The Best Way to Set Up an Aquatic Turtle Tank

I am a middle school science teacher and former exotic pet store employee who has always been fascinated with turtles. I have kept dozens of different turtle species as pets over the years. In this video, I discuss what I feel is the best way to set up a turtle tank for small (1"-3") aquatic turtles. The tank I showcase in this video was specifically set up for red-eared sliders but this setup would also be appropriate for painted turtles, yellow-bellied sliders, spotted turtles, northern map turtles and a variety of other cold-water, omnivorous aquatic turtles. Other turtle species might require heated water and sandy or muddy substrates, or a different water depth, or other considerations, so do your research regarding your specific turtle species.

Video Topics:

Tank selection
Screen top and lighting
Filtration
Basking zone
Plants and substrate
Water temp
Foods

Keep in mind that turtles grow big and grow fast. The 20 gallon tank will be sufficient for turtles up to 2 1/2 inches. Follow these guidelines regarding turtle shell size and recommended tank sizes:

0-2.5 inches.....20-39 gallon tank (30 inch x 12 base dimensions)
2.5-5 inches.....40-59 gallon tank (36 inch x 18 base dimensions)
6-8 inches........75-90 gallon (base dimensions of at least 48 inches x 18 inches)
8-10 inches......120 gallon for temporary, seasonal housing (aquarium base dimensions at least 72 inches x 18 inches). 200+ gallon indoor/outdoor pond highly recommended.

Do not release store bought turtles in your local pond or lake. This is how invasive species spread. If you are buying a turtle as a pet, remember that most will grow to 8 or more inches and can live 40 years. You need to seriously consider the commitment or have a plan of what to do with the turtles when they are too big to care for.

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[hdmrntb]

Put them back - if you keep them in captivity, they will not learn to hibernate and will not survive winters in the future. They grow quickly. No comercial items made for full size aquatic turtles. No one will take them. Youll be stuck with them.