Turtle tank substrate refers to the material you add at the base of the turtle’s habitat. They range from sand, gravel, and pebbles to crushed corals.

Most aquatic turtles do not need substrate, but if you have live plants in the tank, it is a necessary addition. It is an excellent addition for terrestrial turtles, as it allows them to exercise their natural burrowing wild instincts.

Selecting the best substrate is a vital decision. It ultimately affects the comfort levels of the turtle and its quality of life. Also, some turtle species prefer certain substrates to others.

The choice of the substrate also determines how much time you will spend cleaning the tank. Others will also require you to change them more often, meaning that you will spend more money buying substrate throughout the turtle’s life.

Let’s get started…

Exo Terra Large Turtle Natural River Pebbles

They come in both a large size and a small size. Both come in a pack of 10 lbs. While the small ones are suitable for turtles measuring below 4 inches, the large ones are ideal for 4 inches and above.

In general, a large size is ideal for all turtles irrespective of the turtle’s size because it eliminates the risk of the turtle swallowing them.

Exo Terra natural river pebbles have smooth edges to ensure that your turtle is not hurt when foraging or resting.

However, it would be best to sort out the rocks when you receive the package to remove any that you feel is too small and any that might have broken during packaging or delivery.

The ease of cleaning a substrate is a crucial consideration to make. Cleaning is not something to worry about with the Exo Terra natural river rocks.

The pebbles are easy to clean. Place them inside a bucket with water and disinfect them for 15 minutes, and you are good to go.

Pros

• The pebbles have smooth edges
• Come in various colors
• Give the tank a natural appearance
• Easy to clean and reusable

Cons

• Challenging for a turtle to burrow or dig.

Zoo Med ReptiSand 10 lbs. Desert White Sand

Zoo Med ReptiSand desert white substrate comes in great quality, making it one of the best turtle tank substrates you can find in the market.

The sand is all-natural with no additive colors or dye. It also comes in great consistency, looks, and feel. Spot cleaning the sand is also easy. Further, the sand is not dusty, thus minimizing the chances of getting into the turtle’s eyes.

It is a suitable choice for softshell turtle species because of the sand’s softness. The turtle feels at home, and its shell is not at risk of injuries.

In addition, Zoo Med ReptiSand makes a good choice for burrowing turtle species. It entices the turtle to dig and burrow. Sand is also a good heat conductor, so your turtle will remain warm.

In combination with other tank decorations, the sand will create a natural look to the tank.

Pros

• Have a great appearance
• Stimulates the turtles natural burrowing instincts
• It is not dusty
• Ideal appearance

Cons

• It might be a lot grainy

Carib Sea ACS00120 Crushed Coral Substrate

If you are more attracted to the crushed coral substrate, consider this ACS00120 by Carib Sea. It is heavy enough to remain stable in the tank; thus, your initial arrangement remains pretty much intact.

Cab Sea crushed coral contains aragonite which comes from the ocean and has high levels of Calcium and minerals. The aragonite adds the pH levels in the tank, making the water pH remain stable.

The water pH level depends on the number of crushed corals you add to the turtle tank and the acidity of the water. The more corals increase the water pH.

These corrals are an excellent choice for diamondback terrapins because they allow the terrapins to crush the hard corals with their strong beaks.

It is excellent to use on its own, or you may use it to improve your substrate texture. Further, it adds an attractive appearance to the turtle tank. You may mix it with small, fine pebbles. Cab Sea crushed corals are the safest turtle substrate if you use brackish water or saltwater.

Pros

• Contains aragonite
• It gives the tank a natural appearance
• Increases the water pH
• Remain stable in the tank

Cons

• It needs to be put in moderation as they increase the water acidity

Carib Sea Eco-Complete 20 lbs. Planted Aquarium

Yet another substrate by Carib Sea, we have the eco complete planted back aquarium. It is 100% natural and features zero chemical additives. The pack comprises a mixture of sand and pearls.

It makes it ideal for growing plants in the tank while keeping the turtles there. As such, the turtle feels more comfortable as the environment appears more natural.

