At some point as a turtle owner, you may start to wonder if you are doing enough for your turtle. And by enough, you mean providing them with the best possible living conditions so they can live a long, happy, healthy life.
If this is something you are concerned with, chances are you are a turtle owner who wants the best for your turtle. To give them the best life possible, the first step is to give them the best home you can.
When it comes to housing your turtle, there are basically two types of options: aquariums vs. turtle tanks.
A turtle tank is a specific kind of aquarium made especially for turtles. As you can imagine, a turtle tank is quite different than a plain aquarium. Because of this, it is important to be aware of the main differences between a turtle tank and regular aquarium so that you can make the best decision for you and your turtle.
In this article, we will review everything you need to know about turtle tanks. We have put together the pros and cons, explained the difference between a turtle tank and aquariums, and even provided a buying guide so you can easily find one that suits your situation.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Exo Terra All Glass Terrarium Kit | Best Overall |  |
| Turtle Tank Aquarium,Reptile Habitat,Turtle Habitat Terrapin Lake Reptile Aquarium Tank | Budget Pick |  |
| Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium LED | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Exo Terra All Glass Terrarium Kit
Pros:
- This is the best terrarium for turtles
- It comes in three different sizes, which means that you can choose the one that best fits your needs
- You can choose between a glass terrarium or a plastic terrarium
- The temporary water tank works just as well as the permanent one
- The LED lighting system makes the terrarium look absolutely stunning
- It comes with a lot of accessories, which means that you won’t have to shop any separate products
- The built-in ventilation fan makes it easier for you to control the temperature
- The product is covered by a 2-year warranty
- A lot of accessories (canopy, basking spots, plant pods)
- Super sturdy
Cons:
- The instructions aren’t the best and it can be a bit difficult to set up
- The ventilation system makes a noise
- The glass terrarium is expensive
- A 24% water submersion may lead to stability issues
2. SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set
Pros:
- Top-quality acrylic
- Large capacity of 122 gallon
- Good for turtles and tortoises
This particular tank is 22 x 22 x 32 inches and comes with a light strip and two fluorescent bulbs for a good lighting effect (72 watts).
The live plants as well as the turtle, tortoise, or other pet should be very comfortable in this acrylic tank.
If this tank is not for your needs, then there are many others that are for sale.
3. Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium LED
Pros:
- Comes with a 600-watt power capacity
- Advanced multi-stage filtration that includes mechanical, chemical and biological stages
- Can control brightness level for the LEDs
- Easy to assemble
- Space conservation compact design
- Includes a replaceable, marine-grade thermometer
- Quietest mobile filter in the market
- Comes with a complete ecosystem that includes a heater and a built-in, adjustable panel with strong LED lights
- Has a whisper quiet pump system
- Equipped with a removable, adjustable, and lockable lid for easy access
Cons:
- The parts on the tank are made in china
- The LEDs are a tad bit dim
- Doesn’t look too good with vibrant and tropical fishes
4. Tetra 55 Gallon Aquarium Kit
Pros:
- Exceptional airflow
- A long filter life
- Comes with a power filter rated for up to a 100-gallon tank
- Sleek, cleanable filters
- The tank is incredibly easy to clean
- Large, crystal clear glass
- Nothing bad about this tank
Cons:
- The filter can be a tad noisy
- Might be a bit too intricate for beginners
- Instructions manual could be better
Possibly the best option if you have a more experienced hand is the Tetra 55 Gallon Aquarium. Not only is it spacious but it also includes a convenient filter for clean and clear water. This tank is also suitable for fish with special needs.
This tank is all about spaciousness and the bulb lighting inside is another bonus. In addition, this tank has a sleek design, and it’s easy to clean and maintain, making it the ideal choice for any aquarium enthusiast.
When you buy this tank, you get a Tetra Whisper EX power filter with three levels of filtration: mechanical, chemical and biological.
5. Tetra Aquarium 20 Gallon Fish Tank Kit
While the kit is small and relatively basic, you can decorate it in any way you like.
This set up comes with a filter and LED lights. The filter is rated for 20 gallons, but if you’ve got a lot of fish and quantities to keep your little guys happy, you may need to upgrade.
We also recommend some larger decorations if you’re going to be housing a few turtles in this tank. Not only will they give you more space for them to explore, they will also provide a broader homes for them.
6. SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set
Pros:
- Top-quality acrylic
- Large capacity of 122 gallon
- Good for turtles and tortoises
This particular tank is 22 x 22 x 32 inches and comes with a light strip and two fluorescent bulbs for a good lighting effect (72 watts).
The live plants as well as the turtle, tortoise, or other pet should be very comfortable in this acrylic tank.
If this tank is not for your needs, then there are many others that are for sale.
7. Turtle Tank Aquarium,Reptile Habitat,Turtle Habitat Terrapin Lake Reptile Aquarium Tank
Turtle Tank Aquariums have average reviews with a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars and are more expensive on first impression.
At first glance you may take a look at Turtle Tank Aquariums and wonder what else is needed. They include all the necessities of setting up a brand new habitat.
This means you get a multiple-purpose spray bar, filter, and LED lights, but you are still going to have to get a heater and filters if you don’t want to deal with live plants in your tank.
8. Aqueon Aquarium Starter Kit
Pros:
* 20 submersible LED lights (stays cool to the touch)
This may not be suitable for you if your main purpose of buying a tank is to house a turtle. Apart from the turtle pictured in the photo, this tank is suitable for aquatic plants and/or a couple of colorful fish.
What you can do with this tank is house a small size turtle. It comes with a filtering system, and the water won’t need to ‘be cycled’ – which makes your new pet settling in process a lot easier. The tank is spacious enough to accommodate a large turtle, as long as it’s below 10lbs in weight.
9. Marina LED Aquarium Kit
Pros:
- The easy-to-use LED lights are bright, clear, and adjustable
- The filter is quiet, inexpensive, and robust
- The lighting is nice and warm
- The tank is made from high-quality durable glass
- Comes with a BONUS fish net
- The gravel and decorations are high-quality and top-notch
- It’s cheap, especially if you’re shopping on Amazon
- The filter has a separate tank and pump
- 23-gallon tank provides plenty of room for your tortoise to grow
- It’s aesthetically pleasing
10. SCA 50 Gallon Starfire Glass Aquariums Complete Package 24x24x20 10mm
Pros:
- Sturdy design made from thick glass with thick silicone
- Bottom Shelf gives more shelter for turtles on the ground
- Includes a UVC light
- Low maintenance: easy to clean, and doesn’t require a lot of water changes
- Arrival time: 2-3 business days
Cons:
- Some may find the filter quite loud
- Air pumps that come with the kit aren’t very strong
If you want to start a turtle tank, this is by far the best glass tank on the market. The bottom shelf provides more room for ground-dwelling turtles – providing enough shelter for all your turtle to hang out underneath. The design is compact, but the bottom shelf takes up a quarter of the tank.
The tank itself is mid-sized, at 50 gallons. It’s perfect for a single turtle, or multiple smaller species together.
According to other buyers, the tank is actually significantly bigger than the advertised size of the tank. This is a strong indication that the glass is thick enough to support the weight of a turtle.
11. Tetra Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Kit 20 Gallons
Pros:
- Can house turtles, dragon fish, Betta fish, fancy goldfish, betta fish, and goldfish
- Includes 5 inch filter which is easy to clean
- Made in the United State of America
- Includes essential accessories
- Pressurized filter
- Aquarium canopy comes equipped to cancel out undesirable light
- Easy to setup
- Crystal-clear and scratch-resistant acrylic
- CO2 capable
- Resistant to scratches
Cons:
- In the event of a malfunction, the heater does not give off enough heat to warm the tank
- When you fill the tank from the top, it’s not easy to stay balanced
- Filter not adjustable
- No compartments in the canopy
- Canopies are basic and not functional
Convinced that this is the aquarium you need for your turtle? You should be, it’s highly rated among users.
12. Aqua Culture Aquarium Starter Kit
Pros:
- Variety of color available (Black, Blue, and Maroon)
- Collapsible shelving system makes it easy to store when not in use
- Provides plenty of living space
- Has a built-in filtration system, a saltwater mixing system, a water testing kit, and a feeding spoon
- Comes with a Flexible fluorescent tube
- Includes plenty of extras to care for your turtle: food bowl, holder, netted bag, and gravel vacuum
- The metal stand supports a maximum load of 120 lbs
- Easy to setup and even easier to maintain
Cons:
- The filter may start making noises after a couple of months
- A little too big to fit a 100-Watt heater
- The included lighting isn’t as bright as other light systems
- The feeding spoon has a small hole in it which makes feeding your turtle a challenge
- The included heater may be too weak for outdoor use
NewTank, with LED Aquarium Light.
