Ultimate Softshell Turtle Tank Setup—Beginners Always Get This Wrong!

Setting up a softshell turtle tank seems simple—until your turtle starts acting stressed, the water gets murky, or (worst case) your setup puts its health at risk.

Trust me, I’ve been there.

Like many beginners, I made mistakes that could have been easily avoided. But after trial, error, and plenty of research, I’ve cracked the code on the perfect softshell turtle tank setup.

Let’s make sure you don’t make the same mistakes!

Softshell Turtle Tank Set Up: What You’ll Need

Softshell turtles are awesome, but they need a special setup. You can’t just toss them in a regular tank. These little guys are picky about their environment.

Softshell turtles love space. The bigger the tank, the better. I made the mistake of starting with a 20-gallon tank. Rookie move. They need at least 75 gallons (and more as they grow).

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tank (75+ gallons) – Bigger is better
• Strong filter – Keeps water clean
• Water heater – Maintains 75-80°F
• Water conditioner – Removes harmful chemicals
• Fine sand – No gravel, just soft sand
• Basking dock or flat rock – For drying off
• Heat lamp – Keeps basking area 90-95°F
• UVB light – Essential for shell health
• Hiding spots – PVC pipes, driftwood, or caves
• Live or frozen insects – Crickets, worms, shrimp
• Pellets – A good protein mix
• Feeder fish – Small, gut-loaded ones

Set this up right, and your softshell turtle will be thriving!

1. proper tank for softshell turtle

Picking the right tank for a softshell turtle is crucial. These little guys need space—lots of it.

Why Size Matters

Softshell turtles grow fast. A baby might fit in your hand today, but in a year, it’ll need a lot more room. A cramped tank leads to stress, bad health, and, honestly, a grumpy turtle.

Minimum Tank Size Guide

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Turtle Size	Minimum Tank Size
Hatchling (1-2 inches)	20 gallons
4-6 inches	55 gallons
7-12 inches	100 gallons
12+ inches	125+ gallons

If you have more than one turtle, add at least 20 gallons per extra turtle.

Bigger Is Always Better

Softshells love to swim. They’re not the kind to sit on a rock all day. The more space they have, the happier they’ll be.

I once tried keeping a young softshell in a 40-gallon tank. Within months, it was bumping into the glass like a confused little submarine. Upgrading to a 100-gallon made a world of difference.

Depth Matters Too

Softshell turtles love to burrow in the sand at the bottom. A deeper tank lets them do this naturally.

Ideal depth: At least 1.5 times the turtle’s length.

What to Avoid

• Tiny tanks – Your turtle won’t stay small forever.
• Crowded setups – Keep decorations minimal for swimming space.
• Shallow water – Softshells need depth to move freely.

If in doubt, go for the biggest tank you can manage. Your turtle will thank you (in its own silent, adorable way).

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2. Basking Station

A basking station is a warm, cozy spot where reptiles soak up heat and UV rays. Think of it as their personal sunbathing lounge.

Why Do Reptiles Need One?

Reptiles are cold-blooded, meaning they rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature. A good basking station helps them:

• Stay warm – No one likes being cold, not even reptiles.
• Digest food – Heat helps them break down meals properly.
• Stay active – Without warmth, they turn into sluggish couch potatoes.
• Absorb UVB rays – Essential for vitamin D and strong bones.

Setting Up the Perfect Basking Spot

I once tried to skip the basking light for my bearded dragon, thinking room temperature was enough. Spoiler: He sulked in a corner like a grumpy teenager. Lesson learned. Here’s what you need:

• A heat lamp – Aim for 90-110°F, depending on your reptile.
• A UVB light – Crucial for health and growth.
• A comfy basking platform – Rocks, logs, or store-bought basking spots work great.
• A thermometer – Guessing the temperature? Bad idea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too cold? Your reptile won’t digest food properly.
• Too hot? Risk of burns and dehydration.
• No UVB? Bone disease can sneak up fast.
• Wrong placement? Make sure they can easily move in and out of the heat.

A happy reptile = a well-heated reptile. If they’re lounging in their basking spot like they own the place, you’ve done it right.

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3. Lighting Sources: UVB & Heating Lamp

When I first got my pet reptile, I thought a regular lamp would do the trick. Turns out, reptiles are pickier about lighting than I am about my morning coffee. They need UVB light and a heating lamp to stay healthy.

UVB Light: The Sunshine Substitute

Reptiles need UVB light to make vitamin D3. Without it, they can’t absorb calcium, which leads to weak bones and serious health issues.

Why It’s Important:

• Helps absorb calcium
• Prevents metabolic bone disease
• Mimics natural sunlight

Things to Remember:

• Use a UVB bulb, not just any light
• Replace every 6-12 months (even if it still looks fine)
• Position it inside the tank for better exposure

Heating Lamp: The Warmth Provider

Reptiles are cold-blooded. That means they rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature. A heating lamp gives them the warmth they need.

