How to Set Up a 20-Gallon Turtle Tank

For turtles to survive and thrive in the indoors, 20-gallon tanks are ideal. While each species of turtle has specific requirements, most will do well in a setup that allows time in the water as well as on land. A 20-gallon aquarium is large enough to offer this kind of setup.

Things You'll Need

  • Land substrate such as brick, rock or wood
  • Water
  • Small aquarium filter
  • Small aquarium heater
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the land area. The land area should be constructed of materials that are sturdy enough for the turtle to climb on and porous enough to allow for quick and thorough drying. Some enthusiasts believe that wood is a good substrate while others believe that bricks or large, flat rocks provide a good surface. Your land area needs to be constructed in such a way that the turtle has easy access to it from the water. In most cases, the portion of the land area that is in direct contact with the water should be angled to allow the turtle to use it as a ramp.

    • 2

      Construct the water area. Simply fill the water area with enough water to cover the shell. No substrate is necessary and having a plain, glass bottomed swimming area will allow for easier cleaning.

    • 3

      Set up filtration for the water area. The water in the turtle̵7;s swimming area will quickly become contaminated with urine and feces if it is not properly filtered. This can be accomplished by installing a submersible aquarium filter. Buy an aquarium filter that is the appropriate size for the amount of water you are moving. For instance, if you have five gallons of water in the swimming area, make sure the filter is rated for five gallons.

    • 4

      Set up the heater. Turtles, like all other reptiles, require external heat sources in order to regulate their body temperatures. In the wild, turtles warm up by basking in the sun for several hours. Turtles kept in indoor enclosures do not have this option and must be provided an external heat source. Heating the water is an ideal way of offering warmth to your turtle without the possibility of scalding the turtle with heating pads or heat lamps.

    • 5

      Clean the enclosure as necessary. Good hygiene is paramount to keeping your turtle healthy. Replacing the water and cleaning the tank thoroughly every few weeks will help your pet turtle stay healthy and happy for years to come. Refrain from using soaps or other cleansers; use warm water and a soft, clean rag to remove any debris and algae from the tank.