A Guide to Turtle Tank Substrate | Sand, Gravel, River Rock?!?

Sand? Gravel? River rock? Nothing?! What's the best substrate for a turtle tank? Here's your guide to turtle tank substrate! Let's discuss the purpose of substrate, the benefits and drawbacks of the different options, and how to prepare it to go into the turtle tank.
~ CONTENTS ~
00:00 Intro
00:34 What is substrate?
01:46 Substrate for turtles vs. fish
02:20 The options
02:43 Gravel
04:28 Tile/Barebottom
05:41 River Rock
06:38 Sand
07:45 Bonus: Crushed Coral
08:46 Where to buy
09:41 Preparation + rinsing
10:27 Conclusion
I N S T A G R A M ► / theturtlegirl
P A T R E O N ► / theturtlegirl
Huge thanks to all my current patrons for allowing this channel to be the best it can be!
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2916 NW Bucklin Hill Rd PMB 108
Silverdale, WA 98383

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Want more turtle care content? Take a look at my Turtle 101 playlist for answers to your care related questions :) kzbin.info/aero/PLNhWjG4VxAmhvoEkUfFsv6LKhLqXcGn-P

[@patriciaburch6471]

My red ear turtle is in a bare tank. She is getting so big. So pool sand. You say they do eat it. I'm worried her eating things. I have a 40" tank. I need to get a 55" I'd like long so she can swim one side to the other.

[@mike2687]

I love the look of black aquarium sand... it's cheap, can't harm the turtles and I turn my filters off when doing to maintenance to avoid getting any stirred up pieces into the impeller. Another plus of going with the black color, as opposed to the traditional white, is that it cuts down on the reflection of light greatly reducing the algae growth.

[@vulgervulcan6345]

Helpful thank you

[@ximenia6509]

You are absolutely awesome! I could barely find any proper instructions on how to take care of my turtle until I found you. You have helped me so much and are amazing!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

aw, thank you for the kind words!

[@ximenia6509]

Ofc!

[@emilyrivera-fontanez485]

I agree!

[@ameliartrebnio]

My turtle is getting a upgrade from a 45 gallon with gravel to a 120 gallon with sand. And it is all because of your chanel. So thank you, you really made my turtle have a better quality of life.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Aw that's awesome! Hope the upgrade goes smoothly!

[@ameliartrebnio]

@@TheTurtleGirl I just can't thank you enough. You are my turtles hero, and if Piggy (my turtle) new how you impacted her life so greatly she would be so grateful that you were here. My turtle wouldn't live the life she is right now. And I hope you and your pets are staying safe.

[@jheni1500]

I have had my turtles since I was 13 so I have learned a lot over the years of what I have done wrong 😅 But I have a 6 inch female painted turtle and a 10 in female RES. They are in different tanks, but I recently upgraded both of their tanks. The painted turtle is in a 55 gallon with an above basking area and full tank, and the red eared slider is now in a 125 gallon tank with a bare bottom (currently). Welllll, before we moved, I had the RES in a 55 gallon with river rocks that were smaller. I didn’t think she could fit them in her mouth and I haven’t seen her eat them before. Turns out I was wrong! The first week of her being in her new bare bottom tank, I kept finding river rocks in her tank from her pooping them out! I couldn’t believe it. I kept throwing them away as soon as I saw them. There were probably 10 rocks total I found. I have NO idea how she managed to do that, and I realized she has probably done that over the last 9 years. Thank God she never got badly impacted and got hurt. Learn from me, even if you doubt your turtle will eat the rocks, don’t risk it!

[@1wasavi]

Aye, going through this process right now, sucks to now how bad it once was. Good thing is there both in a better tank now

[@kristenolson5634]

My 11 year old daughter and I have been watching all of your videos to upgrade our turtle tank and make it better. So we finally are upgrading from a 20 gallon to a 75 gallon so we should never have to upgrade again. But for substrate now we have the big glass stones that I hate cleaning and in our new tank after watching many videos love the look of the black blasting sand and decided to switch. This weekend we are switching over everything only thing we have to wait on is the heater but at this time its OK since temps here are not cold yet or to hot anymore. Thanks for you help on getting a bigger better and nicer tank and also how to clean it better. We also learned how to better care for our turtle that was given to us last summer as a very tiny turtle. We learned so much form you. Thank you oh and my daughter insist once we finish filling our tank and switch over to send you a picture to see what you helped us do.

