How to Make a Turtle Tank

Make a turtle tank to keep your reptile pet happy.

Turtles make great pets, but they must be given the proper habitat to flourish and live a long life. With a basic fish tank and some select decorations, you can make a turtle tank that will be both a healthy environment for your pet and a decorative addition to your home.

Things You'll Need

• Glass fish tank
• Water heater
• Water filter
• Two bulb fish tank hood
• Florescent light bulb
• Incandescent light bulb
• Screen tank cover
• Rocks
• Water
• Food dish

Instructions

1. Set up a 20-gallon (or larger) glass fish tank on a sturdy platform out of direct sunlight. For baby turtle, you can use a 10-gallon tank. Install a submersible water filter in one corner of the tank and a water heater, if required by your species of turtle. Turtles require clean, fresh water for swimming and drinking.

2. Build a high platform on one end of the turtle tank where the turtle can climb out of the water and bask. Arrange flat, smooth-edged rocks for the top platform and for a mid-level platform next to it. The turtle tank should have a deep water section, a mid-level section and a high section.

3. Fill the turtle tank with water so the top rock platform is completely out of the water and the mid-level shelf is just deep enough for the turtle to sit on with its head out of the water. The lowest level should be deep enough for the turtle to swim freely.

4. Add artificial plants to your turtle tank for decoration and a more natural-looking habitat for your pet. Real plants are okay if you are sure to get ones that are non-toxic. Be aware that the turtle may eat the plants and make a mess or require replanting regularly.

5. Fit a screen cover over the entire glass turtle tank and place the split fish tank hood on top of that. The water side of the tank hood should get a florescent light. The rock side should get the incandescent light to help with heating of the basking area.

6. Allow the tank filter and heater to run for at least twenty-four hours before introducing your turtle to its new home. This will allow temperatures to acclimate and any chemicals to be removed from the water.

7. Add a small turtle-safe food dish to the rock platform and your turtle is ready to move in.