The Turtle Tank Size Calculator is a valuable tool that helps pet owners determine the appropriate enclosure size based on the size and number of their turtles.
A 120-gallon tank is an excellent choice for housing larger turtle species, such as red-eared sliders, painted turtles, or even some small to medium-sized aquatic turtles.
- The tank should be at least 6 feet long, 2-3 feet wide, and 12-18 inches deep. This provides ample swimming space and a proper water depth.
- Make sure the tank is structurally sound and can support the weight of 120+ gallons of water, which can exceed 1,000 lbs.
Turtle Tank Size Calculator
| Shell Length | Minimum Tank Size |
|---|---|
| 2 inches | 20 gallons |
| 3 inches | 30 gallons |
| 4 inches | 40 gallons |
| 5 inches | 50 gallons |
| 6 inches | 60 gallons |
| 7 inches | 70 gallons |
| 8 inches | 80 gallons |
| 9 inches | 90 gallons |
| 10 inches | 100 gallons |
| 11 inches | 110 gallons |
| 12 inches | 120 gallons |
| 13 inches | 130 gallons |
| 14 inches | 140 gallons |
| 15 inches | 150 gallons |
Turtle Tank Size Chart
| Turtle Type | Shell Length | Minimum Tank Size (gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| Red-eared Slider | 2 inches | 20 gallons |
| 4 inches | 40 gallons | |
| 6 inches | 60 gallons | |
| 8 inches | 80 gallons | |
| 10 inches | 100 gallons | |
| Painted Turtle | 2 inches | 20 gallons |
| 4 inches | 40 gallons | |
| 6 inches | 60 gallons | |
| 8 inches | 80 gallons | |
| 10 inches | 100 gallons | |
| Map Turtle | 4 inches | 40 gallons |
| 6 inches | 60 gallons | |
| 8 inches | 80 gallons | |
| 10 inches | 100 gallons | |
| 12 inches | 120 gallons | |
| Musk Turtle | 2 inches | 20 gallons |
| 4 inches | 40 gallons | |
| 6 inches | 60 gallons | |
| Mud Turtle | 2 inches | 20 gallons |
| 4 inches | 40 gallons | |
| 6 inches | 60 gallons |
Turtle Tank Size Formula
Minimum Tank Size (gallons) = Turtle Shell Length (inches) × 10For a red-eared slider turtle with a shell length of 6 inches, the minimum tank size required would be:
Minimum Tank Size = 6 inches × 10 = 60 gallonsWhat size tank does my turtle need?
As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to provide about 10 gallons of water per inch of the turtle’s shell length. So a 6-inch turtle would need a minimum 60-gallon tank.
Species-Specific Minimums:
- Red-Eared Sliders: These turtles can grow 8-11 inches long, so they require a tank of at least 100 gallons.
- Common Musk Turtles: These smaller turtles, which reach around 5 inches, need a 50-gallon tank minimum.
- Larger Species: Some turtles, like the Sulcata tortoise, can reach up to 30 inches and need very large tanks exceeding 200 gallons.
Turtles need a dry basking area that takes up 25-50% of the total tank space, depending on the species’ preferences.
Turtles do better in longer, wider tanks that provide more horizontal swimming space, rather than tall, narrow tanks.
How many turtles can fit in a 40-gallon tank?
As a general guideline, a 40-gallon tank can typically accommodate:
- 1 adult red-eared slider or painted turtle with a shell length of 4 inches or less
- 2 juvenile red-eared slider or painted turtles with a shell length of 3 inches or less
- 1 adult musk or mud turtle with a shell length of 4 inches or less
- 2-3 juvenile musk or mud turtles with a shell length of 3 inches or less
Overcrowding can lead to stress, aggression, and health issues for the turtles.
Is 20 gallons enough for a turtle?
A 20-gallon tank is generally considered the minimum tank size for a single turtle with a shell length of 2 inches or less. This tank size is only suitable for very small turtles and may become cramped as the turtle grows.
How much space do 2 turtles need?
When keeping two turtles, it’s recommended to provide a tank size of at least 60 gallons to ensure they have enough space to move around, swim, and bask comfortably. This tank size allows for ample space and helps prevent overcrowding, which can lead to stress, aggression, and potential health issues.
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