Top-notch Turtle Aquariums 2025: Crafting an Ideal Habitat for Your Reptile Friend
Ready to level up your turtle's abode? We've got the lowdown on the best turtle tanks to splash around in!
Who needs a battle tank when you've got a shell, right? But, your pet turtles still need plenty of room to live and play. Turtles are just like any other pet - they need space to chill out, suitable living conditions, and a clean habitat. That means you'll need a large enough tank for your little reptile swimmer, warm water, and outdoor exposure to mimic their natural environment.
To keep things simple, you'll also want to decorate your tank with aquatic plants, rocks, and a hidey-hole or two for your turtles to feel at home. The ideal environment will vary depending on whether you've got aquatic, semi-aquatic, or land-based turtles, but all of them need a mix of land and water for swimming, basking spots, and places to hide.
Don't fret though - we've got some top-notch tank options to help get you started on your turtle-keeping journey! Check out our recommendations below, including tank kits with all the bells and whistles, or just tanks that'll need a little extra gear.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall - Best Turtle Tank
Set up turtle paradise in no time with this all-inclusive kit that comes with a 20-gallon tank, filter, UV lamp, and even food! If you're new to turtle ownership, this starter kit is perfect for small aquatic turtles.
Best for Babies - Baby Turtle Tank
Ditch the hassle and get this Hamiledyi tank for your baby turtles. It comes with a raised area for basking, a swimming area, and is incredibly easy to set up and clean. Just remember to upgrade to a larger tank when your turtles are ready to grow!
Best Large - Large Turtle Tank
Get an expansive 55-gallon tank for larger turtles or multiple smaller ones. This all-inclusive kit comes with a filter, heater, water thermometer, and even some decorations. You'll just need to add a UV light to get your turtle habitat in ship-shape!
Best LED - LED Turtle Tank
Although technically marketed as a fish tank, this GloFish tank is jam-packed with everything you'll need for a fantastic turtle habitat, including a filter, heater, and snazzy LED lights. Your pet turtles will feel like they're living in a rad ninja-turtle world!
Best Terrestrial - Terrestrial Turtle Tank
If you're housing land-based turtles, this sleek and elegant tank is a must-have. With a watertight lower section and a waterproof upper section for land-dwelling turtles, it's easy to build, maintain, and looks fantastic.
Best Insert - Turtle Tank Insert
This all-in-one solution creates a land and water environment right in your turtle tank! The Viqaquarium offers three realistic land areas, a cascading waterfall, and even a hidden water filter. It's a game-changer for any ordinary turtle tank!
Turtle Tank Tips and Guidelines
Wondering how to choose the best turtle tank? We've got some expert insights for you!
How Big Should a Turtle's Tank Be?
Follow our rule of thumb for turtle tank sizes: multiply the length of your turtle by ten, and that's the tank capacity you'll need for your little swimmer. For example, if your turtle is 2 inches long, a 20-gallon tank is ideal. If you're planning to house multiple turtles, go for a larger tank.
Choosing a Turtle Aquarium
To create the perfect home for your pet, ensure you've accounted for all essential components, such as water heaters, heat lamps, water filters, thermometers, lighting, and tank décor. If you're a beginner, opt for a starter kit to get things started stress-free!
Regardless of which tank you choose, always strive to provide your turtle with a suitable living environment, including space to swim, a comfortable basking area, a constant water temperature, a water filter, and a UV light. These simple steps can go a long way to keeping your turtles happy and healthy!
[1] RSPCA Australia (n.d.) Red-eared slider habitat requirements. Retrieved from https://www.rspca.org.au/pet-care/reptiles/red-eared-slider/red-eared-slider-habitat-requirements
[2] Animal planet (n.d.) How big should a turtle tank be? Retrieved from https://www.animalplanet.com/pets/pet-turtle/how-big-a-turtle-tank-should-be/
[3] World Wildlife Fund - US (n.d.) Red-eared slider turtle. Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/red-eared-slider-turtle
[4] Red-eared slider turtle - complete red-eared slider turtle care, information, video, pictures, red-eared slider turtle facts pet care view, photos slideshow of red-eared slider turtles (2022) My Lovely Pet Turtle. Retrieved from https://www.mylovelypetturtle.com/red-eared-slider-turtle-care-guide.html
[5] Ocean Eastern Turtle Sanctuary (n.d.) Red-eared slider turtle tank setup guide | SETUP | OETS. Retrieved from https://oeteachingstudio.com/red-eared-slider-turtle-tank-setup-guide2-setting-up-a-red-eared-slider-turtle-tank/
- Just like your furry friend at home, the dog, your pet turtles also require suitable living conditions for their health and well-being.
- For your pet cat, food, litter, and a cozy bed are essential, but your pet turtle needs a clean and spacious habitat with a mix of aquatic and land areas for swimming, basking, and hiding.
- When it comes to selecting pet products, the lifestyle of your pets matters. Whether you choose a home-and-garden catalog for your cat or a tank kit for your turtle, remember to provide the necessary care and elements for their comfort and behavior.
- If you're considering a pet turtle, you'll find a variety of options, such as the best overall tank, best for babies, large tanks, and even LED tanks, that cater to different species and sizes.
- In addition to the tank, pet turtles require external equipment such as heaters, filters, UV lamps, and decorations to create a healthy and stimulating environment.
- To ensure a long and happy life for your turtle, it's important to consider factors such as tank size, adequate décor, and proper nutrition to maintain its physical and behavioral health.
