How to Build a Turtle Aquarium

Turtles are popular pets. Unfortunately, pet turtles are often abandoned or die in captivity due to improper environmental conditions and care. Many species of turtles live in aquatic environments, which means that maintaining healthy water conditions, proper diet and lighting conditions are all essential to keeping your turtle healthy and preventing unpleasant smells from the aquarium in your house. With a little planning and preparation, creating a turtle aquarium that is easy to maintain and will keep your turtle healthy is a simple task.

Things You'll Need

  • 40-gallon aquarium with screen top
  • Submersible aquarium filter
  • Several large stones
  • Full spectrum reptile lighting
  • Shop light
  • Incandescent light bulb
  • Aquarium thermometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill the aquarium with water to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Let stand for at least 24 hours to dechlorinate the water. Most aquatic turtles appreciate deeper waters and will submerge themselves and explore.

    • 2

      Add the aquarium thermometer and check the water temperature. If indoors, most aquatic turtles can tolerate ambient water temperatures. Some tropical turtles, however, may need an additional heat source. Monitor the water temperature and adjust accordingly for your species.

    • 3

      Place several large stones on one side of the aquarium. This will create the land area for your turtle to rest. Use flat rocks to create an even surface and provide step-rocks so the turtle can easily climb on and off the resting area.

    • 4

      Insert the aquarium filter in the tank on the side opposite the resting area. Most submersible filters will create a small current that helps keep the water moving and fresh.

    • 5

      Fix the full spectrum light over the tank. Place the reptile light so that your turtle will always receive light. Proper amounts and intensity of full spectrum lighting are essential to the health of aquatic turtles in captivity.

    • 6

      Place the shop light with the incandescent bulb over the rocks in the basking area. This creates a warm area for your turtle to rest as well as thermoregulate. The temperature should be 75 to 85 degrees under the basking light.

    • 7

      Introduce your turtle and monitor closely to ensure that it can explore all areas of the tank easily.