Best Turtle Tanks – Reviews, Top Picks, And Tips

Keeping turtles is a growing hobby that happens to be very rewarding. The problem, however, is that many people are not well-informed about it. Some keepers keep their turtles in enclosures that are too small for them to grow properly. They might have either never heard or ignored the minimum specifications required by different species of these reptiles.

If you are just starting out in this hobby and looking to set up a turtle tank, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss some of the many factors to consider when setting up a turtle enclosure. Then, we will list some of the options available on the market, to help you in your search.

Without further ado, let’s begin!

Comparison Table of The 7 Best Turtle Tanks

Buyer’s Guide: Tips For Selecting The Perfect Turtle Tank

When you are selecting a habitat for your turtle, there are several key tips that you should keep in mind. These include:

Choose An Appropriate Tank Size

Turtles are very active animals that need plenty of space. Not only do they need adequate space to move around, but they also need to bask in the sun. Turtles also grow very rapidly and produce a lot of waste, so you will need a tank that can accommodate your filtration systems – especially if you intend to rely on both an external filter and an internal filter.

Larger tanks are typically better. Some turtle species are aquatic their entire lives, while others spend more time on land. If you have a fully aquatic turtle, you should get a proper tank that can hold at least 10 gallons of water per inch of turtle. These are active reptiles that need a lot of space to roam. If your turtle spends time both in and out of the water, you will need to get a proper tank with basking space on land and a swimming room in the water. 

Finally, your tank should be large enough for your turtle to properly regulate its body temperature. Reptiles are cold-blooded, which means they rely on their surroundings to maintain proper body temperature. If you house your turtle in too small of a tank, it will be unable to properly regulate its body temperature. In general, although turtle tanks come in a variety of sizes, we recommend opting for something on the larger side to meet all their needs.

Make Sure Your Tank Is Leak-Proof

Most turtles are semi-aquatic, which means that they spend time both in and out of the water. While some species can survive without ever entering the water, others are very dependent on it – especially when it comes to basking. If your turtle is even slightly aquatic, you should make sure that your tank does not leak. Many reptile enclosures may seem appropriate, but they may not be designed to hold water.

If you use a leaky tank, you risk not providing your pet with sufficient water. This can have detrimental effects on your pet’s health. Not only that, but it will cause the water to become contaminated rather quickly. Ammonia levels build up a lot quicker in smaller bodies of water, so a tank that leaks can lead to ammonia spikes, which can be deadly for your pet.

Even if your turtle is tiny and only requires shallow waters, you will still need to inspect your tank carefully to ensure that it is not leaking. Check the tank for hairline cracks and take note of any compromised seams. Some issues can be repaired, while others might mean a complete tank replacement. Learn to know the difference between the two, and you’ll have a better idea of what to do.

Additional Accessories Can Make A World Of Difference

There are a few accessories that you can buy to make your turtle feel more comfortable. For instance, you may opt to provide your turtle with warmth using turtle heat lamps, which typically consist of light bulbs that generate and retain heat within the tank. You may also want to get a heater, which is another item that can generate and regulate heat.

Another important aquarium accessory to add to your turtle’s habitat is a good, reliable filter. Even basic canister filters will go a long way, as turtles produce a lot of waste. If you do not have a good filter, you will find yourself with cloudy water or stinky water that is not good for your pet. Regular water changes are a must regardless of whether or not you own a filter, but having a filter gives you some leeway to perform partial water changes that are a little less labor-intensive.

In addition to a filter, other essentials include basking platforms, ultraviolet lights (which your little buddy can use to generate Vitamin D3), and timers. Though not entirely necessary, some hobbyists choose to include aquatic plants for an added natural touch. For ideas and inspiration on how to add live plants to your tank, check out our helpful article on this subject!

Choose Between Glass And Acrylic Tanks

There are several different materials that tanks can be made out of, but you should decide between glass and acrylic before you buy your enclosure. Both of these popular tank materials have their own advantages and drawbacks. Some turtle species are more likely to break the clear glass tanks than the more durable acrylic tanks. However, glass tanks are typically cheaper than the acrylic equivalent.

In addition, acrylic tanks are easier to transport as they are lighter than glass tanks. This may be an important factor for you if you are an owner that is constantly on the move, or if you are planning on moving with your turtle tank. The lighter weight of the acrylic tanks means that they will be easier to transport and move around without help from anyone else. However, glass tanks provide more visibility.

