Fake plants are just fine, but that is not what we are here to talk about today. There are many things that are necessary for a healthy and happy tank of turtles, one of those being plants. That is why we are here today, to help you find the best live plants for turtle tanks.Turtles love live plants because they like to eat them, plus it helps replicate their natural environment too.
You may be wondering what kind of plants are good for a turtle tank, and deciding on the right ones may be a bit of an issue. IMAGEPLANTINFOOUR RATINGHardy plant9.4/10Grows quickly9.3/10Natural filter8.9/10Not demanding8.3/10What Kind Of Plants Are Good For Turtles?When it comes to a turtle tank, there are a variety of options that you can go with, but there are a couple of things that you do need to keep in mind when selecting them. One of the main things to look out for is that you only add plants that the turtle can eat.While you do not want plants that are overly tasty, because the turtles will eat them before they ever get a chance to grow, any plants that may contain compounds which are toxic to turtles need to be avoided.
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Turtles love to eat plants, so any kind of plant that is edible for a turtle is a big bonus.Moreover, you want to add plants that root easily in the substrate. You need the plants to stay firmly rooted in the substrate, so any plant with a good root system is a big bonus. Furthermore, turtle tanks usually don’t have too much light or oxygen in the water, so any plant that doesn’t have too big oxygen or light requirements is ideal too. Floating plants are nice for turtles too, because they can provide some cover, they look nice, and they are often edible too.
What We Think Are The Best Live Plants For Turtle TanksNow, let’s take a look at what we feel are the 9 best plants that you can go with for your turtle tank, each of which is great in its own way and they are all turtle safe plants. HornwortThis is a good option to go with no doubt.
Hornwort is an aquatic plant that does not reach the surface. It is green and sometimes slightly yellowish, making it a beautiful addition to any tank. Hornwort is pretty resilient to many different water conditions. Water temperature, as long as it is not overly hot or cold, is not a huge deal, nor is lighting.They do like a little bit of light, but as long as you have the various turtle lights going this should not be an issue. Hornwort is very hardy and can survive in many different conditions. This includes a turtle tank where it may get eaten. The fact that it grows pretty quickly is also a bonus considering that turtles may eat it quite rapidly.
Moreover, this stuff is also ideal for filtering out the water.2. Java MossThe real beauty is that it does not need any special lighting or air requirements. It will do well in dim and murky water, meaning that you can keep it in virtually any fresh water aquarium.Java Moss is also good for filtering out the water, something that is necessary in any turtle tank. What is also good about Java Moss is that it grows along the substrate, rocks, driftwood, and other aquarium items. This means that it grows easily virtually anywhere, it grows quickly, so being eaten is not a big issue, and it is easy to care for as well.3.
Java FernThe Java Fern is another good option to consider. While it does need to be anchored down with some small rocks or driftwood, it still makes for a fine addition to any turtle tank. Simply tie it down to any bottom surface with some fishing line and everything will be just fine. It does require a little bit of lighting, but the turtle lights will do just fine.are great at taking waste out of the water, thus acting like a natural filter. Java Ferns are not all that tasty and turtles, while they may take a bite every now and then, they won’t outright eat the whole plant. Also, low CO2 levels are no issue either. It is a very hardy, resilient, and easy to care for aquatic plant for any freshwater aquarium.4.
Dwarf HairgrassDwarf Hairgrass is actually quite similar to normal grass, not unlike on your own lawn. The difference is of course than normal grass is not aquatic, whereas Dwarf Hairgrass definitely is. Turtles will love this stuff because to cover the substrate, giving them something soft to walk on and mull through on the bottom of the tank.It is a very beautiful addition to any turtle tank, almost like an underwater lawn. Turtles may eat some of this stuff, but it is not that tasty so they won’t raze down a whole field of it. Moreover, it doesn’t require much lighting or CO2, plus it does not grow that fast, so it will not invade too much tank space either.5. MoneywortMoneywort is a really cool option to go with. Many people like this stuff for its aesthetic appeal.
Simply put, it looks really nice. This is more of a straight plant, in the sense that it has longer and taller shoots with leaves on them, plus they are quite thin. They make for a good option if you have one or two smaller bunches.That being said, don’t add too many of them as they grow quite tall and will take up lots of space in the water if you do have too many. This stuff may be eaten by your turtles, but it grows fairly quickly so that should be no issue. Moreover, while it does like lots of light and CO2, Moneywort is not overly demanding so it will do just fine in the depths of a turtle tank.6. Red LudwigiaThe reason why many people love red ludwigia is because it is extremely low maintenance. You will not have to provide it with any special nutrients, lighting, or aeration.
It will do just fine on its own and feeding off of the nutrients in the water. Being so easy to take care of makes this plant a prime choice for much more than just turtle tanks.It is a taller plant, so you will only want to add a couple of bushes here and there in order to avoid overstuffing the swimming area, but a few will do just fine.
