Different Ways to Set Up a Tank for a Turtle

The way you set up your turtle tank directly depends on the size and type of your turtle. The most common type of turtle is a baby red-eared slider, also referred to as an RES. This is a semi-aquatic turtle that requires a habitat that offers both land and water. Some turtles require tanks that are almost entirely water or mud.

  1. Juvenile Basking Semi-Aquatic Enclosure

    • If you have purchased a juvenile red-eared slider or other semi-aquatic baby turtle, the turtle will require a 20-gallon aquarium filled with 6 inches of water. From here, you will need an aquarium hood and aquarium stand to keep the turtles from escaping. Purchasing a piece of curved cork bark and placing it in the tank will give your juvenile a place to bask. Other items you will need for set-up include a UV-B light source, water heater, filter and thermometer. This tank should last you for two years as your turtle grows and can hold up to two turtles.

    Medium Basking Semi-Aquatic Enclosure

    • After your turtle has grown, you will need to set up a larger tank so your turtle can move freely. The tank will have to be upgraded to a 75-gallon tank, and adult turtle food will have to be given to your turtle in addition to lettuce for occasional snacking. You can either put gravel on the bottom of your tank or keep it clean, depending on your preference. The water height must remain at 6 inches and a basking spot must be placed in the tank.

    Juvenile Bottom-Walker Enclosure

    • This tank set-up is designed for juvenile bottom walker turtles such as musk and baby mud turtles. Since these turtles walk in the mud and water, the water should fill the entire tank bottom, but not so high that the turtles are forced to swim to stay afloat. Because musk and baby mud turtles do not like to bask, you should not place a log in the tank. Instead, raise the ground in one portion of the tank so the turtle can rest while still touching the bottom of the tank.

    Adult Musk Enclosures

    • If you have a baby mud turtle, you will not have to set it up in a different tank after first placing it in a juvenile bottom-walker enclosure. However, if you have an active musk turtle, you may need to upgrade your tank to a 55-gallon tank to accommodate more active turtles and multiple turtles. In addition, keep the water depth at 8 inches, lowering it if your turtle is struggling at this particular height.