For the snappers kept indoors the water in the tank should be kept at about 75 to 80 Fahrengheit ( 25 degrees Celsius ) . While taking the advantages of ambient heating in the summer, the water in the tank has to be artificially heated in the winter. It could be done again with ambient heating by simply placing the tank in a heated room, but still a submersible heater should be installed. The best option is a heater with thermostat, letting easily adjust the temperature to the acquired level.

As an option, I would recommend a seperate thermometer in the tank to double check of the temperature level ( the thermostat might simply break down and not operate properly ).

Caution to everone planning on taking the turtles out to the backyard in the summer - don't place the tank in direct sunlight ! The water will become very hot in a matter of minutes and... boil the turtles. When setting the tank outdoors, a large area of it should be always in shade.

Another caution - don't try to hibernate the turtles in indoor tanks! The water oin an indoor tank should be kept warm all year round. Snappers will not feed in too cold water and will not hibernate in environment not suitable for hibernation. They will eventually weaken and die. The hibernation process should be left up to The Mother Nature and its wild turtles. The snappers kept as pets will not get harmed by keeping them active all year round - so don't worry !