The Perfect Turtle Tank: Substrate And Decor For Your Pet

Setting up a turtle tank is no easy task. One of the most important things to consider is what goes at the bottom of the tank. This is called the substrate. Substrate is not necessary, but it can provide your turtle with enrichment and make the tank more visually appealing. If you decide to include a substrate, it is important to make sure that it is too large for your turtle to ingest. Gravel is a popular choice for substrate, as it allows water to pass freely around it and provides oxygenated water to beneficial bacteria that break down waste products. Sand can also be used, but it requires more maintenance as it can restrict water flow and create dead areas of no oxygen in the aquarium. It is also important to avoid coloured gravel, as turtles may mistake it for food.

Gravel

However, gravel has some disadvantages when used in a turtle tank. Turtles may mistake the gravel for food and swallow it, which can lead to serious health issues and even death. Additionally, gravel often contains calcium, which can cause pyramiding in turtles if consumed in excess.

When choosing gravel for a turtle tank, it is important to select smooth river stones that are larger than the turtle's head to prevent ingestion. It is also crucial to provide only a thin layer of gravel, between 1 and 3 inches, to avoid trapping waste and debris, which can slowly pollute the tank water.

Some turtle owners choose to forgo using a substrate altogether, as it is not a requirement for a pet turtle. A bare tank bottom is easier to clean and maintain, and turtles do not require substrate to thrive. Ultimately, the decision to use gravel or another type of substrate in a turtle tank depends on the owner's preferences and the specific needs of their turtle.

Sand

However, there are some drawbacks to using sand. It requires great caution when cleaning, as it is light and can be sucked away by the siphon if you get too close. Sand can also clog filters and cause digestive tract impactions if ingested. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the sand is thoroughly washed before being added to the tank and to use a filter with mechanical, biological, and chemical media to effectively remove waste.

When adding sand to a turtle tank, it is recommended to wash the sand until the water runs clear. This can be done by placing small amounts of sand in a bucket of water and repeatedly changing the water. Alternatively, a hose can be used to wash the sand until the water runs clear. Once the sand is clean, it can be added to the tank, and water can be poured over a plate to prevent the sand from moving and creating gaps or holes. After filling the tank with water, it is best to let the sand settle for 12 to 24 hours before turning on the filter.

While sand can be added to a turtle tank after the water has been filled, it is important to take precautions to avoid clouding the water. One method is to slowly submerge small containers of clean sand and dump them at the bottom of the tank, removing the amount of water that the sand will replace. This process may still cloud the water, but it will eventually settle.

In conclusion, sand can be a suitable substrate for a turtle tank if properly cleaned and maintained. It offers advantages such as ease of cleaning and a variety of colour options. However, it is important to be cautious when cleaning and to ensure the sand does not cause issues with filters or the turtle's digestion.

Pebbles

The most effective gravel bed for turtles is a one-inch layer of natural pea gravel of a medium grade (approximately 1/4-inch size). This size of pebble allows water to pass freely around it, providing oxygenated water to the bacteria. A gravel bed smaller than this will restrict water flow, as will a bed deeper than one inch. Caution should be used when using fine sand, as it allows minimal water flow and can create "dead areas" of no oxygen in the aquarium where non-beneficial bacteria can develop. If fine sand is used, it should be turned frequently to eliminate these dead spots.

It is important to completely rinse the substrate to remove any silt or debris before adding it to the aquarium. It is also recommended to avoid coloured gravel, as turtles may mistake it for a food source. An even layer about one inch thick should be placed at the bottom of the aquarium, and it is important to vacuum the substrate during monthly water changes to keep it clean.

While it is possible for turtles to ingest small amounts of substrate while feeding and foraging in nature, it is extremely unlikely that this would be an issue in a captive aquarium. However, to reduce the risk, it is important to choose a substrate that is too large for the turtle to ingest.

Fluorite clay

Benefits of Fluorite Clay

• Fluorite clay is good for the life of the aquarium and need not be replaced.
• It is available in various colours, including black and red, and can be used to create an appealing and natural-looking tank.
• It is heavy enough not to be sucked up by a siphon.
• It is big enough to prevent ingestion by turtles, reducing the risk of stomach blockages or impaction.
• It provides a great channel for plant roots and is rich in nutrients, making it ideal for planted tanks.

Considerations when using Fluorite Clay

• It may become dusty in transit and require rinsing before use to remove any residual dust.
• It may cause initial cloudiness when adding water to the tank, which can be removed with mechanical filtration.
• It may require regular filter cleaning or replacement as it can cause filter cartridges/floss to clog.
• It is more challenging to clean than larger substrates like river rocks and pebbles due to its fine particle size.

Crushed coral

Overall, crushed coral is a safe and effective substrate option for turtle tanks. It can help regulate pH levels, is easy to maintain, and provides an aesthetically pleasing environment for your turtle.

Frequently asked questions