Also, this is very fast growing plant, one that does like to be eaten by turtles. While turtles may eat a good deal of red ludwigia, it grows really fast so it will replenish itself in no time at all.7.
Water LettuceWater lettuce is another really neat option to go with for your turtle tank. These guys are floating plants that rest on top of the water. Their light requirements will definitely be met thanks to the fact that they rest on the water’s surface, and will therefore be able to absorb plenty of UV rays.Moreover, turtles love to eat this stuff, plus it provides for some good cover too. It’s quite a hardy plant that will have no problems surviving in turtle tank conditions. There is also the fact that they add a certain amount of visual appeal to any tank as well.8.
Water HyacinthA water hyacinth is also a cool floating plant option to go with. Except for the look of it, this stuff is extremely similar to water lettuce. It floats on top of the water, so it has no problem getting air and light. Moreover, it is also a very hardy and resilient plant, so keeping it alive is no issue.There is also the fact that turtles like to eat water hyacinth, so it does make for a tasty snack. Also, these things look really nice, especially when their flowers bloom, making the very visually appealing.9. Moss BallsMoss balls are a very unique choice to go with, but a good one none the less.
These things are simply moss balls, aquatic moss, that rests on the bottom of the tank. They aren’t especially tasty, so while turtles might snack on them, they won’t outright consume them.Moreover, they do fine in low light aquariums, which is great for the bottom of a turtle tank. Moss balls also make for a fun toy that your turtles can push around and play with. They also make for really good water filters that take unwanted compounds and excess nutrients out of the water.
We can’t forget the fact that they look really neat as well.Benefits Of Keeping Live Plants In Your Turtle TankThere are quite a few different benefits that come with keeping turtle plants in your tank. We are calling them turtle plants because in most cases, we are referring to plants that turtles can eat.At any rate, what are the benefits of keeping live plants in turtle tanks? Backup FiltrationOne of the biggest benefits here is that live plants have the ability to act as a backup water filtration system.
The best plants for turtle tanks can filter out ammonia, nitrites, and other unwanted organic compounds in the water.They make the water cleaner, better for your turtles to live in, and they take some of the load off of the filter too. VisualSimply put, aquatic turtle plants will make the aquarium look much better. Aquariums and turtle tanks without plants look weird and unnatural.
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Not only will it look better to you, but it will be better for the turtle too.No matter what the case, some live plants in the tank definitely help increase the visual appeal. More OxygenPlants have the ability to oxygenate the water. Turtles do need a lot of oxygen, which is also the case if you happen to have some fish in the same tank.The more aquatic plants you have in the tank, the more oxygen the water will have, which is always a good thing. Happy TurtlesPerhaps the best parts about having some live plants in your turtle tank is that it will make your turtle much happier.Turtles like to eat certain aquatic plants, plus they like to hide among them too. Simply put, some good aquatic plants will make your turtle feel at home.
Can I Use Plastic Plants In My Turtle Tank?The short answer to this question is yes, you can in your turtle tank if you so choose. However, in our opinion, if looking after a couple of live plants is too difficult and time consuming, then you probably don’t have enough time to really look after a turtle at all.At any rate, yes, plastic plants will do just fine in a turtle tank, plus of course they don’t need any maintenance and there is no chance of them dying.However, when it comes down to it, real plants are much better for turtle tanks for many reasons. First off, plastic plants cannot oxygenate the water as they do not go through photosynthesis.At the same time, plastic plants cannot filter out any microorganisms and unwanted compounds from the water. Furthermore, turtles surely cannot eat plastic plants, and if they do, they will get sick. You are better off with real plants.
What Kind Of Plants Do Red Eared Sliders Eat?Red eared sliders are some of the most commonly kept turtles, which is why we would like to talk about some red eared slider plants that they like to eat.Keep in mind, they may not like to eat all these plants, but they won’t hurt the turtles either. Common WaterweedThis is one of the best plants to go with for red eared sliders. Most turtles really seem to love the taste of this stuff and it has lots of nutrition in it.
Moreover, it is very easy to grow, inexpensive, and does not require much maintenance at all. HornwortThis is probably one of the best options to go with for various reasons. While turtles usually don’t love the taste of this stuff, some are known to eat it, plus it is not harmful either.There is also the fact that Hornwort doesn’t need substrate, it does fine in most conditions, and it does not require much maintenance either. Java FernJava ferns are also very easy to care for. They do need to be tied down to something as they are known to come free from substrate and float around.However, other than that, this plant does not require much maintenance at all.
Some turtles do like to eat this stuff, but most will just stay away from it. Amazon SwordAmazon sword plants work well for turtle tanks too. This is another plant that is easy to grow and does not require much in terms of maintenance.Red eared sliders may eat a bit of it, but they usually won’t eat a whole plant, but they may tear it out of the substrate if the mood strikes them.
What Plants Should I Avoid Adding To My Turtle Tank?There are not too many things to keep in mind here. Some plants to avoid, first off, are toxic ones. Some of the plants that turtles can absolutely not eat include, milkweed, and ivy. Other than those, most plants are edible for turtles.Moreover, a plant that requires way too much light and oxygen is not ideal, especially if it is going to be underwater.