13. Exo Terra Glass Terrarium Kit
Pros:
- Durable and high-quality acrylic material
- Looks attractive
- Easy to assemble
- Comes with a digital thermometer
Cons:
- The substrate isn’t included
- Not ideal for turtles who are over 6 inches
- Containment lid doesn’t open flat
The Exo Tera terrarium has an impressive design and is great for turtles up to 6-7 inches in size. The top opening is very convenient for adding and removing elements without having to completely disassemble the terrarium. The terrarium is designed with a grill to provide adequate ventilation.
It’s large and spacious – and has all the features needed to support a captivating turtle tank. Along with the base and lid, the kit comes with a clear cover for the top window, preventing unwanted debris from entering the terrarium.
The Exo Terra terrariums come with a 3-part base which are designed in a way that it prevents water from accumulating. The terrarium also has clips for the top cover to lock in place which makes the unit safe and secure.
14. Aqueon Fish Aquarium Starter Kits LED NeoGlow
Pros:
- Elegantly designed
- Includes a 3-stage filter and LED lights
- The LED lights are scientifically optimized for your pet turtle
- Comes with a protein skimmer
- Easy to maintain
Cons:
- Needs a little assembly
- Needs frequent water changes
Keeping your pet turtle healthy and happy starts with the right tank. The Aqueon Starter Kit has everything you need. LED lights for gorgeous underwater visuals – a 3-stage filter and filtration technique to help keep your water clean – an accurate aquarium thermometer built-in that will automatically change the lighting to your liking – and even a detachable protein skimmer.
The LED lights are scientifically optimized for your pet turtle and switches between daylight and moonlight mode. It has a remote that you can use to control a number of hidden features like temperature control and timers. Plus, the adjustable neck allows you to view your turtle no matter what angle you’re standing at or sitting at.
This tank kit includes a glass tank, an LED light fixture, a filter, an integrated protein skimmer with accessories, and a remote to control the tank’s features.
15. Zilla 01312 10-Gallon Basic Desert Kit
16. Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit
The Exo Terra Glass Terrarium is a high quality glass terrarium for Reptiles. It comes in a rectangular shape with an average size. It is a 24 x 12 x 18 inches, and the interior dimensions are 21.6 x 11.6 x 16.3 inches. It is made from a high quality transparent glass. It features a ventilated grill and a screen cover latch. In addition to this, the terrarium is also escape proof and ensures easy cleaning of the terrarium due to a glass sliding door.
17. REPTI ZOO Reptile Glass Terrarium,Double Hinge Door
Pros:
- Multi use reptile terrarium
- Durable reptile terrarium
- Sturdy reptile terrarium
- High reptile terrarium
- Easy to setup reptile terrarium
- Perfect for children reptiles
- Perfect for extra reptiles
- Perfect for reptiles
- Perfect for reptile lovers
- Perfect for reptile supplies
Cons:
- Critiques reptile terrarium
- Critiques reptile supplies
- Critiques reptile room
- Critiques reptile lover
- Critiques reptile house
18. 10 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit Fish Reptile Turtle Habitat Tank Filter Lamp Lid
Pros:
- Affordable with an easy upper filtration system
- Includes a light to make plants grow
- Comes with a lid and stand
- The tank is large enough to grow most aquatic plants
Cons:
- Does not have a thermometer
- The water pump is still audible though remote controlled
- The filter can move a little bit heavy with the water in and out
If you are looking for a starter kit for your turtle, then the 10 Gallon Aquarium is the right product. The tank comes with everything you need to sustain your turtle and his needs. Starting from the completely sealed filter which works great for turtle tanks right up to advanced filtration. The tank is large enough to grow a lot of aquatic plants.
The tank comes with a filtration system that will remove a lot of waste and completely take out bad odor and chemicals. The system will come with three filters and they are easy to change if necessary. The package will also include a lid for your tank and water stand that is easy to use. With this tank, you can try different plants and have different plants in your turtle tank.
