Beginner Turtle Care Guide: What to Know Before Getting a Pet Turtle
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Thinking about getting a pet turtle? Learn what turtles really need, including tank size, heating, UVB lighting, basking areas, diet, water quality and licensing requirements in Queensland.
Turtles can make fascinating pets for the right keeper. They are quiet, unusual, long-lived and interesting to watch, especially when their enclosure is set up properly.
However, turtles are often underestimated.
One of the most common mistakes new turtle owners make is assuming that a small turtle will stay small. Many Australian freshwater turtles grow much larger than people expect and require specialised care, large aquariums and long-term commitment.
Before bringing a turtle home, it is important to understand their needs and check the legal requirements in your state or territory.
Are Penny Turtles Real?
No - there is no such thing as a “penny turtle”.
This is a common name people use when looking for a very small turtle, but Australian pet turtles do not stay tiny.
Many freshwater turtles grow to around the size of a dinner plate, with some reaching around 20–30 cm across the shell depending on species.
A baby turtle may look small and easy to house, but it will need a much larger enclosure as it grows.
Are Turtles Good Pets for Beginners?
Turtles can be rewarding pets, but they are not always the easiest beginner pet.
They require:
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a large aquarium
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strong filtration
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heated water
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a dry basking area
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UVB lighting
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species-appropriate food
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regular cleaning
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long-term care
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a wildlife licence in Queensland
Turtles can live for more than 25 years, so they should be considered a long-term pet.
If you want a low-maintenance animal that can live in a small tank, a turtle is probably not the right choice. Tiny turtle, giant setup. Classic reptile trickery.
Do You Need a Licence to Keep a Turtle in Queensland?
Yes.
In Queensland, native turtles require the appropriate wildlife licence.
You should have your licence approved before obtaining your turtle, and you should only purchase turtles from legal, licensed sources.
Never collect turtles from the wild.
If you are unsure what licence you need, check the Queensland Government native animal licensing information before purchasing a turtle.
What Size Tank Does a Turtle Need?
When choosing a turtle tank, bigger is usually better.
For an adult freshwater turtle, a large aquarium is recommended. A common minimum size for many adult turtles is around:
180 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm
The exact enclosure size may vary depending on the species, age and size of your turtle.
Your turtle’s aquarium should provide:
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plenty of swimming space
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enough water depth
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strong filtration
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easy access to a dry basking area
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secure escape prevention
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room for future growth
A small tank may be suitable temporarily for a young turtle, but turtles grow quickly and will need a larger setup as they mature.
How Deep Should Turtle Water Be?
Your turtle needs enough water to swim properly.
As a general guide, the water depth should be at least two to three times the length of your turtle’s shell.
This allows your turtle to:
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swim comfortably
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dive naturally
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move freely
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reach the surface safely
Young turtles may need shallower water while they are learning to swim strongly, but they still need enough space to move and exercise.
Do Turtles Need a Basking Area?
Yes.
All aquatic turtles need a dry basking area where they can climb completely out of the water.
A good basking area should be:
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easy to access
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stable and secure
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large enough for the turtle’s whole body
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completely dry
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positioned under heat and UVB lighting
Basking helps turtles regulate body temperature, dry their shell and support normal health.
If your turtle cannot get fully out of the water, the setup needs to be changed.
What Temperature Do Pet Turtles Need?
Turtles need the right temperatures to stay healthy.
As a general guide:
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water temperature is often kept in the low twenties, depending on species
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short-necked turtles may require slightly warmer water than long-necked turtles
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basking areas are usually around 28–34°C
Always research the exact requirements of your turtle species.
Use thermometers to monitor both:
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water temperature
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basking area temperature
A thermostat should be used with heating equipment to help keep temperatures stable and safe.
Do Turtles Need UVB Lighting?
Yes.
UVB lighting is essential for indoor turtles.
UVB helps turtles produce vitamin D3, which allows them to properly use calcium. This is important for healthy bones, shell development and long-term wellbeing.
Important UVB tips:
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UVB does not pass properly through glass or plastic
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UVB lights need to be positioned correctly
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bulbs must be replaced regularly according to manufacturer instructions
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turtles should still have access to a dry basking area under the light
Without suitable UVB, turtles can develop serious health issues over time.
What Substrate Is Best for a Turtle Tank?
Substrate is optional in many turtle tanks.
Bare-bottom tanks can be easier to clean, especially for messy feeders.
If you use substrate, choose options that are too large to swallow or safe for your turtle species.
Suitable options may include:
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large river stones
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carefully selected sand, depending on setup and species
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bare-bottom aquarium setups
Avoid small gravel or pebbles that your turtle may accidentally swallow.
Swallowed substrate can cause choking or internal blockages.
Do Turtles Need a Filter?
Yes — and usually a strong one.
Turtles are messy animals and produce a lot of waste.
Good filtration helps:
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remove waste
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support beneficial bacteria
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maintain water quality
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reduce odour
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keep the enclosure healthier between water changes
A filter suitable for fish may not be strong enough for a turtle tank.
In many cases, external canister filters are a better option for adult turtle setups.
What Do Pet Turtles Eat?
A turtle’s diet depends on its species.
Many pet turtles benefit from a varied diet that may include:
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turtle pellets
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insects
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earthworms
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feeder fish where appropriate
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yabbies or aquatic foods
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frozen turtle foods
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leafy greens
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aquatic plants
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selected vegetables or fruit, depending on species
Long-necked turtles are generally more carnivorous.
Short-necked turtles are usually more omnivorous and may benefit from more plant matter, aquatic plants and leafy greens.
Always research your turtle’s species before choosing a diet.
Should You Feed Turtles in a Separate Container?
Many turtle keepers choose to feed their turtle in a separate container.
This can help:
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reduce mess in the main tank
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keep water cleaner
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make uneaten food easier to remove
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reduce filter workload
Turtles need to be in water to feed, so any feeding container should contain suitable water and be used safely.
Never leave your turtle unattended during feeding.
Common Beginner Turtle Mistakes
Choosing a Tank That Is Too Small
Baby turtles grow. A small tank will not be suitable long term.
Forgetting About UVB
Heat alone is not enough. Turtles need proper UVB lighting.
Not Providing a Dry Basking Area
A turtle should be able to climb completely out of the water.
Using Weak Filtration
Turtles are messy and need strong filtration.
Feeding the Wrong Diet
Different turtle species have different nutritional needs.
Buying Without a Licence
In Queensland, you need the correct licence before keeping native turtles.
Signs Your Turtle May Be Unwell
Contact an experienced reptile veterinarian if you notice:
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swollen eyes
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soft or damaged shell
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shell discolouration
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lack of appetite
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floating unevenly
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difficulty swimming
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unusual lethargy
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wheezing or bubbles from the nose
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wounds or injuries
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refusing to bask
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sudden behaviour changes
Turtles can hide illness, so early advice is important.
Are Turtles a Long-Term Commitment?
Yes.
Turtles can live for decades with proper care.
Before getting a turtle, consider:
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enclosure size
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heating costs
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UVB lighting replacement
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filtration
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food costs
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veterinary care
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licensing requirements
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long-term housing
A turtle is not a short-term pet. It is a long-term commitment that requires planning.
Need Help Setting Up a Turtle Tank?
At Aquabird Pet Centre, we are happy to help with turtle tank setup, heating, lighting, filtration, food and general care advice.
If you are thinking about getting a turtle, visit us in-store or contact our team before purchasing so we can help you prepare the right setup from the beginning.
