10 Costly Turtle Care Mistakes You’re Probably Making Right Now

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

When I got my first turtle, I thought a basic tank and some lettuce would do the trick. Boy, was I wrong.

From improper diet to habitat mistakes, I quickly learned that turtles require more than meets the eye.

If you’re new to turtle care, you might be making some of these same costly errors without even realizing it.

10 most common turtle care mistakes

1. Inadequate Tank Size

A lot of people don’t realize how quickly turtles grow. You might start with a small baby turtle, but it won’t stay that way for long. Turtles need plenty of room to swim and move around, so a tiny tank just won’t cut it. The general rule is that you need 10 gallons of water for every inch of shell length.

So, if your turtle’s shell is five inches, you’re already looking at a 50-gallon tank minimum. This number only increases as your turtle grows. If the tank is too small, it can cause stress and even stunted growth. A cramped space can also lead to aggression or abnormal behavior.

a corner of aquarium with water filter and electric heater

2. Poor Filtration Systems

Turtles are messy creatures. They eat, poop, and shed in the water, so keeping the tank clean is a constant challenge.

A weak filtration system won’t be able to handle all the waste, and dirty water can quickly lead to infections and diseases. In my early days of owning a turtle, I used a basic fish tank filter, thinking it would be enough.

I soon learned that turtle tanks need heavy-duty filters. The general rule is to get a filter rated for 2 to 3 times the size of your tank. So, for a 50-gallon tank, you need a filter made for 100-150 gallons. This helps keep the water clean and reduces the frequency of manual cleaning.

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Aquatic Turtle Care Sheet Infographic

aquatic turtle care sheet infographic

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3. Incorrect Water Temperature

Turtles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. If the water is too cold, your turtle’s metabolism slows down, and it can become lethargic or stop eating. If the water is too hot, your turtle might become stressed or overheat.

Different species of turtles have different temperature needs, so it’s important to know what your specific turtle requires.

When I first got my turtle, I didn’t realize how sensitive they were to water temperature. I ended up buying a water heater to maintain the right levels, and now my turtle is much healthier and more active.

juvenile red eared slider
Owner: Carly McEachin

4. Lack of UVB Lighting

UVB lighting is essential for turtles. It helps them produce vitamin D3, which they need to metabolize calcium properly.

Without UVB light, turtles can develop serious health issues, including metabolic bone disease and shell deformities. I’ve seen cases where owners didn’t use UVB lights, and their turtles’ shells started to soften.

It’s important to note that UVB bulbs lose effectiveness over time, even if the light is still working. I didn’t know this at first and kept the same bulb for over a year. Now I replace my UVB bulb every six months to ensure my turtle gets the right amount of UVB rays.

5. Overfeeding

It’s easy to overfeed turtles. They always seem hungry and will happily eat as much as you give them. But just like with people, overeating can lead to obesity and other health problems. I used to give my turtle food every time it seemed hungry, but I quickly learned that was a mistake.

Most turtles only need to be fed once a day, or even less frequently, depending on their age and species. It’s also important to provide a balanced diet.

Overfeeding certain foods, especially protein, can lead to shell deformities and other health issues. Make sure you’re offering a variety of foods, including vegetables, insects, and pellets, depending on your turtle’s dietary needs.

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6. Ignoring Species-Specific Needs

Not all turtles are the same. Each species has unique care requirements, and what works for one turtle might not work for another.

Some turtles are primarily aquatic, while others spend more time on land. Their diets also vary—some turtles are carnivores, others are herbivores, and many are omnivores.

I made the mistake of assuming all turtles had the same needs. My first turtle was a red-eared slider, and I set up the tank based on what I’d read online.

Then, I adopted a box turtle and realized it needed a completely different setup, including more land space and a different diet. Always research your turtle’s specific needs before setting up their habitat.

7. Not Providing a Basking Area

Turtles need a dry basking area where they can climb out of the water and warm themselves under a heat lamp.

This is crucial for their health because it helps them regulate their body temperature and keeps their shells dry. Without a proper basking area, turtles can develop respiratory infections or other health problems.

In my early days of turtle ownership, I didn’t realize how important this was. I had a small floating platform, but my turtle rarely used it. After doing more research, I upgraded the basking area, making it larger and placing a proper heat lamp over it. Now, my turtle basks regularly, and its health has improved.

8. Keeping Multiple Turtles Together

Many turtle species are solitary and can become aggressive if housed with other turtles. I learned this lesson the hard way when I tried to keep two turtles in the same tank.

They fought constantly, and one even ended up with a bite mark on its shell. Unless you’re sure your turtles are compatible, it’s best to keep them in separate tanks.

Some species can coexist, but it requires careful monitoring. Even turtles that seem to get along can suddenly become territorial as they grow. It’s important to provide plenty of space and hiding spots if you do attempt to keep multiple turtles together.

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9. Skipping Regular Tank Maintenance

Turtle tanks require regular cleaning. Skipping water changes or letting debris build up in the substrate can lead to poor water quality and an unhealthy environment for your turtle. I used to think I could get away with cleaning the tank every few weeks, but I quickly learned that wasn’t enough.

Now, I do partial water changes every week and a full clean once a month. I also clean the filter regularly to make sure it’s functioning properly. Keeping up with tank maintenance might seem like a hassle, but it’s essential for preventing bacterial growth and keeping your turtle healthy.

10. Underestimating Lifespan and Commitment

Turtles can live for decades—some species even live up to 50 years! This long lifespan means that owning a turtle is a serious commitment. I’ve heard stories of people getting turtles, not realizing how long they live, and then abandoning them when the novelty wears off.

Before getting a turtle, it’s important to consider whether you’re ready for such a long-term responsibility.

It’s not just about setting up a tank and feeding them. You’ll need to invest in their care for decades to come, including maintaining their habitat, upgrading their tanks as they grow, and ensuring they get proper veterinary care.

About Author

Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.