19. MarineLand Contour Glass Aquarium Kit
Pros:
- Comes with light and filter
- Easy to assemble and maintain
- Large viewing window
- Water resistant and waterproof
- Rust resistant frame
- Perfect for kids and adults
- Easy to clean
- Available at 10 gallons
Cons:
- Not crystal clear
- Low capacity
- Has harmful chemicals
- Filter is not applicable for some tanks
(10 Gallon)
As the number 2 recommended turtle tank from professional critics and turtle hobbyists, the MarineLand Contour is our top choice for smaller turtle tanks, at only 10 gallons.
Just like the other tanks, this one too is made out of high quality ultra-clear tempered glass, and will certainly be a great centerpiece for your home, office, library or classroom.
20. Zilla Reptile Starter Kit 10
Pros:
- Raised base for easier cleaning
- Removable lid for easier access
- High Quality
- Multiple heat settings
- Adjustable thermostat
- Heat bulb provides day and night heat
- Outstanding customer service
- Redesigned to be durable
Cons:
- Light uses a lot of power
- Not efficient for plants
- Bulb is too bright for viewing turtles.
Our top pick for turtle tanks is the Zilla Reptile Starter Kit 10 with Light and Heat. Although they don’t necessarily have to live in turtle tanks, they will need a spacious tank, which is easy to clean. This aquarium will not only meet your turtles needs, but it will also be visually appealing to you meaning it can also serve as a tank decoration for your home or office.
The tank itself can either be heat or light, so you can get the more affordable option if you want to watch your turtle during the day and wants the night heat and light for your turtle dog. Being able to adjust the heat is also a nice feature that allows you to control the temperature in different areas of the tank so your turtle can choose where they want to bask. The rock hide is easily removable for cleaning.
21. Aqueon Aquarium Starter Kit
Pros:
- This tank is ideal for turtles
- It includes LED lights which are energy efficient
- The light is said to be bright and colorful
Cons:
- The filter is said to be noisy. But this can easily be fixed by changing the filter
- The tank is quite small. Meaning that as the turtle grows, the tank needs to be changed.
If you’re looking for an aquarium that’s perfect for keeping turtles in, then this is it.
The design of the tank is gorgeous. Made from clear glass, it’s a joy to look at. And with its 15-gallon capacity and the included power filter and the LED lighting, you’ve got everything you need to keep your turtle in tip-top shape.
The LED lighting is highly energy efficient and comes with a remote control. You can adjust the light to create the perfect ambiance for your turtle.
22. Zehui Reptile Turtle Tortoise Vivarium Box Aquarium Tank
Pros:
- Made from foam – so the side walls will last longer than mesh tanks
- Thick walls mean that the turtle tank can be placed on the ground
- Secure locking system
- Includes a basking ramp for basking
- Vented lid design to prevent accidents
- Keeps high humidity levels
- Tough and sturdy enough to withstand minor falls
- Fits in well with any decor
Cons:
- The lights and fan are not that great
- Accessories need replacement after some time
- Takes a little time for turtles to get accustomed to the environment
A turtle tank is very similar to an aquarium and this one is specifically designed for turtles and tortoises. The best thing about this turtle tank is that it provides your pet with sufficient space to move around and bask.
The tank includes a basking ramp which will allow your turtle to take pleasure in basking. It’s only 14 inches high, so make sure that you clean all waste before placing your pet back in the tank.
The locking mechanism used for the inside of the turtle tank is made from a durable plastic. The exterior also comes with a metal lid that’s very easy to clean.
23. Aqua Culture 10 Gallon Reptile Kit
Pros:
- Watertight tank, perfect for turtles
- A versatile kit for reptiles up to 10 gallons
- Manufactured from high-quality materials for added durability
- A stylish yet practical design
- Easy to maintain, and easy to clean
- It can be used for aquatic or dry habitats
- Can be used for turtle swimming pools
- Easy to use and install
- Easy to screen for proper turtle habitats
- It can be used as a terrarium for bearded dragons, frog terrariums, salamander terrariums, amphibians and reptiles.
Cons:
- Some pets or turtles can�t fit so make sure to measure first.
