Tank Size For Map Turtles: How Big Is Big Enough?

Map turtles are semi-aquatic and require a tank with both land and water areas. The size of the tank depends on the turtle's length, with a general rule of thumb being that a turtle needs at least 10 gallons of tank volume for every inch of shell length. For example, a 4-inch turtle should be provided with a 40-gallon tank. The depth of the tank should be more than its width to allow the turtle to flip itself over if it turns upside down. The tank should also be tall enough to provide space for the turtle to swim. A ramp and dock should be used to ensure the turtle can get out of the water and bask.

Tank size

The size of the tank you will need for your map turtle depends on several factors, including the turtle's size, species, and whether you are housing one or more turtles together.

A general rule of thumb is to provide at least 10 gallons of water per inch of the turtle's shell length. So, for a turtle that is 4 inches long, you would need a 40-gallon tank. It is also recommended to have the tank be 10%-20% bigger than the needed water volume to account for substrate, decorations, and the basking area. Additionally, the depth of the tank should be more than its width to allow the turtle to flip itself over if it gets stuck on its back.

The tank size will also depend on the species of map turtle you have, as different species have different adult sizes. For example, the common musk turtle only grows up to 5 inches, so a 50-gallon tank would be suitable. On the other hand, the Cagle's Map Turtle can reach up to 10-12 inches in length for females and 4-5 inches for males, so a larger tank would be required.

If you plan on housing more than one turtle in the same enclosure, you will need to increase the tank size accordingly. As a general rule, for each additional turtle, size the tank according to the first turtle and then add half of the original tank capacity. So, for two turtles, you would need a tank that is one and a half times the size of the recommended tank for a single turtle.

Other Considerations

When choosing a tank, it is important to select one made of sturdy materials that can withstand the weight of the water. Avoid using thin-glass reptile tanks, as these can break under the pressure. Instead, opt for a glass tank with sides that are at least 10 mm (0.4 inches) thick. Additionally, choose a tank that is deeper than it is wide to provide ample swimming space for your turtle.

Water temperature

For young and adult map turtles, the ideal water temperature is between 72 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 24 degrees Celsius). This range provides a comfortable environment for the turtles to swim and carry out their daily activities. However, for hatchlings and juvenile map turtles, the water temperature should be slightly higher, ranging from 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 27 degrees Celsius). This higher temperature is necessary to support the development of the younger turtles.

To maintain the desired water temperature, the use of a tank heater is essential. Submersible aquarium heaters are recommended for map turtle enclosures. When choosing a heater, consider the size of the enclosure and select a heater with sufficient power to maintain the temperature. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the heater is thermo-resistant and does not have a glass coating to prevent any accidents.

Regular monitoring of water temperature is crucial to ensure the health and comfort of map turtles. A constant temperature of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 27 degrees Celsius) should be maintained day and night. To achieve this, a water heater can be used, and the general guideline is that 1 Watt of power is required to heat 1 litre of water. For larger enclosures, consider using multiple heaters to distribute heat evenly.

In addition to temperature control, water maintenance also involves keeping the water clean and well-filtered. Map turtles produce a significant amount of waste, and their enclosures can become dirty quickly. A good quality filter is essential to remove waste and maintain water quality. Change the water regularly, following a schedule based on the size of the tank and the number of turtles.

By paying close attention to water temperature and maintaining a clean and well-filtered environment, you can provide your map turtles with a healthy and comfortable living space. Remember that even slight deviations from the optimal temperature range can impact the health of these sensitive creatures.

Lighting

For turtles kept indoors, sunlight is not a viable UV light source, and artificial UVA/UVB lamps are necessary. These lamps should be placed near the basking area, where the turtle can absorb the UV light and warm up. The basking area should be kept at a temperature of around 80oF (26.6oC) and provide sufficient UV light.

The lights should be on for 10 to 14 hours each day, followed by 10 to 14 hours of darkness. You can use a timer to automate this process.

It is important to note that direct sunlight can quickly increase the temperature within the tank to dangerous levels, so the tank should be placed out of direct sunlight.

In addition to UVA and UVB light, map turtles also require heat. Heating bulbs or lamps can be used to provide warmth, and these should be placed above the basking area, maintaining a temperature gradient so that the turtle can move between warmer and cooler areas as needed.

Mercury vapour bulbs can be used to provide both heat and UV light, but they consume more energy than standard heating or UV bulbs, which can increase electricity costs.

Overall, providing the correct lighting and temperature conditions is crucial for the health and well-being of map turtles, ensuring they can regulate their body temperature, synthesize vitamin D3, and maintain healthy shell and bone growth.

Filtration

When choosing a filter for a map turtle tank, it is essential to select one that is designed for a larger tank. Turtles produce more waste than fish, and their tanks require more powerful filters. Canister filters, also known as external filters, are highly recommended due to their higher gallons-per-hour rates and superior filtration performance. Submersible filters, on the other hand, should only be used for smaller tanks housing juvenile or hatchling turtles.

For a 55-gallon tank, a canister filter marked for a 100-gallon aquarium would be ideal. The Penn Plax Cascade 1000 Canister Filter is a popular choice, with a filtration rate of 265 gallons per hour and three media baskets. Another powerful option is the Marineland Penguin Power Filter, a hang-on-back (HOB) filter with a flow rate of 350 GPH and mechanical, chemical, and biological aquarium filtration.

Bio water filters are specifically recommended for map turtle enclosures. It is important to choose a large filter that can cover the entire enclosure and run it continuously. Regular cleaning of the filter, at least once every two weeks, is essential to maintain optimal performance.

In addition to a good filtration system, maintaining high oxygen levels in the water is crucial for map turtles. They thrive in clear, fast-flowing rivers in the wild, so adding an airstone or similar device to increase water oxygenation is beneficial.

To ensure the health and well-being of your map turtles, investing in a high-quality filtration system and maintaining high water oxygen levels are of utmost importance.

Tank decoration

The most important decoration in a turtle enclosure is the basking area. It should be large enough for the turtle to turn around in and should always be in line with the water level to ensure the turtle can get out easily. Floating docks are available that will reposition to match the water level. A good basking area will also include a ramp for the turtle to make it easier to climb.

Artificial plants are a great way to provide cover underwater and add colour to the enclosure. Those with weighted bottoms can be fully submerged, while light plastic decorations can be left to float on top. Giving turtles partial cover and a mixture of weighted and floating decorations provide great enrichment and help the turtle feel secure.

Large pebbles, coated gravel, or riverbed sand can be used to line the bottom of the enclosure. It is advisable to clean any substrate before placing it into the enclosure. The substrate should be left to settle before the equipment is turned back on and the turtles are put in.

Avoid anything with sharp edges, and if the things make space less for swimming, do not put that in the habitat.

Plants and other decorations are not important to the turtle's survival. However, they do give the tank a nice appearance. Logs, smooth rocks, and caves provide hiding spots for the turtle. Just ensure that the turtle has a lot of empty space to swim and bask in.

Frequently asked questions