Carib Sea Eco-Complete planted aquarium improvise the oxygenation in the turtle tank. In addition, it limits the growth of algae and makes the water clearer. Another advantage of this substrate is that it facilitates less ammonia build-up in the turtle tank.

It comes in black but is also available in black premium.

Pros

• Facilitates the growth of plants
• Reduces ammonia build up in the tank
• Increases oxygenation in the turtle tank
• It is 100% organics

Cons

• Not as attractive as the other substrates.

SeaChem Flourite Aquarium Gravel

Adding live plants to a turtle tank gives the turtle a more natural habitat. Live plants play a significant role in keeping the tank clean and providing the pet turtle with extra food. They also enhance the appearance of the tank.

Seachem fluorite aquarium gravel comprises porous gravel that encourages the plants to grow. Trace minerals in this substrate support the growth of plants. It also contains fluorite, a natural mineral without laterite modification. The substrate is 100% organic and has no chemical shielding; therefore, the water pH does not change.

Although you can use it with other substrates, it is best when used alone. SeaChem fluorite aquarium gravel is safe for use for a lifetime. In addition, it is easy to clean, and the close spacing ensures that food and algae particles do not pass through it to the bottom.

It is worth noting that it comes to dusty and thus you should thoroughly clean it before use. Add water slowly to the aquarium to avoid disturbing the substrate.

Place a bowl in the aquarium and add water to the bowl directly for best results. The water will then flow naturally in the aquarium, causing minimal disturbance to the substrate. In the first days, you may expect cloudiness, but this settles within a few days.

Pros

• Promotes growth of live plants in the tank
• Easy to clean
• It is 100% organic
• It gives the tank an appealing look

Cons

• Contains dust before use

Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber

Most people know that they can add substrate in tanks of aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles, but you can equally add it in those of terrestrial turtles. Terrestrial turtle species like burrowing and digging on ground surfaces. As such, a suitable substrate will help them unleash these natural instincts.

Eco Earth loose coconut fiber by Zoo Med is a great choice for land-dwelling turtles. It provides them with a burrowing surface that is soft enough for their skin. In addition, this substrate helps maintain ideal humidity in the turtle tank.

The all-natural damp substrate is also easy to use. It also naturally absorbs odors and waste products, breaking them down, making the turtle’s habitat cleaner and safer. Since it is a damp substrate, you should be on the lookout for mold in the terrarium.

If you are keen on the environmental impact of the substances you use, you will love this substrate. It features coconut husks that you can safely recycle or use to form compost for your garden or indoor plants.

Pros

• Suitable for terrariums
• Naturally absorbs and breaks down waste products and odor
• It is eco-friendly
• Can be recycled

Cons

• Not ideal for aquatic habitat

Royal Imports 5 lbs. Decorative Ornamental River Pebbles

Smooth and round on the edges, you will like these Royal Imports river pebbles if you are looking for a good substrate that is also affordable. They are gentle on your pet turtles’ feet, so you don’t have to worry about cuts. Further, the smooth edges do not scratch your glass tank; thus, its appearance remains intact.

These river pebbles are natural stones and will not get ruined with time. You can use them for a lifetime. They come in a natural look or a white color, allowing you to choose what suits your needs more.

Still, on variety, they are available in medium and small sizes, with the medium being better as your turtle is less likely to confuse the pebbles with food.

The shape and design of these natural river pebbles give your turtle tank a good natural look. Their shapes vary from odd to more defined ones such as an oval, thick and slim shape.

Royal Imports decorative ornamental river pebbles are non-toxic and eco-friendly; the health of your turtle will not be in jeopardy. Thanks to their size and smooth surface, cleaning the rocks is also easy.

The number of rocks in these packs varies depending on the size of a package. The 5 pounds package is enough for a small aquarium. You might need an extra box if you have a larger tank.