At the end of the day, both acrylic and glass tanks have their respective pros and cons, so you will need to make your decision based on which factors you prioritize. If you can, try to get a chance to see them both in person before making the final commitment – especially because tanks can be a costly purchase! Trust us – choosing the right tank for you and your pet is well worth the research!

Stick To A Reasonable Budget

When you are outfitting your turtle tank, it is important that you remember to try to stick with a reasonable budget. Once again, turtles are not cheap pets – and their tanks can be fairly costly, too. This often discourages owners from keeping their turtles once they grow too big, or causes them to keep their turtles in enclosures that are too small. Therefore, budgeting is crucial in this hobby.

Fortunately, there are many options for creating a suitable home without spending ridiculous amounts of money on overpriced designer enclosures or commercial turtle tanks. You can save a lot of money by creating your own turtle tank at home, or you can find a good deal on a used tank. Many animal rescues also encourage owners on a budget to use Rubbermaid storage containers, which are much cheaper than commercial turtle tanks.

At the end of the day, your turtle doesn’t need a beautiful tank. It simply needs a safe and suitable habitat that provides it with everything that it needs. So if you are on a budget, do not fear! There are plenty of cheap options out there for creating a cozy home for your pet.

7 Best Turtle Tanks – Top Picks For Every Turtle

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics, let’s take a look at some of the best turtle tanks out there. Without further ado, here are seven of the most popular options for housing your pet!

This Aqueon tank comes in different sizes, but its entry-level model can hold 20 gallons of water. This is perfect for pet turtles that are smaller in size but it can also accommodate mid-sized turtles with relative ease. The fact that it is available in multiple sizes also means that you can upgrade to a bigger sized tank within the same aquarium line if necessary.

A sturdy tank, the Aqueon is constructed with high-quality glass and sealed with silicone on its edges. This is a tank that is designed to go the distance, so it should be able to withstand the wear and tear of life with your turtle. Larger aquariums even feature a specially constructed frame to prevent the glass from bowing and caving over time. This meticulous attention to detail is one of the reasons why this tank is so popular.

However, it is important to note that the Aqueon does not come with any accessories. If you need a tank that comes with its own filtration system, lighting, or heater, this tank will not meet your needs. In addition, many owners find themselves needing to outfit this tank with basking platforms for their turtles because it does not come with any pre-cut holes for this purpose.

Still, the Aqueon aquarium makes up for these small shortcomings by offering an affordable entry to the world of turtle tanks that can still accommodate turtles of all shapes and sizes.

Tetrafauna is a company that specializes in creating complete turtle aquariums. These kits contain everything your turtle needs to thrive, from the tank to the filtration system and accessories. The kit itself comes with a 20-gallon turtle tank, a decorative filtration unit and its cartridges, a basking deck, heat lamps (each with a heat bulb), boxwood plant mats, and a screen top.

The fact that this tank has the extras already built into the kit not only saves you time and effort but also ensures that everything is aesthetically pleasing. In many turtle tanks, accessories end up looking amateurish because they are haphazardly placed within the enclosure. This tank, on the other hand, looks professional because it is put together by people who specialize in this field.

In addition, owners love the heat lamps built into this tank. It provides a great alternative or supplement to a water heater to give your turtle a basking spot that it will love. At the end of the day, the goal is to create a tank that best replicates your turtle’s natural environment. This lamp does just that while offering owners a safe and convenient way to heat up the tank.

If you are a turtle owner who owns land turtles, this reptile habitat will make an excellent choice. Reptile enthusiasts have long appreciated this terrarium’s screen-ventilated top allows natural daylight to filter into the enclosure, a perfect way for your box turtle to soak up some much-needed vitamin D. In addition, the sliding doors give you access to the tank without having to remove or inconvenience your pet.

In addition, this tank’s 47-gallon capacity provides ample space to keep your turtle happy, as can comfortably accommodate the adult size of many terrestrial turtles. The fact that it’s 47 gallons means you can purchase a larger tank and go for the gold instead of buying multiple tanks to accommodate growing box turtles. This requires a bigger upfront investment but will save you money and time in the long run.

However, one important thing that potential buyers should be aware of is that this tank is only suitable for terrestrial turtles and not aquatic ones. If you own an aquatic turtle, avoid this tank and choose a different enclosure. Tanks that aren’t designed to hold water will leak and cause massive damage to your floors and your tank.

Are you a beginner and looking for a mid-range tank that offers an all-in-one land and water environment? This enclosure is the perfect tank for you. It offers a fantastic turtle setup that allows your pet to live out its life cycle, from hatching to adulthood, in one easy-to-manage tank. If you are looking for an ideal home for your juvenile turtles and hatchlings, this is it.