Finally, any plant that has a weak root system (or does not float), is not going to be ideal for a turtle tank. They need to be rooted well in order to avoid floating around the tank randomly. ConclusionThere are many awesome plants that you can get for your turtle tank. If you have a larger tank, don’t be afraid to diversify a little bit. Generally speaking, space permitting, the more plants you have the better. Turtles love plants in their tank so do them a favor and get some! Disclaimer/About Aquascape AddictionAquascapeaddiction.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites.Aquascape Addiction is the product of a group of aquarists that care about the passion, art, and hobby of Aquascaping.
Our mission is to educate and share aquascaping knowledge with others, and to show the mainstream audience that aquascaping can be beautiful.
. WEIGHT: 15 pounds. WARRANTY: 3-year warrantyWhile it might be tempting just to grab the first filter you see on a web search, you have to keep certain factors in mind when searching for the best canister for turtle tanks. Turtles are a bit different than fish (being reptiles) and as such have different requirements for their care. The Critical Difference Between Turtles And FishBoth are aquatic and closely related on the tree of life, so you could actually find a lot that is similar between the two.
They are both cold-blooded creatures, they both hunt for their food in their natural habitats, and they both lay eggs to reproduce. Where then is the difference that necessitates a slightly different approach when it comes to turtle care?
More often than not, the aquatic turtles that you get for your tank will be larger. They will produce much more waste material and other byproducts that you need to clean to keep their habitat healthy (there are some around the web if you’re looking for detailed information on caring for these awesome pets).This means that you have to buy a larger tank (they’ll need more room to move). You’ll need to deck that tank out with plants, some “worker fish” that will aid water quality but not fall prey to your turtles, and plenty of extras that will keep the water clean, primarily the canister filter. What Is The Best Canister Filter For Turtles?The general rule is this: the more powerful the filter is, the better it will be for your turtles. There is some nuance to this, of course, but consider that your turtles are likely big, and they are always cycling their own waste into the water.Also, you probably have other things in your tank aside from just the turtles (plants, small fish, etc.) This is all contained in a large tank that holds at the minimum 50 gallons of water (even more if you have multiple turtles).That water can become stagnant if it is not moved around, which is a surefire way to decrease the quality of the water.
Circulating the water helps to evenly distribute oxygen and good bacteria around the tank, discourage the growth of harmful bacteria, keep water temperature regular, and slow down algae growth.To make a long story short, a weak filter is not going to be able to handle the sheer volume of water you have and provide all of those essential benefits, so if you’ve got turtles in your tank, you have to go big.With smaller water-dwelling creatures, you can sometimes get away with a slightly underpowered filter to save yourself on money or to avoid having to carry the thing around. With turtles though this option is foolhardy. Power is a non-negotiable component of a turtle tank filter.There are other factors you’ll need to have aside from pumping power, though. A powerful filter will do you no good if it can’t hold enough of the right type of filter media. You need to make sure that whatever filter you decide to go with has a large central chamber or multiple large trays to accommodate a lot of filtration.You’ll also need to make sure that you can customize which kinds of media you use in the filter, as your turtles will need a very particular water chemistry to stay healthy, and you have to be able to fine tune your parameters to achieve those levels.The best filters allow you set your own amounts of mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration, and don’t keep you locked into specific levels.
Furthermore, if water is making it past the filter media, then having the filter is pointless. Any filter you get for your turtles has to have no-bypass features to ensure the water is being cleaned.Turtles have additional needs that, when met, can help them live a happier and healthier life. Some of these needs can be met by extra features contained on particular canister filters, so when making your decision, factor in whether or not the filter comes with a UV filter, and a spray bar.The UV filter will further limit the, and help purify the water in the tank. A spray bar can assist with aerating the water in the tank, making sure that your turtles have ready access to oxygen, and aren’t besieged by harmful bacteria attempting to take hold of their environment. Other ConsiderationsWhen looking for a tank, some personal preferences and circumstances will factor into your choice too. Your budget, how much space you have for an external filter, your proficiency level in using filters, and the amount of patience you have for lengthy cleaning processes will all play a role in what you ultimately decide.
Remember to keep all of this in mind when looking at different canister filters. Turtle Tank Canister Filter Reviews Marineland C-530 Canister FilterThis is the most powerful of long-time tank filter manufacturer Marineland’s “C series” line. This filter can handle tanks between 100 and 150 gallons, with a max flow rate of 530GPH. The unit measures 18.25″ x 13.5″ x 21.5″, placing it securely in the larger size bracket. Marineland hails this model as “high performance” and “easy to use”.
They even included a handy DVD instruction guide to help newcomers to the canister filter world set the C-530 up for the first time.The C-530 includes many of the cherished filter qualities that a turtle tank owner would want, including a 3-stage filtration which takes place in large “stack-n-flo” filter trays.