How to Make a Home for a Box Turtle Out of a Fish Tank

Reptile lovers have long been converting fish tank aquariums into turtle habitats. However, the needs of box turtles are unique: they do not swim like their pond-dwelling counterparts; nor will they thrive in dry, arid environments as a tortoise might. Providing suitable living quarters is a top priority for keeping your box turtle healthy and happy. A well-designed box turtle terrarium can also be an attractive focal point to any room, much like the handsome, intelligent creatures themselves.

Things You'll Need

  • Potting soil, sterilized
  • Shredded fir or orchid bark, fine grade
  • Water spray bottle
  • Plant saucer, slightly larger than turtle diameter
  • Wooden or cardboard box, larger than turtle
  • Small bag of alfalfa hay
  • Reptile hot rock (available in most pet supply stores)
  • Small herbs and plants
  • Smooth stones
  • Pieces of driftwood (optional)
  • Full spectrum light fixture
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a fish tank that will be of sufficient size to accommodate the present and future needs of the box turtle. Measure the turtle from its nose to tail. The minimum tank dimensions should be three to four times this measurement in length and twice in width as well as in height. If keeping multiple turtles in the tank, add an additional 60 percent to this formula per turtle. Make sure the tank is nice and clean before proceeding.

    • 2

      Design the elements of the tank. The box turtle is most content in a setting that mimics the damp, wooded forest. They want warm places to bask, secluded areas to hide, and access to water to paddle around in. Roughly 65 percent of their tank should be reserved for ground terrain.

    • 3

      Mix two parts potting soil to one part bark. Spread the mixture so it is 2 to 3 inches deep along the bottom of the tank. If the mixture seems too dry, moisten with the spray bottle.

    • 4

      Make a recess in the soil for the saucer in a location where the wading area will be. The saucer should be shallow, but still have enough depth to accommodate at least 2 inches of water.

    • 5

      Cut a door or remove one of the sides of the wooden or cardboard box. Set it into the soil opposite the wading puddle. Line the bottom of the box with hay. This will be the turtle's hiding place. Make sure there is adequate clearance so the turtle can enter, burrow, and leave it freely.

    • 6

      Place the artificial hot rock in the tank according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will be the turtle's basking area. Make sure its shape allows for easy access; if not, provide a ramp. Arrange herbs or small plants as well as smooth stones or bits of driftwood for a lush terrain, and in such a way as to not obstruct freedom of movement for the turtle. Place full-spectrum light to the side of the tank where the turtle will bask. Box turtles require both warm and cool spots in their tank, with average temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.