Why It’s Important:

• Helps digestion (cold reptiles can’t process food)
• Keeps them active and happy
• Provides a natural day/night cycle when used correctly

Things to Remember:

• Pick the right wattage for your pet’s needs
• Place it on one side of the tank (creates a warm and cool zone)
• Turn it off at night if your reptile needs cooler temps to sleep

The Perfect Setup

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	UVB Light	Heating Lamp
Purpose	Vitamin D3 production	Provides warmth
Needed for	Bone health	Digestion & activity
Replaced every	6-12 months	When it burns out
Placement	Inside the tank	Over the basking spot

If you want a happy, healthy reptile, don’t skimp on lighting. Trust me, learning this the hard way isn’t fun—for you or your scaly friend!

4. Water Heater & Temperature for a Softshell Turtle Tank

Softshell turtles are a bit picky about their water. They love it warm and cozy, just like we enjoy a hot bath. If the water is too cold, they get sluggish. Too hot, and they get stressed.

Ideal Water Temperature

Keep their water between 75-82°F (24-28°C). Babies prefer the warmer end, while adults can handle it slightly cooler.

Here’s a simple guide:

Turtle Age	Ideal Temp (°F)	Ideal Temp (°C)
Hatchling	80-82°F	27-28°C
Juvenile	78-80°F	25-27°C
Adult	75-78°F	24-26°C

I once had a baby softshell who refused to eat until I bumped the temperature up a notch. Turns out, they won’t bother hunting for food if they’re too chilly!

Choosing a Water Heater

Not all heaters are created equal. Softshell turtles are active, and they might attack the heater. Get one with:

• A protective cover – Stops them from burning themselves.
• Shatterproof glass or titanium – They’re strong swimmers and might knock it around.
• Adjustable thermostat – Helps maintain a steady temp.

I learned the hard way when my turtle cracked a cheap heater. I woke up to a cold tank and one grumpy turtle.

Where to Place the Heater?

• Near the filter – Distributes heat evenly.
• Fully submerged – Most heaters need to be underwater to work properly.
• Out of reach – If your turtle can bump it, secure it with suction cups.

Do You Need a Thermometer?

Absolutely. Heaters can malfunction, and you won’t always notice. A digital thermometer gives quick, accurate readings. Stick one on each side of the tank to catch any hot or cold spots.

What If the Water Gets Too Cold?

• Use a higher wattage heater.
• Check for drafts near the tank.
• Cover part of the tank with a lid (but leave space for air!).

What If It’s Too Hot?

• Lower the heater setting.
• Move the tank away from direct sunlight.
• Add a fan to cool the water slightly.

Keeping the right temperature keeps your softshell happy and active. Trust me, a warm turtle is a happy turtle!

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5. Water Filter for Softshell Turtle Tank

Softshell turtles are messy. They eat like tiny dinosaurs and leave a disaster behind. That’s why a good water filter is a must.

Why Do You Need a Water Filter?

• Softshell turtles poop a lot
• They love clean, flowing water
• Dirty water means health problems
• Nobody likes a smelly tank

I once skipped cleaning for a week, and my turtle tank smelled like a swamp. Never again.

What Type of Filter Works Best?

Softshell turtles need strong filters. A weak filter won’t cut it.

Here are the best options:

Filter Type	Pros	Cons
Canister Filter	Powerful, great for large tanks, quiet	Expensive, takes up space
Internal Filter	Easy to install, good for small tanks	Needs frequent cleaning, not as strong
Hang-On-Back (HOB) Filter	Saves space, decent filtration	May not handle heavy waste well
Sponge Filter	Cheap, good for baby turtles	Too weak for adult turtles

I use a canister filter because my turtle thinks he owns a swamp.

How to Pick the Right Filter

• Tank Size: Bigger tank = stronger filter
• Flow Rate: Turtles need good water movement
• Ease of Cleaning: You’ll thank yourself later
• Budget: Don’t go too cheap or you’ll regret it

I once tried a cheap filter. It broke in a week. Lesson learned.

Extra Tips for Clean Water

• Change water regularly
• Don’t overfeed (turtles are greedy)
• Add live plants for extra filtration

A good filter makes life easier. Your turtle stays happy, and your room doesn’t smell like a swamp.

6. Best Substrate for a Softshell Turtle Tank

Softshell turtles are diggers. They love to burrow and hide in the sand. If you pick the wrong substrate, you’ll have a grumpy turtle and a messy tank.

Why Substrate Matters

Softshells have delicate shells. Hard or rough substrates can scratch them. They also like to bury themselves, so they need something soft and fine.

Best Substrate Options

Here are the best choices for your softshell turtle’s tank:

Substrate Type	Pros	Cons
Fine Sand	Soft, natural, easy to dig in	Can cloud the water if not rinsed well
Pool Filter Sand	Cleaner than regular sand, doesn’t cloud much	Can be expensive
River Sand	Looks natural, turtles love it	Needs thorough cleaning before use

I personally use pool filter sand. It’s easy to clean, and my turtle loves burrowing in it. Regular sand made my water look like murky soup.

