The 5 Best Turtle Tanks
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Turtles make wonderful pets because they are unique and entertaining. Though they are not as high-maintenance as some exotic pets, they do require a certain degree of care. Providing your turtle with the right environment and a healthy diet is the key to a long, healthy, and happy life.
In this article, we’ll talk about tips for housing turtles and provide some insight into choosing the right tank for your turtle. We’ll also show you our top 5 picks for the best turtle tanks.
At a Glance: Best Turtle Tanks To Buy
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 | OVERALL BEST
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 | BEST FOR AQUATIC TURTLES
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 | BEST FOR LAND TURTLES
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 | BEST FOR MULTIPLE TURTLES
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What To Look For In A Turtle Tank
Choosing the right tank for your turtle is very important because it will be your turtle’s world. The size, dimensions, and quality of your turtle tank have a direct impact on your pet turtle’s long-term health and wellness. Finding the perfect turtle tank is a matter of understanding your turtle’s needs and making the best possible choice within your price range.
Here are some important things to look for in a turtle tank:
- High-quality materials- Most pet turtles are aquatic, so you need a tank built from sturdy materials that will hold up to high water pressure and won’t be prone to cracking or breaking. Glass is a common material, but acrylic is lighter and less prone to breakage.
- Size and dimensions- The size of your turtle tank should be determined by the size of your turtle, and you should buy the biggest tank you can afford. At a minimum, choose a tank 5 to 10 times the length of your turtle’s shell in gallons – a 4-inch turtle needs a 20- to 40-gallon tank.
- Additional components- Some turtle tanks come as a kit that includes the filter, heater, and other accessories you need. If you choose not to purchase a kit, make sure the tank you buy can accommodate these essential accessories.
- Easy to clean- Like any pet, your turtle needs a clean environment to remain healthy. Choose a tank that accommodates your turtle’s needs but is also easy to clean – avoid anything with too many nooks and crannies.
Now that you have a better idea what to look for in turtle tanks, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 5 picks for the best tanks for turtles.
Here Are Our Top 5 Picks For The Best Turtle Tanks:
Best Turtle Tank Overall: Tetra Deluxe 20-Gallon Aquatic Turtle Kit
Specs:
- Type – Aquarium kit
- Capacity – 20 gallons
- Included – Tank, filter, cartridges, basking platform, heating lamp, screen top
- Price – $118.77
Pros:
- Comes with everything you need to get started
- 20-gallon capacity is ideal for small turtles
- Allows you to decorate the tank as you like
Cons:
- Not ideal for larger or multiple turtles
- Decorative filter takes up a significant amount of space
Finding the right tank for your pet turtle doesn’t need to be difficult. The Tetra Deluxe 20-Gallon Aquatic Turtle Kit is a long, 20-gallon tank that works very well for young and small turtles. The tank is designed for aquatic turtles but could potentially be adapted to terrestrial turtles as well. It comes with the tank as well as a screened top and essential accessories like a heating lamp, filter, basking platform, and cartridges. Overall, it offers great value for the money and is the perfect starter kit for pet turtles.
Best Turtle Tank for Budget: Aqua Culture Aquatic Reptile Starter Kit Size 10
Specs:
- Type – Tank kit
- Capacity – 10 gallons
- Included – Tank, filter, basking log, heat lamp, decorations
- Price – Out of stock
Pros:
- Very affordably priced for an all-inclusive kit
- Comes with the essential accessories
- Very quick and easy to get set up
Cons:
- Only recommended for young or very small turtles
- Rock decoration takes up a significant amount of space
Turtle tanks can get expensive, especially if you buy a kit that comes with everything. If you’re just getting started with a pet turtle, you don’t necessarily need a large tank. If you’re looking for something affordable that comes with all you need to get started, consider the Aqua Culture Aquatic Reptile Starter Kit Size 10. It is quick and easy to set up and very affordable.
Best Turtle Tank for Aquatic Turtles: Zilla Premium Rimless Aquatic Turtle Habitat Kit
Specs:
- Type – Tank kit
- Capacity – 20 gallons
- Included – Tank, heater, filter, decoration, food, water conditioner
- Price – Out of stock
Pros:
- Unique rimless design is very attractive
- Comes with everything needed to get started
- Generous 20-gallon capacity is good for a small turtle
Cons:
- May not accommodate very large turtles
- No lid to keep other pets out
If you plan to keep aquatic turtles, you’ll need a tank specially designed to accommodate their swimming space and the need for certain accessories. We recommend the Zilla Premium Rimless Aquatic Turtle Habitat Kit because it comes with everything you need and features a unique, rimless design. This kit includes a filtration unit that doubles as a basking and climbing surface, plus it comes with a heat lamp, turtle food, water conditioner, and more.
Best Turtle Tank for Land Turtles: Exo Terra All-Glass Terrarium Large Wide
Specs:
- Type – Terrarium
- Capacity – 36”x18”x18”
- Included – Tank
- Price – Out of stock
Pros:
- Large size can accommodate bigger land turtles
- Two front doors open for easy access
- Designed for lighting and ventilation
Cons:
- Fairly expensive compared to other options
- Doesn’t come with any additional accessories
Land turtles need a significant amount of space and a unique type of tank that gives them room without being difficult to clean or access. The Exo Terra All-Glass Terrarium in the Large/Wide size is ideal because it features two large doors on the front that open outward as well as having access from the top. This tank doesn’t come with any additional accessories, but it is easy to customize on your own.
Best Turtle Tank for Multiple Turtles: SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set
Specs:
- Type – Aquarium kit
- Capacity – 50 gallons
- Included – Tank, light fixture
- Price – $353.97
Pros:
- Durable acrylic materials are lightweight
- Large size is ideal for bigger or multiple turtles
- Comes with a powerful light fixture
Cons:
- Not specifically designed for pet turtles
- Doesn’t come with anything other than the light fixture
Turtles are the type of pet that you can keep either one of or multiple of. The thing to keep in mind, however, is that they need a lot of space and adding another turtle means you’ll need a bigger tank. If you’re looking for a tank kit large enough to accommodate more than one turtle or just a very large turtle, we recommend the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set.
Tips For Caring For Pet Turtles
Pet turtles require care just like any other pet, though they are very different from typical pets like cats and dogs. Your turtle will spend most of its life in its tank, so make sure you design it to accommodate for your turtle’s needs and provide as much space as you can afford.
Here are some general tips for housing and caring for pet turtles:
- Choose the right size for your turtle tank – it should be at least 5 to 10 times the length of your turtle’s shell in gallons (for example, a turtle that measures 4 inches long needs a 20- to 40-gallon tank).
- Pay attention to the dimensions of your turtle’s tank to make sure it isn’t too narrow to accommodate swimming space as well as the necessary accessories.
- Provide your turtle with space for basking and set up your heat lamps over these spaces so your turtle can rest there to warm up.
- Research the type of turtle you have to determine the best diet that will keep your turtle healthy – terrestrial turtles have slightly different needs than aquatic turtles.
Your turtle’s individual care requirements will depend on the type of turtle you have. Aquatic turtles, for example, need more water space with options for basking while terrestrial turtles need more land space. Determine what type of pet turtle you plan to keep and design your turtle tank accordingly.
Final Remarks
The best turtle tank will be one that provides your turtle with everything it needs to be happy and healthy. In addition to being clean and safe, your turtle tank should be large enough for your turtle to move freely and to exercise natural behaviors. If you’re not sure how much space your turtle needs, do a little research on the type of turtle you have to find out before you start shopping.
If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for turtle tanks, try out one of the top 5 best turtle tanks we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!
