The 5 Best Turtle Tanks
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More
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
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Compare Best Turtle Tanks
Budget Pick ![]() 2. Aquarium Starter Kit Fish Reptile Turtle Habitat Tank Filter Lamp Lid | Best For Aquatic Turtles ![]() 3. Zilla Premium Rimless Aquatic Turtle Habitat Kit | |||
Materials Plastic | Materials | Materials | Materials | Materials |
Size 20 gallons | Size | Size | Size | Size |
Features Tank, heating lamp decorative filter, boxwood plant mat, part screen top, basket platform | Features | Features | Features | Features |
Type | Type Tank kit | Type Tank kit | Type Terrarium | Type Aquarium kit |
Capacity | Capacity 10 gallons | Capacity 20 gallons | Capacity 18”x18”x24” | Capacity 50 gallons |
Included | Included Tank, filter, basking log, heat lamp, decorations | Included Tank, heater, filter, decoration, food, water conditioner | Included Tank | Included Tank, light fixture |
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.
Our Top Picks For The Best Turtle Tanks
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:
Tetrafauna Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Aquarium Kit

Product Info
- Materials: Plastic
- Size: 20 gallons
- Features: Tank, heating lamp decorative filter, boxwood plant mat, part screen top, basket platform
- 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
- Not ideal for larger or multiple turtles
- Decorative filter takes up a significant amount of space
Aquarium Starter Kit Fish Reptile Turtle Habitat Tank Filter Lamp Lid

Product Info
- Type: Tank kit
- Capacity: 10 gallons
- Included: Tank, filter, basking log, heat lamp, decorations
- Very affordably priced for an all-inclusive kit
- Comes with the essential accessories
- Very quick and easy to get set up
- Only recommended for young or very small turtles
- Rock decoration takes up a significant amount of space
Zilla Premium Rimless Aquatic Turtle Habitat Kit

Product Info
- Type: Tank kit
- Capacity: 20 gallons
- Included: Tank, heater, filter, decoration, food, water conditioner
- Unique rimless design is very attractive
- Comes with everything needed to get started
- Generous 20-gallon capacity is good for a small turtle
- May not accommodate very large turtles
- No lid to keep other pets out
Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit

Product Info
- Type: Terrarium
- Capacity: 18”x18”x24”
- Included: Tank
- Large size can accommodate bigger land turtles
- Two front doors open for easy access
- Designed for lighting and ventilation
- Fairly expensive compared to other options
- Doesn’t come with any additional accessories
SeaClear 50 gal Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set

Product Info
- Type: Aquarium kit
- Capacity: 50 gallons
- Included: Tank, light fixture
- Durable acrylic materials are lightweight
- Large size is ideal for bigger or multiple turtles
- Comes with a powerful light fixture
- Not specifically designed for pet turtles
- Doesn’t come with anything other than the light fixture
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!