How to Purchase an Aquatic Turtle Tank

An aquatic turtle enjoying its tank.

There are many species of aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles. A number of species are sold as pets; two of the most popular North American species found in pet stores are the red-eared slider and the painted turtle. Despite the "tiny turtle" myth, most turtles get pretty large and need an adequate sized tank with plenty of living space. They also need a good filtering system as they eat a variety of pellets and live food and create a substantial amount of waste.

Things You'll Need

• Glass or acrylic tank
• Tank stand or suitable table
• Lighting
• Tank heater
• Tank filter
• Ramp (optional)

Instructions

1. Research to see how big the turtle you are interested in, or already have, is going to get. A 40 gallon tank is a good size for many turtles, but for turtles that are expected to grow large as an adult, a 60 gallon tank is more suitable. If you are going to add decorations, you will need to compensate with more space to make up for the room they occupy.

2. Decide whether you want an acrylic tank or a glass tank. According to Petco, acrylic tanks offer 17 times the amount of strength than glass does. However, glass tanks cost about half the cost of acrylic tanks and are basically scratch resistant in comparison to acrylic tanks.

3. Provide a long sturdy table for the tank or buy a stand to hold the tank. If you have a fully aquatic turtle and are going to fill the tank nearly full of water you need a strong stand like the ones made for fish tanks.

4. Decide whether you want to buy a tank with an included light fixture or provide your own lighting. Research the wattage that is needed for your species of turtle--typical aquarium lighting included with tanks may not hold bulbs with enough wattage for your turtle. Provide full spectrum light by providing a basking area with light from a UV or fluorescent bulb. The light must be placed 24" or less above the tank with no barriers such as glass or acrylic between them. Metal halide lights are pretty inexpensive and are also popular in the reptile industry.

5. If you have an acrylic tank, you need to position the lighting to where it is not laying directly on top of the acrylic, this can damage the tank.

6. Buy and install a heater to keep your turtle's tank water at a proper temperature. About 72 to 82 degrees is around a good temperature for most turtles

7. Purchase a filter that is appropriate for the size of your tank. The packaging on the filter will usually specify what size tank the filter will work best with. Don't skimp on the filter because you figure your tank will only be half full--purchasing a 30 gallon tank filter for a 50 gallon is not a good idea as turtles are heavy waste producers.

Tips & Warnings

• To save space and add a needed dry area or feeding area for your turtle, look in your pet supplies store for ramps designed for the purpose.

• If you use a ramp, make sure it is not to close to the opening of the tank so that the turtle may climb out.

• Do not use an open bottom stand for acrylic tanks. A stand with a solid, full surfaced top is needed to support the bottom of an acrylic tank to avoid rupture from pressure.

• If you have an acrylic tank, do not position lighting so that it touches or is very close to the acrylic, as the heat from the lighting may damage the tank walls.

References

• Winrose Vet: Aquatic Turtle Care
• Pet Turtle Care Guide: Turtle Tank
• Petco; Seaclear Rectangular 40 Gallon Aquarium Combos
• First Tank Guide; Glass vs. Acrylic