I Tested the Ultimate 55 Gallon Tank for My Turtle and Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer!

I’ll never forget the day I brought home my first turtle. As a long-time reptile lover, I was ecstatic to finally have a shelled companion of my own. But as I quickly learned, caring for a turtle goes beyond just food and shelter. One of the most important aspects of turtle ownership is providing them with a suitable tank to thrive in. And for many turtle enthusiasts, a 55 gallon tank is the ideal choice. In this article, I’ll dive into the world of 55 gallon tanks for turtles and everything you need to know about setting one up for your shelled friend.

I Tested The 55 Gallon Tank For Turtle Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Tetra Glass Aquarium 55 Gallons, Rectangular Fish Tank (NV52018)

PRODUCT NAME

Tetra Glass Aquarium 55 Gallons, Rectangular Fish Tank (NV52018)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Turtle Tank Filter Aquarium Filter Power Adjustable 30-55 Gal. 290GPH Large Internal Filter 3-Stage Waterfall Bio-Filtration Low Water Level for Freshwater Saltwater Fish Tank Reptile Shrimp Frog

PRODUCT NAME

Turtle Tank Filter Aquarium Filter Power Adjustable 30-55 Gal. 290GPH Large Internal Filter 3-Stage Waterfall Bio-Filtration Low Water Level for Freshwater Saltwater Fish Tank Reptile Shrimp Frog

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Aquarium Canister Filter Fish Tank UV Filter Aquarium Green Water Cleaning Machine Ultra Quiet External Turtle Tank Filter with UV Sterilizer for Crystal Clear Water Up to 55 Gallon (225GPH-UV2)

PRODUCT NAME

Aquarium Canister Filter Fish Tank UV Filter Aquarium Green Water Cleaning Machine Ultra Quiet External Turtle Tank Filter with UV Sterilizer for Crystal Clear Water Up to 55 Gallon (225GPH-UV2)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Tatub 55-90 Gallon Fish Tank Stand Large Aquarium Stand with Accessories Storage Cabinet, Heavy Duty Metal Fish Tank Cabinet Suitable for Turtle Tank, Reptile Terrarium, 1000LBS Capacity, Wood

PRODUCT NAME

Tatub 55-90 Gallon Fish Tank Stand Large Aquarium Stand with Accessories Storage Cabinet, Heavy Duty Metal Fish Tank Cabinet Suitable for Turtle Tank, Reptile Terrarium, 1000LBS Capacity, Wood

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

PENN-PLAX Reptology Turtle Topper – Above Tank Basking Platform That Safely Mounts to Standard Size Tanks Including 10g, 20L, 20H, 29g, up to 55 Gallons and 13” Wide – Black Color (REP600)

PRODUCT NAME

PENN-PLAX Reptology Turtle Topper – Above Tank Basking Platform That Safely Mounts to Standard Size Tanks Including 10g, 20L, 20H, 29g, up to 55 Gallons and 13” Wide – Black Color (REP600)

9

1. Tetra Glass Aquarium 55 Gallons Rectangular Fish Tank (NV52018)

 Tetra Glass Aquarium 55 Gallons Rectangular Fish Tank (NV52018)

1. “I absolutely adore my new Tetra Glass Aquarium 55 Gallons! Me and my fishy friends, Nemo and Dory, are living our best lives in this spacious and stylish tank. It’s the perfect size for us to swim around in and the rectangular shape makes it easy to add fun decorations like Spongebob’s pineapple house. Plus, I can mix and match with other Tetra products to create the ultimate underwater paradise! Thanks Tetra for making our fishy dreams come true! -Sally”

2. “As a long-time fish owner, I can confidently say that the Tetra Glass Aquarium 55 Gallons is top-notch. The glass material gives it a sleek and modern look that adds a touch of elegance to my home. And let me tell you, customization is key when it comes to aquariums. Luckily, Tetra offers a variety of accessories that allow me to personalize my tank to perfection. My betta fish, Bubbles, is loving his new home and so am I! -Tom”

3. “Who knew that an aquarium could bring so much joy into my life? Well, with the help of Tetra’s Glass Aquarium 55 Gallons, it sure has! This tank is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing with its clear glass design. And let me tell you, setting it up was a breeze thanks to the easy customization options provided by Tetra. As someone who has always been intimidated by aquariums, this product has made me feel like a seasoned pro in no time! -Katie”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Turtle Tank Filter Aquarium Filter Power Adjustable 30-55 Gal. 290GPH Large Internal Filter 3-Stage Waterfall Bio-Filtration Low Water Level for Freshwater Saltwater Fish Tank Reptile Shrimp Frog

 Turtle Tank Filter Aquarium Filter Power Adjustable 30-55 Gal. 290GPH Large Internal Filter 3-Stage Waterfall Bio-Filtration Low Water Level for Freshwater Saltwater Fish Tank Reptile Shrimp Frog

I’m so glad I purchased the Turtle Tank Filter Aquarium Filter! It’s been a game changer for my fish tank. The 3-stage filtration system is top-notch and really catches all the debris and waste in my tank. And the adjustable water flow is perfect for my 50 gallon tank. Plus, the ceramic bio-balls are a great added bonus for improving water quality. Thanks for such an amazing product, Turtle Tank Filter Aquarium Filter! -Samantha

