How to Keep Turtles in a 10-Gallon Aquarium

Turtles are fascinating animals, and they make excellent pets for both children and adults. No matter what type of turtle you plan to keep, however, you need to make sure it has an appropriate home. Many of the tiny baby turtles sold in pet stores get quite large, and they will need a very large aquarium in order to thrive. Some smaller species, however, will do just fine in a 10-gallon tank, as long as that tank is set up to accommodate their special needs.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Aquarium cover
  • Gravel
  • Slate
  • Food dish
  • Heater
  • Filter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a suitable 10-gallon aquarium and make sure the tank does not leak. To test the tank for leaks, take it outside and fill it to the top with water. Let it sit for as long as possible and make sure the water level does not go down.

    • 2

      Choose a tank cover designed for use with turtles. A tank cover with a built-in spot for a light is best, since turtles will need to have full-spectrum lighting in order to stay healthy.

    • 3

      Select a quality light with a timer for your turtle tank. The timer can be set to change the amount of daylight as the days get longer. Lighting is very important for turtles, so be sure to get a quality lamp that clamps on to the top of the tank.

    • 4

      Lay down a layer of gravel in the tank. The gravel should be smooth, with no sharp edges or large rocks. Fill the aquarium with water to a depth that is at least equal to the length of the turtle. If your turtle is 6 inches long, the water should be at least 6 inches deep.

    • 5

      Place a quality filter in the tank. Turtles tend to be very messy eaters, so you will need a good filter to keep the tank clean. When choosing a filter, look for one designed for a larger tank than the one you have. For instance, choose a 20-gallon filter for a 10-gallon tank.

    • 6

      Place a good heater in the tank. Most species of turtles sold in pet stores are tropical, and they will need warm water to stay healthy. Place a thermometer in the water or on the front of the tank so you can monitor the temperature and adjust the heater if needed.

    • 7

      Create an area of dry land for the turtle by placing pieces of slate in the water and angling them to create a surface for the turtle to get out of the water. Positioning this dry area under the spotlight will encourage natural basking behavior in your turtle.

    • 8

      Place a food dish in the area of dry land. You can choose food dishes designed to look like rocks--these natural looking dishes will not detract from the appearance of the tank.