How to Use a Critter Cage As a Turtle Aquarium

A Critter Cage is a special reptile cage from Zilla that is specifically designed to house reptiles. These cages come with sliding screen tops for proper ventilation and use slightly thinner glass than standard aquariums. A turtle aquarium needs to be filled about halfway with water, which the Critter Cage is not initially designed for. However, by applying some silicone sealant you can ensure that you can build a proper turtle enclosure out of it.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium-safe silicone sealant
  • Aquarium gravel
  • Slate rock
  • Aquarium heater
  • Aquarium in-tank filter
  • Dechlorinator
  • Dome lamp
  • Heat bulb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean out the Critter Cage and make sure it is completely empty and completely dry.

    • 2

      Apply silicone sealant along the inner seams of the Critter Cage. You should apply silicone along the joint where every pane of glass meets. There should be eight joints total; four along the bottom and four along the interior corners. Allow the sealant 48 hours to dry. This will ensure that the Critter Cage does not leak.

    • 3

      Fill the Critter Cage about halfway up with freshwater and check for leaks. If you find no leaks after 48 hours, move on to Step 4. If you find leaks, empty the tank and repeat Step 2.

    • 4

      Layer the bottom of the Critter Cage with about an inch of aquarium gravel. This gravel will supply a solid surface for the turtles to walk on as well as provide surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow.

    • 5

      Stack flat slate rock on one side of the tank until it reaches above the water. This slate should provide a place where the turtles can rest from swimming and bask.

    • 6

      Install the aquarium heater. These heaters are usually glass tubes that contain a heating element and stick to the side of the aquarium with suction cups. Run the power chord up over the side of the tank's walls and plug it into a power outlet to turn it on.

    • 7

      Install the in-tank filter. These filters are specifically designed for turtles or pond setups. Stick it to the side of one end of the tank using the included suction cup, keeping the bottom 3/4 of the device submerged. Check specific instructions pertaining to your model for assistance.

    • 8

      Add dechlorinator to the water, which removes harmful chemicals like chlorine. The proper dosage instructions will be on the packaging.

    • 9

      Slide the screen lid onto the top of the tank. There will be a slot for it as well as notches for you to run wiring (from the heater and filter) through it. Screw the heat bulb into the dome lamp and place it above the basking area atop the screen lid. This is where your turtles will come to bask.