Will turtles eat sand on dry land?

Question

I know that turtles will eat sand that is at the bottom of the tank but if i put sand on there basking area where the lamp is, will they still eat it?

Answer 1

Water turtles typically eat under water.  Sand makes the tank difficult to clean--and the water should be changed very frequently.  Even with a good filter, the ammonia won't be removed.  They don't need sand.  

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