Are you thinking about getting a turtle and wondering which tank will work best for your pet? There are several options available when it comes to turtle tanks and terrariums, and the choices can be overwhelming. In this article, we have compiled our reviews of some of the best turtle tanks you can buy. In each review, we break down the tank specs, including the tank’s dimensions, size in gallons, and materials. Check out our buyer’s guide for more information about what to look out for when choosing a tank for your turtle. Our guide will help you understand what your options are, and hopefully, you will be able to find the right turtle tank for your home.
A Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Rating
Image
Product
Details
Best Overall
Tetrafauna Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Aquarium Kit
Decorative filtration system and other accessories included
Decorative ReptoFilter, screen top, heat lamps, samples of food sticks, and water conditioner
After reviewing several turtle tanks, we think the Tetrafauna Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Aquarium Kit is the best overall turtle tank on the market. Why? For one thing, it comes with useful accessories that you will need to create your turtle’s habitat, including a screen top, heat lamps, and a decorative filtration system. Because the tank is made of plastic, it is durable and should last you and your turtle a long time. However, if you have multiple turtles, it may not be for you; at only 20 gallons, it is only appropriate for the smallest species or young turtles.
Pros
Decorative filtration system and other accessories included
Made with durable and lightweight plastic
Compact size
Cons
Not suitable for larger species
Filter is not extremely efficient
2. Zilla Premium Rimless Aquatic Turtle Habitat Kit, 20 Gallon Long – Best Value
Screen cover, UVB light fixture, fluorescent and halogen bulbs, basking platform, and water conditioner
If you are looking for a tank that comes with accessories like the Tetrafauna tank, but want something at a lower price, consider the Zilla Premium Rimless Aquatic Turtle Habitat Kit. We think this is the best turtle tank for the money. The 20-gallon tank comes with many of the same accessories as our top pick, including a screen cover, UVB light fixture and light bulbs, and even a basking platform.
However, you should know that the quality of the tank will be lower overall, given the lower price. Some customers say that the filter does not pump at a high enough rate for the amount of water in the tank, causing it to get dirty quickly. If you are looking for a solid starter kit and don’t mind replacing some of the individual items in the tank down the road, however, the Zilla tank is probably the one for you.
Pros
Comes with several accessories
Designed specifically for turtles
Good value
Cons
Not good for larger species
Water gets cloudy quickly
3. SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set – Premium Choice
If you are willing to shell out a little bit more money for a high-quality tank, you might want to consider this product. The SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set is a sleek tank that comes in three colors: cobalt blue, black, and clear. While it doesn’t come with some of the accessories that come with the previous two tanks, at 50 gallons, it is much larger than many tanks on the market. As a result, it is a great choice if you have multiple turtles or simply want a tank with more room for your shelled companion to roam around.
The SeaClear tank comes with an electrical light fixture, which will make it easy for you to watch your turtle at all times of the day. However, it was designed for fish, not for turtles, so you will likely still need to purchase UVB light bulbs separately so that your turtles can bask.
Pros
Good for multiple turtles
Durable acrylic material
Includes a light fixture for viewing your turtles
Cons
Pricey compared to other options
Not necessarily made with turtles in mind
4. Landen Rimless Low Iron Salt Water Aquarium Tank
The Landen Rimless Low Iron Tank comes in multiple sizes. The glass is 8 millimeters thick, but you should have no problem seeing your pet turtle; low-iron glass is much clearer and brighter than traditional glass. Since it does not come with any accessories, this minimalist tank will work best for a turtle owner that wants to construct their turtle’s landscape from scratch. It does not come with a lid; if you want one, you might have a hard time finding something that fits the tank since the dimensions are not standard.
The hallmark of the Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit is that it is versatile for many types of reptiles and amphibians. However, that also means that it is probably not the best setup if you have aquatic turtles. The open-front design would be rendered useless if you were to fill the tank up most of the way with water. It would probably also risk a leak. But the tank works very well for land turtles that tend to need more space.
The top and front entry design allows you to clean the tank easily without sacrificing space for your turtle to roam. Unfortunately, this tank does not come with accessories, but you can find compatible accessories, also by Exo Terra.
Pros
Front opening doors and top opening make turtles easy to access
Waterproof bottom
Cons
Exo Terra makes compatible accessories, but they are sold separately
Pricey for what you get
Not good for aquatic turtles that need a lot of water
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Turtle Tank
Things to Consider When Buying a Turtle Tank
Buying a turtle tank might seem straightforward, but there are several factors you should consider when shopping for a tank. In this buyer’s guide, we will break down the following aspects of turtle tanks: the tank size, materials, and additional tank components.
Tank Size
A tank that is the right size for your turtle on the day you bring it home may not be the right size in a few years. Before you purchase your turtle’s tank, you need to understand how big your turtle’s species become on average. Of course, you can always buy a smaller tank and then upgrade your turtle to a larger enclosure as it grows, but you need to be aware that you might be investing in another tank down the road if you choose this option.
If you have more than one turtle, your tank will need to be larger than that of a single turtle. Add at least half the space for one turtle to figure out which tank is appropriate for two turtles. For example, if you have one turtle in a 40-gallon tank, a tank housing two turtles should be at least 60 gallons large.
Materials and Durability
When you consider that turtles can live for decades, it makes sense that you should consider the durability of a turtle tank before you make your purchase. Some common turtle tank materials are glass, plastic, acrylic, or rubber. If cost is a concern, plastic tanks are likely to be more inexpensive than glass options. Plastic, acrylic, or rubber tanks or tubs can also last longer than glass tanks, as they can withstand more wear and tear.
Image Credit: Megan Czarnocki, Shutterstock
Additional Tank Components
Besides the tank itself, there are some other components you should consider when purchasing a turtle tank. You should be thinking about buying your turtle a water filter and a UV light bulb or another heating option. Can you easily attach these items to the tank you are considering? If the answer is no, you may want to look for a different tank that will be able to suit your needs. Also, keep your tank’s dimensions in mind if you plan to purchase a lid for the tank.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive tank that will also provide you with just about all of the accessories your turtle will need, we think the Tetrafauna Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Aquarium is the best overall option. If you’re looking for similar value at a more affordable price, however, we think the Zilla aquarium is another great tank. We know there are several products when it comes to turtle tanks, but we hope that our reviews have helped you better familiarize yourself with your options and ultimately choose the tank that will work for you.
