How to Make a Good Turtle Habitat

Designing a good turtle habitat is not as simple as buying a tank and plopping a turtle into it. Most of the commonly available pet turtle species in the U.S. are semi-aquatic and prefer to spend large portions of time swimming, with occasional time out of water to sunbathe and relax. Because turtles are both active and messy, you should buy the largest enclosure you can afford.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Filter
  • UV heat lamp
  • Basking platform
  • Decorations
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy an aquarium for your turtle habitat. A 20-gallon, long aquarium will be the minimum size needed to house a pair of baby turtles for about two years, but by adulthood, most turtles will need at least a 75-gallon tank or larger. Other containers such as storage totes and plastic swimming pools can sometimes be modified to make affordable turtle enclosures, but you will have to ensure that all equipment fits properly onto the enclosure and that it will not bow, crack or warp over time.

    • 2

      Place the tank in a draft-free location of the home, away from direct sunlight.

    • 3

      Design the land area in the turtle habitat. While stacked rocks or sloping gravel can look more natural, using a fixable, flat object such as glass or cork bark will not only make cleaning easier, but will allow your turtle to have a greater water area in which to swim. Glass pieces should be attached to the glass on at least two sides with aquarium-grade silicone and sanded smooth along the edge that your turtle will access. Cork bark is an economical option and can be suction-cupped in place, moved around and easily removed for cleaning.

    • 4

      Enhance the turtle habitat with gravel, plants and aquarium decorations if desired. Remember that the less décor in the tank, the easier it will be for your turtle to swim and for you to clean the tank.

    • 5

      Add a UV basking lamp of 40 to 60 watts over the land side of the turtle habitat.

    • 6

      Install the filter in an out-of-the-way area of the tank.

    • 7

      Fill your turtle habitat with water, turn on the equipment and let the tank run for a few days to make sure everything is working smoothly before you add your pet turtles.