This tank is constructed using glass panels that measure 7.2 inches in height, offering 30% more usable space than other models. Some turtles are notorious for being escape artists, so this extra height will go a long way in keeping your turtles from breaking out of the tank. In addition, the tank’s base features a three-layer design as well as hidden filters, which makes water changes a breeze.

Although this tank’s good quality build makes it very durable, it should not be used for most adult turtle species. It is too small to keep your turtle healthy over an extended period of time. If you own a fast-growing species such as the red-eared slider turtle, you will need to upgrade this tank within 1-2 years. If you are looking for a tank that will last over several years, we recommend taking a look at our other best turtle tanks reviews and choosing one of those instead.

This tank is the most expensive on our list, but it’s definitely one of the best turtle tanks. This model is also our largest tank at 150 gallons, providing more than enough space for your turtles to swim and bask in. In addition to providing your pet with sufficient space, the tank also features an all-glass construction that provides a fully sealed display area with StarFire glass which makes any onlookers drool over its sleek design.

The SC Aquarium comes with a built-in center overflow with three pre-drilled holes. This allows for maintenance of the tank with a little-to-no mess, with water draining directly into your sump or external turtle tank filters. Though frequent water changes remain a necessity, this tank’s overflow makes it much easier to remove water without disturbing the layout. This is something you will appreciate, as the tank is a hefty 34 inches tall and 70 inches wide.

In short, this is a sturdy turtle tank that will accommodate larger species of turtles as they grow over the years. As is the case with most large tanks, keeping the water temperature at a stable level will be no easy task. Therefore, you will need a powerful heater that can maintain your tank’s water temperature and keep your pets healthy for years to come.

This Hamiledyi aquatic turtle habitat is the perfect size for starters who are looking for a tank for their smaller turtle buddies. It comes with a built-in platform and ramp for basking, providing your turtles with a great place to relax after swimming all day. As far as aquatic turtle tanks go, it is also one of the most affordable entries, making it perfect for new turtle keepers who are testing out if this is the right type of pet for them.

Hobbyists will also appreciate the fact that this habitat is made of durable plastic, making it an ideal choice for species that are known to be aggressive towards aquarium turtle homes. This tank is also one of the few on our list that is fully functional right out of the box, so you won’t need to spend time looking for all the necessary components to make it work properly.

Unfortunately, this tank is far too small if you want to raise a healthy turtle over an extended period of time. It is the perfect size for starters, but once your turtle reaches its full growth potential, you will need to upgrade to a larger tank as soon as possible. In addition, the fact that it is made of plastic makes turtle droppings and other waste a little more difficult to clean, compared to what you would experience with a glass tank.

Last but not least, we have the 10-gallon COLIBROX Aqua Aquarium. This tank is a durable and affordable starter unit for those who want to see if keeping turtles as pets are indeed what they want. It’s also ideal for those who only have one or two turtle buddies that don’t require a lot of space. At 10 gallons, this is a small-scale tank, but it still makes a comfortable home for a single turtle that is more diminutive in size.

COLIBROX is fully aware that this tank is on the smaller side, and as such, they have done their utmost to deliver a good quality product at a great price. Its edges are sealed with high-strength silicone, creating a permanent water-tight seal that prevents nasty leaks and other types of water damage. As a testament to its reliability, many reviewers have praised this aquarium turtle habitat for lasting for many years without any problems.

Though this unit is reliable and good for a small space, some hobbyists may not be a fan of its opaque sealant. Silicone is a great option from a durability standpoint but can make it less than ideal for those seeking a 360-view of their turtles at all times. In addition, the tank is sometimes damaged in transit, making it a frustrating experience for customers. Fortunately, the manufacturer is more than happy to replace any damaged tanks for their customers.

Conclusion

In the end, when it comes to turtle tanks, you get what you pay for. The high-end models are great for those looking to set up a permanent habitat that will last for years on end. However, smaller, cheaper units have a place as well, especially for beginners with tighter budgets and who are looking to test the figurative waters before diving headfirst (puns fully intended) into the hobby.

No matter which tank you choose, make sure to understand the needs of your pet and how the tank you select will meet these basic requirements. Once you have all of that sorted, then start thinking about aesthetics and different turtle tank setups. With this guide in hand, finding the best turtle tank at a price that won’t break the bank should be easy to do. Happy turtle keeping!