What to Avoid

Stay away from:

• Gravel – Can scratch their shell and be swallowed
• Sharp Rocks – Too rough for their soft bodies
• Bare Bottom – Doesn’t allow natural digging behavior

Pro Tips for a Clean Tank

• Rinse sand thoroughly before adding it to the tank
• Use a sand-friendly filter to keep the water clear
• Stir the sand occasionally to prevent gas buildup

If your softshell turtle is happy, you’ll know. Mine used to zoom around and dig like a little underwater bulldozer. Choose the right substrate, and you’ll have one satisfied turtle!

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7. Decorations That Double as Hiding Spots for Softshell Turtles

Softshell turtles love to burrow and hide. If they don’t feel secure, they get stressed. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when my turtle refused to eat for days.

Here are some great decorations that also serve as hiding spots!

1. Smooth Rocks & Caves

Softshell turtles love to dig under things. A smooth rock cave gives them the best of both worlds—a cozy hideout and something cool to rub against.

• Choose smooth, rounded rocks to prevent scratches
• Stack them to create a tunnel or cave
• Avoid sharp or rough edges

2. Large Driftwood

I once added a massive piece of driftwood, and my turtle instantly claimed it as home.

• Provides shade and shelter
• Gives them something to climb on
• Looks natural and beautiful

3. PVC Pipes (Hidden but Handy!)

It’s not the prettiest option, but it works.

• Super cheap and easy to find
• Great for small or young turtles
• Can be buried slightly in the sand for a natural look

4. Aquatic Plants (Real or Fake)

Plants make a tank feel more like home. My turtle used to push fake plants around like furniture.

• Live plants improve water quality
• Fake plants are low-maintenance
• Both provide shade and security

5. Sand & Substrate Tunnels

Softshell turtles are expert diggers. If they can’t dig, they’ll be unhappy.

• A deep layer of fine sand lets them burrow
• You can create little tunnels by placing decorations strategically
• Make sure sand is safe and not too rough

Cleaning and Maintenance of Softshell Turtle Tanks

Cleaning and maintaining a softshell turtle tank is crucial for the health and well-being of the turtle. Softshell turtles are particularly sensitive to water quality, so regular maintenance is essential to prevent potential health issues.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on the cleaning and maintenance of softshell turtle tanks:

1. Routine Monitoring

• Daily: Check the turtle for any signs of distress or illness. Remove uneaten food and visible waste.
• Weekly: Test water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) to ensure they’re within the recommended range.

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2. Partial Water Changes

• Frequency: Conduct partial water changes (around 25-30%) weekly.
• Procedure: Use a siphon or gravel vacuum to remove debris from the substrate while extracting water. Refill with dechlorinated water, ensuring it’s of a similar temperature to the tank’s water.

3. Substrate Cleaning

• Sand: If you’re using sand, a gentle siphon can help remove waste without removing too much sand.
• Bare Bottom: Wipe down the bottom of the tank to remove any waste or algae.

4. Filter Maintenance

• Cleaning: Depending on the type of filter, clean or replace the media at least once a month. Rinse filter media in tank water, not tap water, to preserve beneficial bacteria.
• Inspection: Ensure the filter is running efficiently and isn’t clogged.

5. Tank Decor and Accessories

• Cleaning: Remove and clean decorations, hides, and any artificial plants with a brush and warm water. Avoid using soap or detergents.
• Rearrangement: Occasionally rearranging the tank decor can provide a new environment for the turtle to explore.

6. Tank Walls

• Algae Removal: Use an algae scraper or pad to remove algae buildup from the tank walls. For stubborn spots, a razor blade can be effective (but use with caution).
• Waterline Cleaning: The waterline can accumulate grime and calcium deposits. Wipe it down with a clean cloth.

7. Equipment Check

• Regularly inspect heaters, lights, and other equipment for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure they’re functioning correctly.

8. Diet and Feeding

• Avoid Overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to excess waste, deteriorating water quality. Feed the turtle an appropriate amount and remove uneaten food after feeding sessions.

9. Water Conditioners

• Use water conditioners when adding tap water to neutralize harmful chlorine and chloramines. Some conditioners also bind heavy metals, making the water safer for turtles.

10. Regular Deep Cleaning

• Frequency: Every few months, consider a more thorough cleaning where a larger portion of the water is changed, and the tank and its components are cleaned in detail.
• Procedure: Temporarily relocate the turtle to a safe container. Drain the tank, clean the substrate, scrub the tank walls, and rinse decorations. Refill with dechlorinated water and reintroduce the turtle.

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11. Health Monitoring

• While cleaning, it’s a good opportunity to check your turtle for signs of health issues like shell rot, skin infections, or eye problems. Early detection can lead to more effective treatments.

12. Maintain a Schedule

• Keeping a consistent maintenance schedule ensures that tasks aren’t overlooked. Consider keeping a log or calendar to track water changes, filter cleanings, and other maintenance tasks.

By adhering to a regular cleaning and maintenance routine, you’ll ensure that your softshell turtle has a clean, healthy, and stimulating environment in which to thrive.