How to Set Up an Aquatic Turtle Tank?

So you’ve decided to take the plunge and get a pet turtle.

The most important next step is to choose the best turtle tank for your aquatic turtle species, and deck it out with fun things for your little shelled friend.

In this article, we will cover how to set up aquatic turtle tanks, and everything you need to know to create the perfect habitat for your pet!

The first thing about aquatic turtle tanks, as the name implies, is that most of the tank will consist of water.

Terrestrial turtle tanks would have more sand, gravel, and substrate, which you don’t have to worry about for your pet aquatic turtle.

This also means your turtle likes to swim if it’s an aquatic species, so the bigger the tank the better!

Generally speaking, 20 gallons would be the smallest size you should consider when you set up an aquatic turtle tank.

Your turtle will grow and will need space to swim, so consider that when you commit to buying the turtle tank, which is not cheap!

If you really are on a budget and ended up adopting a turtle, this article shows how to set up a turtle tank for under $200 using a plastic stock tank.

Ideally, it’s best to buy and set up the turtle tank BEFORE getting the turtle, so it can transition smoothly into its new habitat.

What Do You Need to Set Up an Aquatic Turtle Tank?

As you may already know from research, an aquatic turtle tank can be a significant investment!

There is a wide range of options for aquatic turtle tanks, but either way, you will need the following to set up an aquatic turtle tank

Step by Step Instructions on How to Set Up an Aquatic Turtle Tank

1. Choose a Turtle Tank

You need to consider the turtle tank size and capacity. For an aquatic turtle tank set up, you will need a tank that is designed for this purpose.

You should aim for a turtle tank that can hold at least 20 gallons, ideally 30 or 40 gallons if you are serious about turtle-sitting.

An aquatic turtle tank strong will be built out of glass or acrylic, and strong enough to be filled with water.

You can get a bargain on an old aquarium online or buy a brand new turtle tank kit that works out-of-the-box depending on your budget. Just make sure it’s sturdy, has no cracks, and can hold at least 20 gallons of water.

You can read about the best 5 turtle tank kits on the market here, and they range from under $100 to over $500 if you buy a top quality turtle tank kit.

This is just the initial investment since there is also maintenance, pet food, and part-replacement to consider as well. Not to mention the price of the turtle itself!

2. Set Up the Habitat

Your aquatic turtle tank will be filled mostly with water but you also need to add substrate and other terrestrial objects.

Sand is a good choice for turtles as it resembles the ocean, and you can add corals or aquatic plants depending on your species. You can also use smooth rocks to build a “hideout cave”, basking area or anything you can think of.

Just be mindful to not clutter the environment, so that your turtle has space to swim.

3. Include a Basking Area

The basking area is a crucial part of every turtle tank. This is your pet turtles “happy place” where they can enjoy a break from the water and some warmth. It’s also important for the turtle's general health and well-being.

You can buy a basking area kit that will just “plug and play” into your turtle tank, but what’s the fun in that! Be creative, use rocks and natural materials to build a customized basking platform, including a ramp with “steps” to the top.

4. Get Lighting and Heating for Your Turtle Tank

Warm turtles are happy turtles! 

Not only does a good lighting system keep your pet warm, but also provides it with Vitamin D and a substitute for the natural sun. UVB lighting is ideal for Vitamin D3 production which is important for the turtles bone health.

Without it, turtles struggle to absorb calcium which can cause health issues as the turtle grows.

Heating is also important, so invest in a submersible water heater to keep your pet warm. Additionally, you can also purchase a heating pad that goes at the bottom of the turtle tank for more warmth.

Make sure the basking area is properly lit and heated, so your pet turtle can stay healthy.

5. Taking Care of the Water

Whether you choose to use a bucket to refresh the water every few days or an automatic water filter is entirely up to you. Using a bucket and a hose to cycle the water can be time-consuming, but will work just fine.

If you're serious about raising a pet turtle, you should invest in a good water filtration system. It’s important to keep the water clean and bacteria-free.

Also, invest in thermometers and some PH strips so you can control the temperature and acidity of the water at all times.

You can also purchase an automatic water control system, which is more expensive but will save you time in the long run.

It also gives you peace of mind that you're doing everything possible to ensure your pet turtle is happy and healthy.

6. Decorations

This is the fun part, where you get to personalize your aquatic turtle tank. You can use a combination of rocks, logs, and plants to decorate the turtle tank.

Both artificial and real plants can be used, just make sure they are sterilized before you put them in the tank.

Viewing lights can also be added, and you can find decorative lights that don’t affect your pet’s day/night cycle.

Sit back and enjoy watching your turtle explore the world you created for it!

Conclusion

Now that you know how to build an aquatic turtle tank, you can get to the fun part. You will be responsible for creating the world your pet turtle will inhabit.

Most turtle enthusiasts take great pride of their customized turtle tanks and you can find in-depth discussions on forums for hobbyists.

Once you have finished setting up your turtle tank, it’s time to sit back and enjoy watching your turtle.