Pros

• Non-toxic and eco-friendly
• Pretty affordable
• It comes in various sizes and colors
• Features smooth edges protecting the glass and turtle skin

Cons

• Need sorting before use, as some may break during transit

Pure Water Pebbles 5 lbs. Natural Aquarium Gravel

This is yet another affordable option yet one of the best turtle tank substrates available if you are on a budget. Pure water pebbles aquarium gravel is all-natural, making it a non-toxic choice. It features a clear acrylic coating that gives these pebbles a sheen. Even so, this acrylic coating doesn’t interfere with the water’s pH or chemical composition.

Pure water pebbles aquarium gravel comes in packs of 5 pounds, and this particular unit comes in a turquoise color. Others colors available for these rocks include blackberry glo, snow-white, white rose, and custom blend, among other ten colors.

It is a good choice for all waters, be it salty or freshwater. You may also use it in an aquarium as well as a terrarium.

The pebbles vary in size, giving your turtle tank a natural appearance. They measure from 3.1 mm to 6.3 mm, providing variety but making it harder to clean the pebbles because of the significant size difference. In addition, the pebbles are colorfast, so they will not fade in the water.

Pros

• 100% natural
• Features acrylic coating
• Available in various colors and comes in varying sizes
• Affordable

Cons

• Cleaning can be a challenge

SACKORANGE Aquarium Gravel River Rock

Sackorange pack comes as a package of sorted natural pebbles. They undergo natural polishing for smoothness and shine: the smoothness and lack of sharp edges prevent injuries on your pet turtle. The colors come in black, red, brown, grey, and white and are all-natural with no chemical additives.

As for the gravel sizes, these gravels range between 0.5,” and 1″, which are big enough for a turtle does not swallow them. The variation gives the turtle tank a more natural look.

The packages are in 2 lbs which is enough for small turtle tanks; you would need an extra pack if you have a large tank. In addition, they have no odor.

Pros

• Odorless
• All are large enough for the turtle not to swallow
• All-natural polished gravel
• Add a beautiful appearance to the tank

Cons

• Pricey

Nature’s Ocean Aragonite Gravel

If you are looking to economize, then Nature’s Ocean Aragonite. It will make a great start if you are on a tight budget. The aragonite component of the unit maintains ideal pH levels and reduces nitrates, making it suitable for reef system turtle tank bottoms.

Nature’s Ocean aragonite gravel creates an interesting aesthetic in the tank. The pieces have fine consistency, making them easy to use even in small tanks.

Further, they are lightweight; thus, they will not weigh down the tank even when used in large quantities. Its grain sizes measure between 1.7 mm and 2.5 mm, which is big enough for any turtle to eat.

It is heat sterilized and is sourced 100% from the ocean floor.

Pros

• Decently priced
• It has a fine consistency
• Lightweight
• All-natural substrate

Cons

• It’s not very durable

How To Choose The Best Turtle Tank Substrates?

Selecting the best turtle tank substrate is not the easiest task. There are a good number of vital factors to keep in mind to get the best choice for your pet turtle. Here are the top ones to consider when shopping for the best substrate for your hard-shelled pet.

Material

The best substrate for your tank should be soft and safe. Its material should be smooth and soft enough for the turtle to pass on it without getting hurt. You should also avoid chemically treated materials as they may affect the turtle. They might be too harsh for the turtle’s skin, making your pet sick.

Avoid materials such as newspaper, Calcium sand, walnut shells, and cat litter. They are all dangerous to the turtle in different ways. These materials might contain harmful ingredients or be very harsh on your turtle’s skin.

Safety

One of the priority factors to consider is the safety of your turtle. It not only applies to substrates but all other accessories you choose for the turtle. Your turtle needs to remain safe by interacting with the accessories or ingesting them.

Smooth round substrates are an excellent choice. They ensure that your turtle is not hurt or cut. Some manufacturers also polish the substrates to further ensure that the edges are smooth and soft. Handpicking ensures that the pieces are all safe for the turtle for natural substrates.

Even when the substrate you choose claims to be smooth, inspect the pieces upon purchase. Some may break during packaging or transit, making them have rough edges.

In addition, the inspection helps you remove the pieces that you feel may be too small for the turtle, and the turtle might ingest them.

You should also clean the substrate to remove dust, bacteria, and any other content that might be harmful for the turtle. It might be tedious, but remember that you are doing it for the safety of your beloved pet turtle.

