7 Best Turtle Tanks in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

They may not be soft and cuddly, but turtles still make fascinating pets. The beautiful reptiles are fun to observe, and some species, like the Red-Eared Slider, can even learn to eat out of their owner’s hand. But before you can bring home a pet turtle, you’ll need the perfect space for them to call their own. To keep a turtle happy, they’ll need a place to swim and should be housed in a waterproof tank.

But which is the right one to choose? To help you decide, we’ve gathered reviews of what we think are the seven best turtle tanks available. In this article, you can examine the tanks’ pros and cons and read our buyer’s guide to help you select the perfect home for your new turtle.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		ReptiZoo Sliding Doors Screen Ventilation Reptile Terrarium	Easy to assemble Lid and lock for safety Sliding doors for easy cleaning	Check Price
Best Value		Tetrafauna Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Aquarium Kit	Designed for turtles Lid included for safety Convenient and cost-effective	Check Price
Premium Choice		ReptiZoo Large Glass Reptile Terrarium	Lid and lock for security Sliding doors for easy cleaning Big enough for multiple turtles	Check Price
		Zilla Premium Rimless Aquatic Turtle Habitat Kit	Unique, rimless design Includes basic accessories Easy access for feeding and cleaning	Check Price
		Landen Rimless Low-Iron Aquarium Tank	Sturdy design Beautiful viewing experience Large enough for most adult turtle species	Check Price

The 7 Best Turtle Tanks 

Our pick for the best overall turtle tank is the ReptiZoo Sliding Doors Screen Ventilation Reptile Terrarium. The tank is big enough to accommodate most adult turtles comfortably, and the waterproof bottom is ideal for a swimming space. The lid and lock allow you to keep your turtle safe while providing ventilation and access to heat and lighting. If you need additional heat support for your turtle, the bottom of this tank is raised to allow space for a heating pad.

The sliding doors allow easy access when it’s time for cleaning. According to customers, the ReptiZoo tank is easy to assemble and sturdy. It doesn’t come with any accessories, and you’ll have to purchase them separately.

Our pick for the best turtle tank for the money is the Tetrafauna Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Aquarium Kit. It’s designed with everything you need to keep your turtle happy and warm. The lid helps keep your turtle safe from curious kids and other pets.

If you are a first-time turtle owner, this might be the tank for you. However, you’ll need to pay attention to the size of your turtle. At just 20 gallons, the Tetrafauna won’t provide enough space for larger reptiles. Users appreciate the convenience of not needing to choose accessories to go with their new tank. However, some mentioned that the accessories are not the best quality and may need upgrading.

If you need space for multiple turtles or want to provide a luxurious habitat for one special reptile, the ReptiZoo Large Glass Reptile Terrarium is ideal. With every side made of beautiful, clear glass, it is perfect for observing your pet. While it doesn’t include any accessories, the ReptiZoo terrarium is designed to accommodate them.

It’s raised to provide space for a heating pad and has a side inlet to contain wires. Sliding doors make cleaning easy, while the lid and lock keep your turtle secure. This tank will take up more space in your home and a bigger chunk out of your bank account than others on the list. Some customers had trouble understanding the assembly instructions.

Another tank to consider as a first-time turtle owner is the Zilla Premium Rimless Aquatic Turtle Habitat Kit. The kit includes the basics you’ll need to get your pet set up and comfortable. Some customers suggest doing additional research to determine which accessories you need because this kit doesn’t have everything for all species.

Zilla’s rimless tank provides easy access for feeding and cleaning. The unique design is stylish, but the open top may not be practical if you need to guard your turtle against curious family members or other pets. Because it’s only 20 gallons, the tank is more suitable for small turtles. However, most pet parents appreciated the value and convenience of Zilla’s aquatic turtle tank kit. 

If you want to create a turtle habitat that doubles as a work of art, look no further than the Landen Rimless Low-Iron Aquarium Tank. The unique glass used for this tank provides a beautifully clear view of your turtle as they swim, especially at night. The sturdy and well-constructed Landen Rimless Aquarium receives overall positive reviews from users, who especially appreciate the beauty and solid design of the tank.

A few customers complained that their tank sustained damage during shipping, which is always a concern for a large aquarium. The Landen tank does not include any accessories, which is disappointing, considering its high price. However, at 50 gallons, the aquarium should be big enough to fit most adult turtle species comfortably.

For turtle keepers who aren’t quite sure which accessories they need for their tank, they can try the Tetra Glass Aquarium. This tank is a straightforward glass model sold without a lid or accessories. However, the brand is one of the oldest and most experienced, with a vast selection of interchangeable accessories you can use to customize your turtle’s habitat.

At 55 gallons, the Tetra tank provides enough space for most adult species or multiple juveniles. Users give the Tetra Aquarium high marks in terms of value for the money. However, some noted that they found slight defects along some of the seals and joints that could spell trouble in the future.

If you’re hesitant to buy a turtle tank because of concerns it could be knocked down and broken, consider the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set. Instead of glass, the tank features walls of clear acrylic. The material is lighter and more resistant to cracking and breaking than glass.

Because of that, the SeaClear Aquarium is a good option for turtle owners with kids, other pets, and busy households. Accidents happen, but this tank can withstand them better than most. The only accessories you’ll find are a light and reflector, so you’ll need to purchase the rest separately. Some customers complained that the top of the tank doesn’t come off, which makes cleaning difficult.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Turtle Tanks

Now that you’ve learned more about the types of turtle tanks available, here are some details to consider as you make your final choice.

Which Size Do You Need?

The tank’s size is probably the most important factor to consider when shopping. The size and species of your turtle will impact how much space you need. Generally, you should provide 10 gallons of capacity per 1 inch of shell length. If you’re keeping multiple turtles, you’ll need even more room for them to spread out. You’ll find tanks ranging from 20 to 120 gallons on our list, and larger models are typically more expensive.

What Is Your Budget?

Tanks and aquariums aren’t the most inexpensive pieces of pet gear, especially at the size most turtles require. However, you’ll still find enough price variation that your budget should factor into your final decision. One point to keep in mind is that unless you purchase a tank kit, you’ll also need to buy additional items to make it habitable for your turtle. And not every tank kit has all the gear you’ll need, either. Don’t blow your budget on the gorgeous Landen tank only to find you’ve nothing left over to provide your turtle heat and UV light.

Security Concerns

If your turtle is sharing a home with kids or other pets, you need a tank with security features to keep them safe. For example, a lid will keep prying cat paws and dog noses out of the turtle’s tank. A lock will prevent curious kids from letting the turtle escape by accident.

Some tanks that come without lids still offer them separately. Finally, if you don’t have the space to keep your turtle tank safely away from the chaos of the household, consider buying an acrylic aquarium. It can withstand more abuse than a glass model.

Conclusion

As our top overall pick, the ReptiZoo Sliding Doors Screen Ventilation Reptile Terrarium offers a blend of security, space, and easy cleaning. Our best value pick, the Tetrafauna Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Aquarium Kit, makes setting up your new turtle tank simple by including all the essentials in one package. Hopefully, our reviews of these seven turtle tanks gave you the information you need to find the best option for your new reptile friend. With the proper care, your turtle can provide several years of entertainment and companionship.

Featured Image Credit: Kantije, Pixabay