What Size of Aquarium Do You Need for a Turtle?

Red-eared sliders, painted turtles, mud turtles, musk turtles and Florida cooters are among the many aquatic and semi-aquatic species of turtles that can be kept by those who have a fascination for water animals. However, before you decide to take one home, it is advisable to gain information on its housing and maintenance requirements.

  1. Size of Turtle Aquarium

    • Aquariums for aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles should be long enough to allow the turtles ample space to swim, walk and bask, with the exact size coordinating with the adult length of the species in question. It is best to purchase an aquarium of 20 gallons or even more as most of the adult species require this kind of space for comfortable survival. Those who are keen on housing more than one turtle should provide an additional 10 gallons per turtle. Segregate the aquarium into land and water areas. While semi-aquatic turtles require the two areas in equal proportions, the aquatic species prefer aquariums having 75 percent of the total area covered with water. The water's depth should allow complete submerging of the animal. Cover the land area within the aquarium with gravel, sand or soil as per the preference of the species. Since the basic purpose of the land area is to facilitate basking, its slope should be planned in such a way as to enable comfortable movement of the animal from the water onto the land.

    Designing the Aquarium Interiors

    • Although landscaping is not a must, certain items when added to the aquarium make the turtle feel closer to its natural habitat. Use aquatic plants in the water area and driftwood or flat rocks in the basking area. However, consult a veterinarian before selecting plants for the aquarium as some species have a habit of nibbling on plants. An amalgamation of real and artificial plants can also be placed.

    Temperature and Light Conditions

    • In a turtle aquarium, temperature of the water and land area needs to be maintained. While the water temperature should be around 78 degree Fahrenheit, the basking area needs to be kept at temperatures ranging between 80 and 85 degree Fahrenheit. While the former is carried out with the aid of under-tank heaters or submersible aquarium heaters, temperature maintenance of the latter requires overhead basking lamps with reflectors. Regular monitoring of temperatures of the two specific areas is a must as any deviations are known to cause health problems in turtles such as decreased appetite, diseases and early death. As for the light requirements, both UVA and UVB bulbs need to be installed in the aquarium. The UVA light is needed to maintain their appetite and for breeding, while the UVB light meets their Vitamin D3 requirement.

    Maintenance of the Aquarium

    • Owing to the high quantity of waste produced by these animals, installation of a filter is almost mandatory in a turtle aquarium. Although expensive, a canister filter is the most appropriate choice to keep the environment clean. The frequency of water changes depends upon various factors such as the number and size of turtles, the size of the aquarium and the efficiency of the filter.