We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 4 Best Turtle Tanks, According to an Aquatic Veterinarian By Jessie Sanders Jessie Sanders Jessie Sanders, DVM, DABVP (Fish Practice), is an accomplished aquatic veterinary medicine expert with nearly two decades of experience working with private patients and aquaculture facilities. She owns Aquatic Veterinary Services and specilaizes in fish surgery. Dr. Sanders was one of the first Certified Aquatic Veterinarians through the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 01/15/25 In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews What to Look For FAQ Why Trust The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets / Amelia Manley I’ve taken care of many species of turtles as an all-aquarium veterinarian. Like our fish pets, a clean and enriching environment goes a long way, whether aquatic or terrestrial, in keeping turtles happy and healthy—and they can be very messy. Be prepared to clean your turtle tank regularly. In addition to a good enclosure, don’t forget to stock up on healthy turtle foods! Top Picks Best Overall: Tetra 55 Gallon Rectangular Fish Tank at Amazon $266 Jump to Review Best Kit: Tetrafauna Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Aquarium Kit at Amazon $195 Jump to Review Best Terrestrial Turtle Tank: REPTI ZOO Reptile Terrarium at Amazon $281 Jump to Review Popular on Reddit: Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium Tank 75 Gallon at Petco Jump to Review Best Basking Platform: SALE LaBrinx Designs Narrow Hanging Turtle Ramp at Amazon $50 $40 Jump to Review Best Filter: Fluval Performance Canister Filter at Amazon $149 Jump to Review Best Overall Tetra 55 Gallon Rectangular Fish Tank Credit: Amazon $266 at Amazon What We Like Easy to customize High volume capacities for easy maintenance Useful for connecting accessories and components What We Don't Like No other equipment provided with tank When it comes to a solid turtle tank, you really don’t have to go that fancy, which makes the Tetra Glass Aquarium a great choice—we recommend the 55-gallon model for most turtle environments. What is critical to the health and happiness of your turtle is a clean aquatic environment, and the more water you have, the easier that is to maintain. This tank allows you to start from scratch and customize your turtle’s habitat to whatever you and your turtle desire. Start with some large rocks to provide lift for a basking spot above the water line. Then, add in some flat rocks with a heating element at one end, so your turtle can get dry, but doesn’t have to be roasting all the time. Stack up some rocks to provide an entrance to the water and maybe a ramp if your turtle is small. And don’t forget the filter! Dimensions: 48 x 13 x 20 inches | Materials: Glass, metal, steel Best Kit Tetrafauna Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Aquarium Kit Credit: Amazon $195 at Amazon View on Chewy View on Tetra-fish.com What We Like Includes light, heating, decor, and filter Simple setup 20-gallon tank What We Don't Like Not ideal for more than one turtle If you need a turtle tank in a pinch on a tight budget, consider the Tetrafauna Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Aquarium Kit. This kit includes everything you need to get started with an aquatic turtle, but the 20-gallon tank is best suited for only one occupant. The affordable kit includes almost everything you need: a tank with a lid, lights and heating lamps, decor, and even a small filter. Dimensions: 33.93 x 15.81 x 17.69 inches | Materials: Glass Best Terrestrial Turtle Tank REPTI ZOO Reptile Terrarium Credit: Amazon $281 at Amazon View on Chewy What We Like Lots of space for turtles Special access for accessories Easy to maintain damp environment What We Don't Like Assembly required Looking for a home for your non-aquatic turtle? Then you should consider the REPTI ZOO line of terrariums, specifically the 67-gallon option. This terrarium is specifically designed for reptiles, featuring multiple ventilation options and side access for heaters and thermometers, and can be kept slightly moist depending on your turtle species. Larger systems allow for a more diverse environment with dry and wet elements and multiple heating options. This can also be of great benefit if you are keeping multiple turtles in a tank. Dimensions: 48 x 18 x 18 inches | Materials: Glass, metal Popular on Reddit Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium Tank 75 Gallon Credit: Petco View on Petco What We Like Thick, sturdy glass construction Seamlessly sealed silicone edges Easy to clean What We Don't Like Requires a substantial base to support its heavy weight and keep it level We like that this tank is made of thick glass with seamless sealed silicone edges for a sleek, minimalist look. The open-top construction makes it easy to clean. Plus, Reddit users on the turtle forum agree that Aqueon aquarium tanks are a solid option for those seeking an affordable, well-built, no-frills tank, with one remarking, "You can't go wrong with any of them." Most commenters have owned one or more Aqueon tanks for a while and none have experienced any issues, though one recommends having a "a really good stand" since the 75-gallon tank weighs "about 600 pounds so you [can't] just throw in on any old piece of furniture." In addition to providing adequate support, a substantial base will also keep the tank level, which can prevent warping or sagging that can result in leaking or collapse. Dimensions: 49 x 21.25 x 19.5 inches | Materials: Glass Best Basking Platform LaBrinx Designs Narrow Hanging Turtle Ramp Credit: Amazon $50 $40 at Amazon What We Like Sturdy attachment Various sizes