How to Make a Turtle Aquarium

If properly cared for, turtles can live in captivity for decades. However, this requires careful attention from you, beginning with the creation of their new living arrangements.

Things You'll Need

  • Large glass aquarium (20 to 40 gallons or larger)
  • Screen lid
  • Incandescent lamp
  • Full spectrum fluorescent light
  • Aquarium gravel
  • Aquarium thermometer
  • Water
  • Rocks or slate without sharp edges
  • Water heater
  • Submersible water filter
  • Food dish
  • Turtle food
  • Turtle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the water level. Aquatic turtles do best when kept in water that is about as deep as they are long, which will mean adjusting the water level as your turtle grows. It doesn't have to be exact, just a rough approximation. Place about 3 inches of aquarium gravel on the bottom of the aquarium, then add water to the appropriate depth. You can adjust the gravel to create a small, slightly deeper "swimming hole" if you like.

    • 2

      Make a land area. Turtles need a place where they can haul themselves completely out of the water. Using rocks or slate, build up an area of the aquarium to create a "turtle island" just above the surface of the water about one and a half times longer than the turtle's body. Make sure there is a ramp the turtle can use to climb up onto the land and that the rocks have smooth edges, or the turtle may cut himself.

    • 3

      Create a hiding place. Using rocks, you can create ledges and hiding places, or add some fake plants. On land areas, a small box can be easily converted into a turtle cave.

    • 4

      Add heat. Turtles from temperate zones like it best at 65 to 75 degrees F. Even though they can tolerate a range of temperatures, all turtles still need an incandescent lamp for heat. Point it over the land area so your turtle can climb up to rest and digest in warmth.
      If you have a tropical turtle, you may need to heat the water as well if room temperature in your house regularly falls below 75 degrees F.

    • 5

      Add light. All turtles need UV light. This is easily provided by a fluorescent full-spectrum light with UVB rays. This type of light allows the turtle to use the vitamin D in its food. Without vitamin D, your turtle will be unable to make a proper shell, and its eyes will become swollen and oozy. Lights (both fluorescent and incandescent) should be run for approximately 12 hours a day.

    • 6

      Add a filter. Clean water is important to for the health of your turtle. Buy a good filter that works well when submerged in low levels of water. The water in your turtle tank should be changed once a week. If you're using city water, a dechlorinator needs to be added. You can also add 1 tbsp. of salt to every 5 gallons of water. It will help to suppress the growth of bacteria and fungus.