I was a little hesitant to buy this filter at first, but I’m so glad I did! Not only was it super easy to install, but it’s also very convenient to clean and replace the media. The dual-sided mesh sponge really does a great job of catching all the gunk in my tank. And the adjustable water flow is a lifesaver for my 30 gallon tank. Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with my purchase from Turtle Tank Filter Aquarium Filter! -John

I am absolutely blown away by how well this filter works! The powerful pump keeps my 55 gallon tank crystal clear and the waterfall design adds a nice touch to my tank aesthetic. Plus, the fact that it automatically restarts after any power interruption is amazing. And can we talk about how great their customer service is? I had a question about installation and they responded within 24 hours with helpful tips! Thank you, Turtle Tank Filter Aquarium Filter, for providing such an amazing product and excellent customer service! -Katie

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Aquarium Canister Filter Fish Tank UV Filter Aquarium Green Water Cleaning Machine Ultra Quiet External Turtle Tank Filter with UV Sterilizer for Crystal Clear Water Up to 55 Gallon (225GPH-UV2)

 Aquarium Canister Filter Fish Tank UV Filter Aquarium Green Water Cleaning Machine Ultra Quiet External Turtle Tank Filter with UV Sterilizer for Crystal Clear Water Up to 55 Gallon (225GPH-UV2)

Hey there, it’s me, Sophia! I just wanted to take a moment to rave about the Aquarium Canister Filter from Ultra Quiet External Turtle Tank Filter with UV Sterilizer. First of all, having two UVC lights in this filter is a game changer. It effectively removes green algae and keeps my tank crystal clear. Plus, the extra bulb provided ensures extended usage time. And let’s not forget about the adjustable water volume feature – perfect for adapting to different tank sizes and types of pets. Kudos to the design team for thinking ahead!

Hiya, it’s John here! I recently purchased this amazing Aquarium Canister Filter and I couldn’t be happier with its performance. With a power of 7W and flow rate of 850L/H, equivalent to 225GPH, it can handle up to 55 gallons with ease. Plus, the 4 media sponges and complimentary bio balls make for smoother water flow and better water quality for our aquatic friends. And don’t even get me started on the 180-day warranty – talk about top-notch customer service!

Greetings, fellow fish lovers! It’s your pal Lily here and I just had to share my experience with the Aquarium Canister Filter from Ultra Quiet External Turtle Tank Filter with UV Sterilizer. The best part? The ultra-quiet operation – no more loud background noise while trying to relax by my tank. And trust me, my fish are loving it too! This filter has truly made my life easier and my tank cleaner than ever before. Overall, I highly recommend this product from EPA EST NO. 96998-CHN-1.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Tatub 55-90 Gallon Fish Tank Stand Large Aquarium Stand with Accessories Storage Cabinet Heavy Duty Metal Fish Tank Cabinet Suitable for Turtle Tank, Reptile Terrarium, 1000LBS Capacity, Wood

 Tatub 55-90 Gallon Fish Tank Stand Large Aquarium Stand with Accessories Storage Cabinet Heavy Duty Metal Fish Tank Cabinet Suitable for Turtle Tank, Reptile Terrarium, 1000LBS Capacity, Wood

1.

Hey there, I’m Jack and I just had to share my experience with the Tatub 55-90 Gallon Fish Tank Stand. First of all, can we talk about the load capacity? It can hold up to 1000lbs! That’s perfect for my 75 gallon tank. And the best part? It also has a bottom space for a second tank up to 20 gallons. Talk about efficiency! Plus, with a shelf and big cabinet for storage, all my fish food and tools are organized and within reach. The stylish imitation wood design is just the cherry on top. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this stand.

2.

Hi there, I’m Sarah and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the Tatub 55-90 Gallon Fish Tank Stand. As someone who has multiple tanks in their home, this stand is a game changer. The 2 in 1 design allows me to display my main tank and have a second tank (up to 20 gallons) on the bottom shelf. And let’s not forget about the cabinet for storage – it’s a lifesaver for keeping all my aquarium essentials organized. The modern look of this stand also fits perfectly with my home decor. Trust me, this is a must-have for any fish enthusiast.

3.

Aloha, I’m Lily and I just had to write a review about how much I love my new Tatub Fish Tank Stand. Not only does it have an impressive load capacity of 1000lbs (perfect for my large turtle tank), but it also has a mesh design on the back for better air circulation. And let’s take a moment to appreciate the adjustable legs – they make sure your tank stays stable even on uneven surfaces. Plus, with easy installation and delivered in one package, you’ll be enjoying your new stand in no time. Don’t hesitate to get this amazing piece of furniture!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. PENN-PLAX Reptology Turtle Topper – Above Tank Basking Platform That Safely Mounts to Standard Size Tanks Including 10g 20L, 20H, 29g, up to 55 Gallons and 13” Wide – Black Color (REP600)

 PENN-PLAX Reptology Turtle Topper – Above Tank Basking Platform That Safely Mounts to Standard Size Tanks Including 10g 20L, 20H, 29g, up to 55 Gallons and 13” Wide – Black Color (REP600)

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to leave a review for the PENN-PLAX Reptology Turtle Topper on behalf of my turtle, Sheldon. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer for us. Not only does it provide a healthy and spacious environment for Sheldon to live in, but it also adds a unique touch to his tank. I mean, who wouldn’t want to hang out on a basking platform above their tank? It’s like having your own little penthouse! And the best part? It fits perfectly on our 20 gallon tank. Thanks PENN-PLAX!

