Water quality is very important for aquatic turtles such as red eared sliders, but keeping the water in a turtle tank clean can also be one of the biggest challenges of keeping turtles as pets.

Red Eared Sliders and other aquatic turtles spend a lot of time in the water, so clean water is essential. Of course, turtles also defecate in their water, so maintaining good water quality can be a challenge.

Even water that looks clean can harbour waste products such as ammonia and nitrites that can build up to harmful levels. Maintaining good water quality is an important aspect of keeping turtles healthy.

Image copyright L McLeod DVM

Hamsters have long been a favorite choice as pets for kids. They are pretty hardy and undemanding, but some kids will be frustrated by their nocturnal lifestyle.

Syrian (golden, teddy bear) hamsters have traditionally been the most common hamsters seen in pet stores; they are solitary and should be kept singly. Syrian hamsters are also larger and more easily handled than dwarf hamsters, which are becoming more common, but are a bit different in their habits and care needs from Syrian hamsters.

Even less common are Chinese hamsters, which are quite a bit different in appearance but can make lovely pets too.

Also See: Hamster Health

Photo: Syrian Hamster courtesy Martin Harvey / Getty Images

Generally speaking, a dead tarantula will be upright with its legs curled underneath, so if you find your tarantula laying on its back, there's a good chance she is just starting to molt.

Molting usually takes up to a few hours, so this is a time to keep an eye on your tarantula, but never touch it! Your tarantula is extremely fragile and vulnerable at this time, so should never be touched until well after the molt has been completed (a week is a good start).

Also make sure there are no crickets in with the tarantula over the same time period. There are other signs that will precede a molt, as well, such as changes in appetite and activity among others.

While you shouldn't touch a molting tarantula, it doesn't hurt to watch from a respectful distance. A molting tarantula is rather a wondrous sight, as they split their outgrown exoskeleton and peel themselves out of it. Read more...

While Bearded dragons are generally docile and quite hardy, they are definitely not low maintenance, with specific heating and lighting needs and a diet that takes some work to provide.

They are also quite large, so they need a good-sized tank. However, they are one of the best reptiles in terms of taming and handling, and their larger size sets them apart from some of the other good beginner lizards.

Find out more about care of bearded dragons here.

Also See:

• Bearded Dragon Pictures
• Reptile Heating and Lighting

Photo © 2006 Lianne McLeod, Licensed to About.com, Inc.