available Easy for turtles to climb out What We Don't Like Harder to clean There are many cheaper options than the LaBrinx Hanging Turtle Ramp available, but when it comes to providing your turtle with a safe basking area, stability is key, which you really can’t get with the cheaper, suction-only options. Since it is clear, it won’t interfere with the aesthetic of the tank, and it comes in a variety of sizes. Dimensions: 14 x 7 x 11 inches (narrow) | Materials: Acrylic Best Filter Fluval Performance Canister Filter Credit: Amazon $149 at Amazon $170 $153 at Petco $160 $153 at PetSmart What We Like Range of sizes available Reliable Easy to clean Primer included What We Don't Like Difficult for beginners Hard to see if it is dirty The Fluval Performance Canister Filter line is one of the best on the market for both fish and turtle tanks. It has a high-volume capacity and is very easy to clean, though it can be a little difficult for beginners to get the hang of using. However, it has a priming feature that makes setup and cleaning easy—just be sure to check it regularly to ensure not too much waste is clogging your filter. All aquatic turtle tanks must have a filter, so when choosing a filter, do not go small. Also, most aquarium filters made for fish tanks can easily be used for your turtle tank but expect them to get a little bit messier. Turtles make a lot of waste that can easily foul up their water and make them sick—be prepared to clean the filter regularly. Dimensions: 7.09 x 7.48 x 16.54 inches | Materials: Plastic, carbon, biomax, biofoam Final Verdict When it comes to selecting a new tank or enclosure for your turtle, bigger is better, making our top choice, the Tetra 55-Gallon Aquarium, an excellent pick. From there, you can customize the most awesome habitat for your turtle, including a high-efficiency filter and sturdy dock. If you’d rather get everything up and running at once, then the Tetrafauna Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Aquarium Kit is the right one for you. What to Look For in Turtle Tanks Size When it comes to turtle tanks, the bigger the better. Aquatic turtles may start small but can grow up to 12 inches long and live 20 to 30 years, so they deserve lots of room to swim and bask as they choose. A good rule of thumb is to allow 10 gallons of tank space for each inch of a turtle's shell. Most adult turtles need a tank between 90 and 120 gallons. Turtles make a ton of waste which will often foul up the water, so keep on top of maintenance. If you keep more than one turtle, you should start looking at a small pond to keep them happy. Swimming Area Devote most of your aquatic turtle's space to water deep enough to swim, but provide options for coming out occasionally and getting dry. Having some shallower areas where your turtles can stay wet but still have their feet touch the ground is also a good idea. Lighting Like other reptiles, turtles need UV-B rays to stay healthy. Not just any old light or heater will do! Plan on one light to provide normal day and night hours, including your full UV spectrum, and another element to provide heat across half of the basking space. Accessories The most important accessories for a turtle tank are a filter, heater, light, and basking space. A basking space is an area for a turtle to come out of the water entirely and dry off, usually accomplished by a heating element. FAQ How do you clean a turtle tank? Turtle tanks are cleaned very similarly to any other aquarium. You do not need to remove your turtle for cleaning, but they may get in the way, so it is okay to remove them temporarily. Be sure to keep them contained so they don’t get into trouble while you are cleaning.Here are some common cleaning tasks:Water change using siphonSiphon or scoop all wasteClean the sides of the tankRinse filter in waste tank waterCheck all electronic equipmentScrub decor outside of the tank What size tank do you need for a baby turtle? Baby or juvenile turtle sizes will vary greatly by species, but just because you have a young turtle does not mean you get to keep them in a smaller space! You could have your turtle for a few decades, so set them up for success early and don’t skimp on space. Whatever you need for an adult turtle, that’s the same that your baby gets, no exceptions. How do you determine the amount of land vs. water to provide for a turtle in a tank? At least half of your turtle's tank should be devoted to deep water swimming, while the other half should be split evenly between shallow water and space for basking and completely drying off. Can a turtle share a tank with another turtle? Yes, provided they are of the same or compatible species. However, there are several factors to consider before putting two turtles in the same habitat, including size, gender, and age. For example, male turtles can be aggressive during mating season. Also, keep in mind that all aquatic turtles are territorial. Why Trust The Spruce Pets With over 10 years of experience as an aquatic veterinarian, Jessie Sanders DVM, CertAqV, has seen it all when it comes to aquarium setups. She has extensive experience with a wide variety of aquarium products and how they directly impact the health of the environment and inhabitants. Dr. Sanders worked in a major aquarium, assisting in the care of fish, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians. She has hands-on experience with many turtle species and has built several aquatic turtle habitats Dr. Sanders also provides guidance and product recommendations for the best saltwater filters, aquarium heaters, fish tanks, light kits, powerheads, and more. The 9 Best Small Fish Tanks of 2026 Explore more: What to Buy Aquarium Reviews