Color

Substrates are not mandatory additions to the turtle’s tank. But one of the reasons why most turtle owners do so is to improve the tank’s appearance. As such, the color of the substrate is a vital consideration. Substrates come in various colors, with some assuming a natural appearance, while others come in exotic colors, including fluorescent.

The choice of substrate color ultimately depends on your preference.

More natural colors give the turtle a more natural environment feel. In addition, natural fibers, sand, and small pebbles encourage the turtle to exercise burrowing and digging instincts.

On the other hand, colorful ones make the tank look appealing, and you can use the colors to make the tank match or blend well with your space’s décor. It is vital to consider how dirty the substrate will look when choosing brightly colored ones.

Purpose

Why are you adding the substrate to the tank? There are various reasons why pet turtle owners add substrates to their pet’s habitat, including decoration and growing an aquatic plant.

For growing aquatic plants, fluorite is a great choice. It looks like tiny clay particles that are both porous and rich in nutrients. Fluorite provides the growing plants with a place to anchor the roots while nourishing the plants. You may also use it together with another substrate.

If you want substrate for decoration, then nutrients are not a vital consideration. You would need to pay attention to colors, sizes, and how easy it is for the substrate to remain aligned in the tank.

Colorful substrates allow you to play around with decorative ideas in the tank. Some substrates also glow in the dark, which can be enticing.

On the other hand, if you desire to make the turtle much more comfortable in the tank, natural pebbles make a great choice. They give the tank a natural feel that replicates the turtle’s wild environment for the aquatic and semi-aquatic species.

Ease of Cleaning

Turtle tanks need regular cleaning. Else, the tank might stink and also make your pet turtle stink. In addition, proper hygiene increases the risk of your pet turtle getting ill and affects the overall quality of life of the reptile.

Turtle tank substrates come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. While some are easier to clean, others are more demanding. River rocks and pebbles are some of the easiest substrates to clean.

They are large and rounded, making it a lot easier to wash them. On the other hand, sand particles are fine and closely packed together, making them difficult to clean.

Besides the ease of cleaning the substrate, you should also consider how the substrate affects the ease of cleaning the tank. While rocks are easier to clean, they allow food and algae particles to pass to the base of the turtle tank. As such, the tank becomes dirty sooner.

Reaction with Water

How does the substrate react with water? This is a vital question depending on whether you want to maintain the water pH or increase the acidity. Some substrates, such as the crushed corals with aragonite, increase the water pH to a certain acidity.

If you are unsure of the ideal pH for your pet turtle species, go for a pH-neutral substrate.

Types of Turtle Tank Substrates

There are several turtle tank substrates to choose from. It is best to learn about the strengths and drawbacks of each to understand why some are preferred to others. Below are the most common turtle tank substrates, including gravel, sand, and large rocks or pebbles.

1. Gravel

Gravel is the most preferred substrate among turtle owners. It looks good and appears more natural in the tank. In addition, it gives the tank an appealing appearance since you can get a mix of colors such as red, black, white, blue, red, etc.

Gravel can also hold bacteria. Providing a surface where healthy bacteria can grow will help with water filtration. Gravel is also quite easy to clean, which makes maintaining ideal hygiene conditions in the turtle tank easier. Gravel is also heavy enough not to be sucked by the siphon. Another advantage is that when you use small or fine gravel, there is little to no food and algae that get under it; thus, cleaning the tank is easier.

On the downside, turtles are opportunistic feeders, and they don’t stop this even in captivity. Due to this, there have been occasions, though rare, where turtles have ingested gravel. The gravel blocks its stomach or causes impaction.

In extreme cases, this might lead to death. In addition, aquarium gravel is not ideal if you intend to add plants to the habit. It lacks nutrients to support the plants’ growth needs.

The best turtle tank gravel should be big enough for the turtle not to eat. Else, it is not worth the risk.

2. Sand

Sand is yet another commonly used substrate in turtle tanks, and there are good reasons for this.

