Regardless of the turtle tanks’ shape, you will have to calculate its size based upon the mature size of your turtle if you don’t want to have to buy a new tank every year.
Minimum Dimensions For Turtle Tanks
Length: 3-4 times the turtle’s length
Width: 2 times the turtle’s length
Height: 1.5-2 times the turtle’s length, and 8-12 inches above the highest level that the turtle can reach inside the tank so it can’t escape
Note: For every additional turtle, increase the turtle tank’s dimensions by 40-60%
Minimum Water Area For Turtle Tanks
Length: 3-4 times the turtle’s length
Width: 2 times the turtle’s length
Height: 1.5-2 times the turtle’s length
If you plan to add big stones or decorations, you will also have to increase the size of the tank. This will prevent the decorations from obstructing or reducing the swimming area available to the turtle.
Along with water for the swimming area, your turtle tanks will also need land, since turtles are creatures that religiously bask in the sun.
The minimum land area dimension for turtle tanks are 1.5 times the length of the turtle in diameter. The area is not required to be circular, but it should accommodate the diameter of the turtle.
The land area can be created above water level to save space.
After you have calculated the dimensions of the tank, you can calculate the amount of water it may contain. This information will come in handy when you buy filters, heaters, and other equipment for the tank.
To calculate the volume and water content, start by getting the cubic inch volume. Multiply the length, base, and height. Take the height measurement of the water level, not the tank. Measure them in inches. Divide the product by 64 so you can get the liters of water the tank can hold. To get this in gallons, simply divide the liters by 3.6.
You can buy a tank or its components cheap. Basking platforms and dividers cost around $20. The ramp in the tank can cost around $35. A 2-inch stepdown platform, and hole and bulkhead in the bottom of the tank can cost roughly $40.
A tank can be customized in different ways. You can design or ask for a specific size for the tank. You can drill holes, place dividers at varying heights, help with the turtle’s traction by installing glass ramps with silicon beans, add basking platforms, and place metal screen tops where heat lamps and UV lamps can be placed on them.
Turtle tanks are available in lots of glass materials. Regular plate glass is used in modern aquariums. They are also cheaper than the alternatives. Starphire or low-iron glass is more expensive than regular plate glass, but it provides clearer views of colors so you can appreciate the contents of the tank.
Turtle Tanks Tip #1
Remember that turtles are not all alike. Each different species and sub species require different housing, feeding and water needs. Only after you have properly identified your turtle can you create the perfect environment for raising it. Therefore, your first concern should be to clearly identify what species your pet turtle is.
Turtle Tanks Tip #2
Aquatic turtles should be kept in aquariums that have fairly deep water, a basking area, and heat and light sources. Turtles that are mostly terrestrial still need to have some water but should not be kept in aquariums. They will be happier in wide wooden or plastic enclosures that contain the right substrate and a wading dish.
Turtle Tanks Tip #3
Be sure to wash and sterilize anything you pick up from the yard before placing it in the turtle tank. Don’t add any decorations in the tank that are sharp, pointed, or small enough that your turtle could potentially swallow them.