300 - 600 INR
Thermometer
   1. Glass                                                                                                                 : 50 INR
   2. Tape (stuck on outside glass of tank)                                                         : 30 INR
   3. Imported                                                                                                           : 150 - 300 INR
Air Pump (required only if you keep fishes in the turtle tank)
   1. Indian                                                                                                               : 150 - 300 INR
   2. Chinese                                                                                                            : 300 - 500 INR
   3. Established (imported) Brands                                                                     : 1000+ INR
Basking Light
   1. Philips SpotLine + Simple Light Hood & Swivel Base                              : 300 - 450 INR
   2. Normal Bulb + Simple Light Hood & Swivel Base                                     : 270 - 350 INR
Small Fish Net                                                                                                       : 15 - 30 INR

UV Light (available with extreme difficulty)                                                           1200 - 1800 INR

Artificial Plants                                                                                                         80 - 200 INR

Commercial Food                                                                                                   100 - 300 INR

Optional
    1. Automatic Timer for turning equipment on/off                    : 1100 - 1500 INR
    2. DSE Habitat                                                                     : 60 - 80 INR
    3. Water Conditioners/Cleaners                                            : 150 - 300 INR
    4. Water pH test kits                                                            : 250 - 400 INR