First, not even the tiniest pieces of food or algae manage to go under it. As such, cleaning your turtle tank becomes significantly easier. Second, sand is very fine, and should the turtle ingest it; the particles are so tiny that they will not block its intestines. As such, it will not have significant harm to the turtle.

A third advantage of using sand is that you can get it in a wide variety of colors. The colors come from the chemical treatment of the sand, but this is not harmful to the turtle. A wide array of substrate colors allows you to customize the tank’s appearance.

On the downside, sand particles are very small, making cleaning them demanding. It would be ideal to remain careful and ensure to thoroughly clean the sand.

3. River Rocks

These rocks offer an ideal turtle tank substrate alternative. They come from the river and are round and smooth around the edges due to being run over by water for years. You should not collect rocks randomly and add them to the tank; they are likely to have sharp edges and might end up injuring your turtle.

River rocks are heavy enough to remain stable in the tank. Thus, your pet turtles do not move them around. If you wish to make a beautiful arrangement in the tank that the turtle will not alter, then consider getting rocks.

Another reason why you may consider river rocks is that they are easy to clean and remove, unlike sand and gravel. Another advantage of river rocks is that they are big, so there is no risk of impaction. Your turtle will not manage to eat even the smallest piece of river rock.

They are also inexpensive to get if you have a river close to you. You only need to collect the rocks, clean and disinfect, and you are good to go. If you don’t have a river nearby, you can purchase the rocks from pet stores or online.

Since they are big, these rocks leave a lot of space in between that allows food and algae particles to pass and settle at the tank’s base. It makes the tank get dirty faster, making it stink if not cleaned soon enough.

4. Crushed Coral

If you use salty water in the turtle tank, then crushed corals are a substrate you can consider. The Calcium can leach out of the crushed coral and increase the pH of the water. As such, the water pH remains at a suitable level for the turtle. You may also add the corals as a filter stage to increase the tank pH conditions.

On the downside, crushed corals are not ideal if you intend to add rooted plants to the tank. With fresh water in the tank, you may also use crushed corals as an additional substrate but not entirely on their own.

5. Fluorite

Flourite makes an excellent substrate choice for planted aquariums. It provides a great channel for roots. In addition, it looks natural and appealing in the enclosure. Turtles are also less likely to eat fluorite.

On the negative side, fluorite makes the tank appear muddy, especially in the first few days before it settles.

6. Sand and River Rocks Combination

While you may opt for using a single substrate, some combinations bring out the benefits of each substrate and cover up the shortcoming of the other. For example, a mix of sand and river rocks will make the tank appealing.

River rocks are often white, grey, or black; as such, they can blend well with an array of colors. You use these rocks with colored sand to fill the spaces between the stones and achieve a unique look in the tank.

The rocks prevent the sand from being sucked by the siphon, while the sand fills in the spaces between the rocks preventing algae and food particles from passing, thus reducing the amount of dirt in the turtle tank.

We have seen a variety of turtle tank substrates to choose from. Whichever you opt for, ensure that you thoroughly clean or disinfect it before adding it to the tank. It prevents you from contaminating the tank with dangerous bacteria in the substrate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Is The Best Turtle Tank Substrate?

The best substrate to buy will depend on your turtle species. For instance, sand is ideal for softshell species because it facilitates burrowing. In addition, it provides them with a safe option should the turtle ingest it; it will not block their digestive system.

Each turtle tank substrate has its advantages and disadvantages. While some are easy to clean, others are harmful to your pet turtle. Research the needs of your pet turtle and choose one that meets them.

Do Turtles Eat Substrate?

Your pet turtle will attempt to eat anything in its habitat that fits in its mouth. Therefore, if you have substrate in the tank, the turtle may try to ingest it. Be careful about the size of the substrate pieces you add to the tank. They should be large enough not to fit in the turtle’s mouth for safety. In addition, they should be all-natural with no chemical additives.

Is Substrate Necessary In a Turtle Tank?

Substrates line the base of the turtle’s tank. You don’t need substrate bedding unless there are live plants in the aquarium. However, it is a helpful addition for burrowing and digging species. The substrate also enhances the appearance of the turtle’s tank.