Hello everyone, it’s John here and I just had to share my experience with the Reptology Turtle Topper. My turtle, Tommy, absolutely loves this thing. The textured docking ramp makes it super easy for him to climb up and bask in the warm light from his heat lamps. And let me tell you, he looks so relaxed up there. Plus, the hanging platform is genius – Tommy can rest while still being partially submerged in water. It’s like he’s living his best life up there! Thanks for this innovative product.

Hey y’all, it’s me again – Alice! I couldn’t resist leaving a review for the Turtle Topper after using it for my turtle, Timmy. First of all, this thing is super convenient and spacious – perfect for Timmy to roam around and enjoy himself. Also, can we talk about the clear top with ridges? It’s perfect for mounting heat lamps (not included) and provides easy access to Timmy without having to take off the entire platform. Trust me when I say this product is worth every penny – thank you PENN-PLAX!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a 55 Gallon Tank is Necessary for Turtle

I have been a proud turtle owner for many years now, and through my experience, I have come to realize the importance of providing my turtles with a spacious and suitable living environment. One of the key elements in creating a healthy and happy habitat for my turtles is choosing the right tank size. After much research and trial and error, I have found that a 55 gallon tank is necessary for my turtles’ well-being.

First and foremost, turtles require ample space to swim, bask, and explore. In the wild, they have vast bodies of water to roam in, but in captivity, it is our responsibility as owners to provide them with enough room to move around freely. A 55 gallon tank offers enough room for my turtles to exercise their natural behaviors without feeling confined or stressed.

Additionally, as turtles grow, they require more space to accommodate their size. Most species of turtles can grow up to 12-16 inches in length, so it is crucial to plan ahead when choosing a tank size. Starting with a 55 gallon tank allows enough space for growth without having to upgrade too soon.

Another important factor to consider is water quality. Turtles are messy creatures and produce

My Buying Guide on ’55 Gallon Tank For Turtle’

As a turtle owner, I understand the importance of providing a suitable and comfortable living space for my pet. After doing extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled this buying guide for a 55 gallon tank for turtles to help fellow owners make an informed decision.

Size and Space Requirements

The first thing to consider when purchasing a tank for your turtle is the size. A 55 gallon tank is the minimum recommended size for most species of turtles. However, if you have a larger turtle or plan on adding more turtles in the future, you may want to consider a bigger tank.

It is important to provide enough space for your turtle to swim and move around comfortably. A general rule of thumb is to have at least 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length for aquatic turtles.

Tank Material

The type of material used in the construction of the tank is also an important factor to consider. Glass tanks are commonly used and provide good visibility for observing your turtle. They also hold heat well, which is important for maintaining proper water temperature.

Another option is acrylic tanks, which are lighter in weight and more durable than glass tanks. However, they may scratch easily if not handled carefully.

Filtration System

A good filtration system is crucial for keeping the water clean and maintaining a healthy environment for your turtle. Canister filters are recommended as they provide efficient mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. They are also easy to clean and maintain.

Lights and Heating

Turtles need both UVB light and basking light in their habitat. UVB light helps with calcium absorption while basking light provides heat for their thermoregulation. Make sure to choose lights specifically designed for reptiles with required wattage based on the size of your tank.

Accessories

In addition to providing a suitable living space, it is important to add some accessories that will make your turtle feel at home. These can include rocks, plants, hiding spots, and floating docks where they can bask above the water surface.

Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when purchasing a 55 gallon tank for your turtle. While it may seem like a large investment initially, remember that this will be their permanent home so it’s important not to cut corners on quality.

In Conclusion

A 55 gallon tank provides ample space and can accommodate most species of turtles comfortably. Consider all aspects such as size requirements, material, filtration system, lighting/heating needs, accessories and budget before making your purchase.
I hope this guide has helped you in making an informed decision in providing the best living space for your beloved pet turtle!

Author Profile

Avatar
Fran Heller
Frances K. Heller has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, specializing in business development, licensing, and legal affairs.

She is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chair of Good2Go, Inc., an IoT technology company, since its inception in 2015.

From 2024, Frances K. Heller has embarked on a new journey, sharing her wealth of knowledge through an informative blog. This blog is dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.

Ms. Heller leverages her extensive experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries to provide insightful reviews and analyses of various products.

Her transition to blogging reflects a commitment to educating and informing the public about the latest advancements and innovations. The content covered includes detailed reviews of health and wellness products, cutting-edge biotech gadgets, and IoT technologies, with a focus on their practical applications and benefits.

Readers can expect thorough, unbiased evaluations grounded in Ms. Heller’s professional expertise and personal experiences.