DIY: How to Create a Turtle Terrarium

Terrariums are wonderful ways to display your pet turtle and provide an environment that closely mimics its natural habitat. Terrariums allow to you bring a little nature into your home and supply a pleasant environment to your pet. While you can purchase ready-made terrariums, you may save money by building your own.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass tank
  • Flat stone
  • Power filter
  • Gravel
  • Small stones
  • Heating lamp
  • UV lamp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a glass tank. The tank will need to be large enough to accommodate the turtle at its final mature size. The tank should be three to four times the length of the turtle to ensure it will have the proper amount of space to move around.

    • 2

      Place a large flat stone on one side of the tank. Elevate one side of the stone slightly to allow the turtle to climb on it as needed to rest and bask. The stone may be anchored with aquarium glue. Once anchored, allow the glue to cure according to instructions on the packaging.

    • 3

      Fill the tank with water. The water should be at least 6 inches deep, unless you have a smaller tank. Make sure the flat stone's top surface is well above the water line.

    • 4

      Insert a power filter into the water. Turtles produce a lot of waste and the filter will remove most of the waste from the water. The type and size of your power filter will depend on the size of your tank. Change the water every 45 days.

    • 5

      Decorate the terrarium. Purchase items from a pet store, such as gravel and stones, or you can find items outside. When using items found outside, be sure to wash and sterilize them. Do not add any decorations that are sharp or pointed; they may injure your turtle.

    • 6

      Install terrarium lighting. Turtles need two types of light to thrive in their terrarium: heating or basking light and UV light rays. Turtles temperatures do not regulate with the environment, so a heating light is needed. UV light rays help the turtle metabolize calcium.

    • 7

      Place the terrarium in its permanent location, which should be away from windows because the temperature often fluctuates. Also, natural light from the window will encourage algae growth.