- This tank is not able to be a watertight tank � it is a water tight tank for some turtles. This tank works with American Cooters, Sulcata, soft shells, map turtles, red-eared turtles, Chests, and mud turtles. Not all turtles can fit in this tank so make sure to measure your turtle first.
- Over time some reptiles and pets can escape from this tank, but it�s not likely to happen.
24. Zilla Premium Rimless Aquatic Turtle Habitat Kit
Whether you’re setting up a permanent aquarium or a temporary habitat, the Zilla’s Premium habitat kit is an excellent choice. It’s absolutely perfect of turtles weighing 20 or more pounds. It’s designed for freshwater turtles. So if you’re planning to set up a saltwater aquarium, this isn’t for you.
The kit comes with everything you need to set up a beautiful aquarium habitat for you turtle, except the filtration system. It comes with: five-gallon tank, hood, glass cover, water filter adapter, water heater, salt water pipette, power cord, a filter cartridge, LED moon light, hood clamp, and mounting accessories.
The freshwater turtle tank can hold up to 20-gallons of water and supporting up to five bulbs with a total of 180 watts. This allows you to create a warm and vibrant aquarium atmosphere.
25. Reptile Habitat Setup Aquarium Tank Kit Filter Screen Lid Bask Lamp Turtle & E Book by STSSLTD
Pros:
- This is an all-in-one kit, it has everything you need in getting the tank set up … everything you need except for the tank
- It comes with everything you need for a healthy turtle habitat
- Includes a lamp, basking platform, filter, and more
- This temperature and humidity controlled kit can effectively provide your turtle with a healthy, comfortable habitat
- It’s designed in a compact way, so that you don’t need much space
Cons:
- It’s not adjustable
- This is a basic kit, it lacks some of the luxuries that some of the other kits provide
- No instructions
- The tank cleans easily and holds up to 2 gallons of water.
- The lamp can be used to warm the habitat
26. Aqueon Tank Breeder Black 36X18X16 40gal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do turtle tanks need a filter?
You should have a biological filter (bio-wheel, bio-balls, live plants) to cycle your tank and remove ammonia from your turtle's waste. You should have a mechanical filter (air pump and carbon media) to keep the tank clean and remove excess nutrients. And you should have an ultraviolet sterilizer to eliminate algae and decreases the chance of disease transmission.
The air pump should also circulate the water and keep the turtle's shells clean.
What size tank does an aquatic turtle need?
Aquatic turtles are some of the hardest turtles to care for as they are actually turtles that spend a large portion of their time in water. Aquatic turtles come in many sizes and breeds such as red-eared sliders, box turtles, and red eared turtles. Which is why it’s important when picking out a tank, to pick one that’s specifically for aquatic turtles.
If you’re not sure of the exact type of aquatic turtle you have, or what of type of aquatic turtle you’re looking for, we recommend going to your local pet store where a professional will be able to help you determine the right tank size for your new aquatic turtle.
Do turtles only get as big as their tank?
You might assume that. But water turtles grow up to three times the size of their tanks.
What is the best heater for a turtle tank?
Because turtles are cold-blooded, heat is one of the most important factors that need to be addressed for optimum turtle habitat. According to turtle keeper sites, a basking space of about 80-90 degrees is best, and an overall temperature of 75-80 degrees, so finding the right equipment to achieve this is essential for the health of your pet.
I suggest the Exo Terra Turtle Heater.
The Exo Terra Turtle Heater offers a level of control and customization not seen in turtle heaters before. You can choose to heat a particular area of the tank, or you can opt for a full-tank heater. If you want to avoid setting the temperature for a given time, the turtle heater’s warming system will maintain that temperature automatically.
This makes it not only easy to figure out what the right temperature needs to be, but also to heat the entire tank at once when you want to.
Conclusion
In this day and age, keeping pets in your home is an accepted household practice. This practice is actively encouraged by the owners of pet shops and dealers as it has an added advantage of diversifying their products and bringing in more customers to their pet shops. So the pet shops owners encourage customers to purchase various types of pets and also tend to advise the customers about the luxurious lifestyle of pets even though they are just a few days old.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Exo Terra All Glass Terrarium Kit | Best Overall | |
| Turtle Tank Aquarium,Reptile Habitat,Turtle Habitat Terrapin Lake Reptile Aquarium Tank | Budget Pick | |
| Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium LED | Upgrade Pick | |