How to make an aquarium for a water turtle?

Would you like more practical advice on how to build a turtle aquarium?

Our turtle-loving team brings you all the necessary details on this subject. In short:

Your turtle deserves special attention. This is why it's so important to set up an aquarium. It must be equipped with a marine section and a terrestrial section. Here, we share with you all the necessary requirements for setting up an aquarium for water turtles.

In this article, you will discover:

• How to make an aquarium habitat;
• Which internal and external filter to choose;
• What decoration to make it more attractive.

Let's get to the heart of the matter!

The basic structure of the aquarium

The first step in setting up an aquarium is to establish a basic structure. To achieve this, you will need to:

• Choosing a glass aquarium
• Add lighting to it
• Use a water heater
• Install a filter
• Cover it with a lid
• And monitor the survival conditions of the animals

Opt for a large, sturdy glass aquarium

A glass aquarium is a great option for caring for your pet. However, it will need to provide approximately 15 to 25 liters of water for every inch of its length. If you have a young turtle, you can calculate the average size reached by adults of the same species as yours.

It's important to know that the aquarium should be deeper than it is wide. Failure to do so may prevent your pet from turning over when it rolls onto its stomach. In most cases, the length of the aquarium is about three times the length of the turtle itself. And the width at least double the length.

As for its height, it should be approximately twice the length of the turtle . Finally, it is important to always ensure that there is at least 30 cm of distance from the highest point it can reach. This should also be ensured so as to prevent it from being able to climb in and out of the aquarium.

Equip the aquarium with a lamp

Most turtles need light for about 12 to 14 hours. The light can be attached to the tank or placed outside in front of the tank. In reality, it is essential that the light covers the part of the aquarium where the turtles can go to bask in the sun .

Due to their nature, semi-aquatic turtles require a full spectrum of light. Therefore, bulbs that emit both UVA and UVB rays are ideal. While UVB rays stimulate vitamin D3 production, UVA rays encourage the turtle to be more active and have a greater appetite.

To simulate the natural light cycle, you may also want to consider using a timer to control the lights. You'll also need to place the aquarium in the right spot: in full sun or in the shade, but never in direct sunlight. The excessive heat generated by the sun on certain days could be fatal.

Using a water heater in the aquarium

Using an immersion heater helps keep the water temperature constant throughout the year. It may be necessary to hide the heater behind something to prevent the turtle from breaking it by swimming nearby.

Before purchasing a heater, it's important to make sure your pet needs one. The ideal water temperature varies depending on the species. Only those that prefer warmer water temperatures will need a heater.

Invest in a good internal and external filter

Filters help remove animal waste from the aquarium. Without them, you'll have to change the water every day. To do this, you have two options: external filters and internal filters.

Large external filters are more suitable. Although they can be expensive, their large size makes them difficult to clog. They will also significantly reduce the amount of cleaning required.

Also, when you decide to use an internal filter, it is recommended to get the largest one available on the market. In this case, you will have to use two instead of one. Finally, Even with a good filter, you will still need to change the water at least once every two weeks.

Looking for a cover for the aquarium

Covers will protect your turtle from potential hazards, such as a broken lamp. It's recommended to opt for a metal cover (instead of glass or plexiglass) due to its heat resistance .

Other materials may filter out the UVB rays that turtles need to survive or cause them to break or melt. Finally, To prevent large turtles from escaping, it is recommended to attach the cover to the aquarium.

Monitor aquarium conditions by equipping it with necessary tools

Most turtles require a water temperature of around 25°C. Therefore, thermometers should be used to monitor the water and surface temperature. You'll often also need a hygrometer to keep an eye on the humidity level inside the tank.

Create the aquarium habitat

After the aquarium structure, you absolutely must think about its environment. To do this, you must:

• Spread substrate on the bottom
• Create a land area
• Equip and decorate the aquarium with a ramp
• Fill it with clean water

Sprinkle substrate on the bottom of the aquarium

This technique is only necessary if you want to add plants. The best materials for inserting it are sand, gravel and fluorite. Sand is difficult to clean, but some turtles will enjoy being able to dig on the bottom.

Gravel will look good, but you'll need to make sure the pebbles are all larger than 1.5 cm in diameter. Otherwise, the turtles might try to ingest them. Fluorite is a type of porous gravel that can provide various nutrients to plants.

Make sure to create a land area

Turtles use these areas to warm up and dry off. Most semi-aquatic turtles need an exposed area that occupies at least 50% of the total aquarium space . Aquatic turtles, on the other hand, will do well with an exposed area that occupies no more than 25% of the total available space.

Avoid using stones or logs collected in the wild, as they pose a health hazard to your turtle. If you do decide to use a wild-collected item, boil it in a container filled with water to kill any harmful algae, germs, or microorganisms.

Equip the aquarium with a ramp to move from the water to the surface

Turtles will need a means of transport to reach the surface area. Ideally, they should be gradually lowered into the water. Otherwise, you will need to install a separate ramp. The ramp can also be very simple.

For example, you can connect one end of a curved or straight log, but at a slope, to the emerged area, leaving the other submerged in the water. Even a piece of rigid plastic can be used in the same way.

Opt for good decorations

Adding decorations can make it even more beautiful to look at and perhaps even make the turtle feel safer . To do this, you can choose to add branches, smooth stones, and (terrestrial) plants to the emerged area to provide the turtle with places to hide. You can also use a wooden box. However, just make sure that the turtle still has enough space in the remaining surface. 

You'll want to be careful not to choose poisonous plants, as turtles will nibble on them. Sharp decorations can be dangerous for turtles, so they should be avoided. Store-bought decorations will not need to be sterilized, but those collected from the wild will need to be boiled in water (separately) to kill germs.

Never use decorations with a diameter smaller than about 2.5 cm, as turtles may swallow them. Avoid decorations where the turtle could get stuck while swimming. All foreign objects should be placed around the edges of the tank so the turtle can swim freely. You may want to place some of the devices under the surface area to hide them.

Fill the aquarium with clean water

Filling the aquarium with enough water gives your turtle more room to swim comfortably. Most turtles will need about 10 to 15 cm of water. However, you'll want to make sure the water depth is at least three-quarters of the turtle's length.

In other words, this will allow it to return directly in case it accidentally capsizes while in the water. The vast majority of turtles sold in pet stores are freshwater creatures, so you will need to use tap water or distilled water.

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Another aspect to consider is food. Learn what food is best for your turtle. Some are primarily carnivores, while others are omnivores. Learn your turtle's nutritional needs to develop a balanced diet. Keep in mind that aquatic or semi-aquatic turtles generally eat in the water, so you won't need bowls to put their food in. For food that can't be placed in the water, simply place it somewhere in the water.

So, now you know everything you need to know about setting up an aquarium for your turtle. Don't hesitate to put all the tips shared above into practice. It's your turn!

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