Instructions
Select a tank appropriate to the size of your turtle. Turtles require a lot of swimming space, but not a lot of depth. Pick a tank that is long and wide rather than tall and narrow.
Select a filter appropriate for the volume of water in your tank. Pick a filter stronger than you think you will need. Canister filters are the best choice for turtle tanks. In-tank filters do not have enough filtration power to compensate for the amount of waste turtles produce. Hang-on filters must be placed at water level, which is not an option in most turtle tanks.
Choose lighting and a heat source for your tank. Turtles require UVB lighting for proper bone and shell development. The temperature requirements vary by the species of turtle, but a heat lamp is the best option. Heat-lamp bulbs are available that emit both heat and UVB light.
Stack smooth rocks or pieces of wood to provide a spot under the light and heat where the turtles can get completely out of the water to bask. Make sure the area is dry to avoid fungal infections.
How to Make a Turtle Display Tank
Turtles have simple housing requirements, but you can make a display tank that is both healthy for the turtles and pleasing to the eye. Small turtles grow quickly, so it's best to start with a tank large enough to hold the turtle at its adult size. Gravel and rocks on the bottom make the tanks more difficult to clean, so most turtle tanks have a bare bottom. They are also messy eaters, so remove the turtle from the tank and feed it in a separate container in order to keep the tank tidy.