Turtle Tank Size Calculator
Calculate optimal turtle tank dimensions and aquarium requirements for your pet turtle's health and happiness
Turtle Tank Calculator
Red-eared Slider typically grows to 20-30cm (average: 25cm)
Tank Size Requirements
Tank Status: Good
Good tank size that provides comfortable living space.
Recommended Tank Dimensions
Tank Size (Minimum)
Water & Land Areas
Calculation Details
Standard Formula:
Tank Size = Turtle Length (inches) × 10 gallons × Number of Turtles
Your turtle(s): 9.8" × 1 turtle(s)
Minimum size: 9.8 × 10 × 1 = 99 gallons
Current needs: 5.9" × 10 × 1 = 60 gallons
Recommended: 99 × 1.3 = 129 gallons
Example Tank Calculation
Red-eared Slider Setup
Species: Red-eared Slider (adult size: 25cm / 10 inches)
Tank Type: Aquatic (75% water, 25% basking area)
Number: 1 turtle
Calculation: 10 inches × 10 gallons = 100 gallons minimum
Recommended Setup
Tank Size: 130 gallons (30% larger for comfort)
Dimensions: ~150cm × 75cm × 50cm
Water Depth: 50-75cm (2-3× shell length)
Features: Basking platform, UVB lighting, strong filtration
Common Pet Turtle Species
Red-eared Slider
Eastern Box Turtle
Western Painted Turtle
Mississippi Map Turtle
Wood Turtle
Common Musk Turtle
Tank Setup Essentials
Filtration System
Strong filter rated 2-3× tank volume for turtle waste
UVB Lighting
12 hours daily UVA/UVB for shell and bone health
Basking Area
Dry platform 32-35°C for thermoregulation
Water Heater
Maintain water temperature 24-26°C for most species
Water Quality
Regular water changes and monitoring pH levels
Substrate
Large smooth rocks or bare bottom (avoid small gravel)
Understanding Turtle Tank Requirements
The 10-Gallon Rule
The standard formula for turtle tank sizing is 10 gallons per inch of shell length. This rule ensures turtles have adequate swimming space and water volume for proper filtration.
Why Size Matters
Larger tanks provide better water quality stability, more swimming space, and reduced stress. Turtles in appropriately sized tanks exhibit more natural behaviors and live healthier lives.
Minimum Tank = Shell Length (inches) × 10 gallons
Recommended: Add 30% for optimal comfort
Tank Type Considerations
- •Aquatic turtles: Need mostly water with small basking area
- •Semi-aquatic: Require equal water and land areas
- •Terrestrial: Need large land area with shallow water
Water Depth Guidelines
- Minimum depth: 2× shell length for swimming
- Maximum depth: 3× shell length for comfort
- Access: Easy entry/exit to basking areas
- Young turtles: Shallower water until confident swimmers