Incorporating turtles into your aquarium adds a distinct charm, creating a unique and captivating experience. Aqua Creations, a producer of luxury custom aquariums in New Jersey and beyond, explores the best options for an aquarium with turtles and the factors you should consider before attempting this.

Understanding the Needs of Aquarium Turtles

Meticulous planning and maintenance is needed to ensure the well-being of turtles in aquariums. This includes special attention to water conditions, tank size, and habitat requirements.

Water Conditions

Turtles thrive in pristine water conditions. This requires regular water changes and consistent monitoring of pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels by qualified aquarium maintenance experts to ensure a healthy environment. Since turtles are also messy eaters and release significantly more waste than fish, the water quality can degrade quickly. This necessitates a strong filtration system for preserving optimal water quality.

Tank Size

We often get asked what size aquarium is suitable for a turtle. The general rule is that turtles need 10 gallons of water per 1 inch of shell. Turtles can get big, so you need to plan ahead for their size as adults. While a young hatchling will be fine in a 20-gallon tank, a fully grown turtle in a tank may need closer to 200-gallons for there to be enough room for swimming and basking. If you’re having multiple turtles in your aquarium, or are adding fish too, you’ll need to increase the size further. An experienced aquarium design team will ensure that the tank size is suitable for the turtles you have chosen.

Habitat Requirements

Creating an aquarium for water turtles involves replicating their natural habitat. Our aquarium installation experts will add a suitable substrate, such as sand or smooth gravel, and incorporate aquatic plants and decor to enrich the space. Features like driftwood, rocks, and floating platforms create a multidimensional environment that keeps turtles physically and mentally stimulated. High-quality lighting that mimics natural daylight cycles, along with a proper heating system, ensures that turtles can regulate their body temperature and receive necessary UV exposure.

Popular Species of Turtle for a Tank

There are various aquarium turtle species available that provide interest and character to an aquatic display:
Find out about red-eared slider turtles in an aquarium with Aqua Creations

Red-Eared Sliders

Red-eared sliders are a favorite among enthusiasts due to their vibrant coloration and adaptability. Here are some of their unique characteristics:
  • These turtles are known for their distinct red markings near their ears
  • They are intelligent creatures
  • They can grow up to 12 inches in length

Musk Turtles

Musk turtles are small, hardy, and less demanding than other species. They are identified by:
  • A compact size – typically under 5 inches
  • A calm demeanor which makes them suitable for a variety of tank setups
  • Their brown shell which helps them camouflage into their surroundings
  • A tendency for walking, rather than swimming, around at the bottom of their tank
Learn about musk turtles in an aquarium with Aqua Creations
Find out all about keeping painted turtles in an aquarium with Aqua Creations

Painted Turtles

Painted turtles are a visually stunning choice with their bright, colorful markings. They are known to:
  • Be active swimmers, requiring ample space to explore
  • Enjoy spending their time basking in the light and require space both in water and on dry land
  • Grow up to 10 inches
  • Possess a friendly disposition

Exotic Choices: Fly River Turtle

For something truly unique, the Fly River turtle offers an exotic option. Here are some of their specifications:
  • They are native to Australia and New Guinea
  • These turtles resemble sea turtles with their flippers and streamlined bodies
  • They require specialized care and larger tanks due to their size and specific needs
Learn about keeping fly river turtles in an aquarium with Aqua Creations

Designing Turtle-Friendly Aquariums

Creating an ideal habitat for aquarium turtles involves thoughtful design and the right materials. This will determine the turtles’ growth and health.

Tank Size, Shape, and Materials

Choosing the right tank is paramount for the well-being of aquarium turtles. Our design team opt for larger, rectangular-shaped tanks to ensure the turtles have ample space to swim and explore, promoting their physical health and reducing stress.
Both acrylic and glass tanks are suitable for providing a clear view from the side. The choice of tank material affects the clarity and overall viewing experience. Additionally, experienced aquarium installers will ensure the aquarium is equipped with a secure lid to prevent turtles from climbing out.

Basking Areas and UVB Lighting

Turtles require dedicated basking areas where they can come out of the water to dry off and absorb UVB light. These areas should be easily accessible and equipped with UVB lamps so that they can get the necessary vitamin D3 to promote healthy shell growth and prevent metabolic bone disease.
Aquarium designers will include several shelves or platforms that can provide various basking spots with different temperatures, allowing the turtles to thermoregulate effectively. The basking area should also be designed to provide a comfortable and secure place for the turtles to rest while they bask.

Aquatic Plants

When designing the waterscape of your aquarium, there are multiple options your aquarium designers will consider. A minimalist design consists of limited decorations and a bare tank bottom. This provides a modern display to enhance your space. However, most turtles need more life than that in their aquarium to mimic their natural environment, allowing them to thrive in their new home.

 

Incorporating aquatic plants into a turtle aquarium provides numerous benefits. Plants enhance the visual appeal and contribute to creating a healthier environment. Turtles interact with plants in various ways, from using them as hiding spots to occasionally nibbling on them. Robust plants are recommended to withstand the turtle’s activities and occasional foraging. Including plants promotes a dynamic and engaging environment that looks lush and natural.

Creating a Harmonious Habitat

Designing a harmonious turtle habitat involves balancing aesthetic appeal with functionality. A well-designed tank will include a mix of swimming areas, basking spots, and hiding places. Using natural-looking decor such as driftwood, rocks, and aquatic plants not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides an all-inclusive habitat for the turtles.

 

Incorporating floating platforms and submerged structures creates multiple levels within the tank, encouraging natural behaviors such as climbing and exploring. An expertly designed habitat keeps turtles physically and mentally stimulated, promoting overall health and well-being.

What Fish Can Live With Turtles in a Tank?

Adding fish to a turtle aquarium can create a more vibrant and dynamic display. However, compatibility is key to ensuring a peaceful coexistence between turtles and fish. Integrating fish into an aquarium can be challenging since turtles might view them as prey. However, species that are larger and faster swimmers, such as Tetras, Barbs, and Danios, are more compatible. These fish are agile and can evade potential threats from turtles, making them better suited for turtle aquariums.
To ensure peaceful coexistence in fish tanks for turtles, you should:
  • Monitor turtle-fish interactions and separate them if any aggressive behavior is shown
  • Incorporate ample hiding spaces for the fish
  • Use a large aquarium
  • Choose a less aggressive species of turtle. At Aqua Creations, we don’t recommend placing the common snapping turtles in an aquarium with fish

Getting Started on Your Aquarium With Turtles

Placing turtles in an aquarium creates a luxurious and engaging experience. Their captivating presence makes them an excellent choice for luxury aquarium setups. Pristine water conditions, spacious tanks, and well-designed habitats are essential to creating an environment where your turtles can thrive. Incorporating multiple turtle species provides a breathtaking aquatic display that is both interesting and visually stunning.


Creating turtle-friendly aquariums requires thoughtful design, including adequate basking areas, UVB lighting, and aquatic plants. Integrating fish into the setup may be tricky, but it enhances the overall display if compatible.


Aqua Creations specializes in custom aquarium setups featuring these fascinating creatures, ensuring a high-quality and personalized aquatic environment. Contact Aqua Creations to discuss your custom aquarium project and discover the endless possibilities for creating a stunning aquarium with turtles.

About the Author

Sol Bick

Sol Bick
Aqua Creations Founder

Aqua Creations founder and self-proclaimed fish addict, Sol Bick is passionate about anything aquatic. With over 50 years of experience as an aquarium hobbyist and professional, Sol never stops plunging into the depths of aquatic science, researching, contributing to, and staying current with the latest technologies.