[@serene2646]

Thank you for this video!! I have had my red ear slider turtle for about two years now, and I am now moving her to a 120 gallon tank that I have. This video helped a lot!!

[@ninez4958]

Can you please help me and tell me where you are getting the big tank I’ve been looking forever and my slider is huge.

[@serene2646]

@@ninez4958 I’ve had my tank for as long as I can remember. My parents bought it and we’ve kept fish in it until a few weeks ago we moved her into the tank. Sorry idk where the tank came from

[@serene2646]

@@ninez4958 If your sliders that big maybe consider building a pond for them

[@ninez4958]

@@serene2646 I am building him a pond but only for the day because we have stray cats possums rats and raccoons so I have to take him in at night

[@ninez4958]

@@serene2646 oh that’s ok

[@inspire-mewealth5966]

I love that you made this video, I am setting up my turtle tank for the first time and am very excited to give my 🐢 🐢 ‘s a new habitat! I am looking into buying the pool sand that you have suggested. About how many times do you suggest to rinse out the sand? Other commentators have provided information warning others to rinse sand more than 3 times.

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

SO well done!!! Nice work and so perfectly organized. I'm takin notes! XD

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Thanks Dan ;)

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

@doddleBob yes!

[@edagundogdu5139]

I'm on my way to the pet store to upgrade my tank, watched almost all of your videos, thanks for the infos they are super helpful! plus it is hard to find that much information about turtles in an organized way :) Thanks for your videos!!!!

[@pal7252]

This was most helpful! You answered questions that I had. Thank you! 🥰

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Glad to hear that!

[@sdc8807]

I looove your channel sooo much, I have learned so many things about caring for my turtles that I didn't know! I have 1 Map turtle, 1 red eared slider and 1 spiny softshell turtle!

[@cmac9526]

Wow very helpful as of now I’ve had bare bottom and I’ve been looking into sand as substrate, thanks!! Always informative videos!!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Awesome! Happy it could help!

[@juanmoceton6842]

I love your videos. Very informative and helpful.

[@justwannasay5454]

I recently set up a very nice inside winter habitat for my RES using an 160 gallon, galvanized steel oval "trough". It is 6' long by 2' tall. I applied the canned rubber product on the seams and the bottom 2x. So far so good. It is heated and has all the necessary bells and whistles. She seems to love it. I have a Fluval FX6 cannister filter rated for 400 gallons. I simply LOVE it. So to my point... my tub is very, very heavy -- 8 lbs. x 100+ gallons = 800+ lbs.! So I cant add any substrate cuz i simply cannot add any more weight! 😣 It took her awhile but she is now starting to swim around. I believe this is her first time swimming! Makes me VERY happy 😍 to see her swim. Oh and here in California it is still hot so every day i take her outside to her fenced-in kiddie pool/basking area where she has the luxury of basking under the California sun 🌞 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.! (sorry this post is so long). I am just excited and proud of what I have given her.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

That sounds amazing Terry! weight is definitely something to be cognisant of!

[@adam7260]

I love your KZbin channel it’s the best and I’m getting. A 75 gallon tank

[@luismalko-allen759]

Great video keep up the great work

[@TheTurtleGirl]

appreciate it!

[@Duh-096]

Thank you for the help

[@gilliansapp9940]

love your videos so much!! ✨✨

[@TheTurtleGirl]

appreciate the support!

[@singingproductions1326]

Your so funny these videos help so much! I’m getting a turtle and gurl your whole channel helps

[@roccoriccardi8157]

I finished all my school work and my teacher was like do extra math even though i finished it so u know what im doing. Hanks for giving me information and intertanment i one channel shout out to u my friend

[@michaelchan8031]

still a great guide that i re watch from time to time

[@TheTurtleGirl]

happy to hear it Michael!

[@VickiewithanIE]

Thank you for your help

[@damaribrown5638]

I love your videos there so helpful!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching!

[@d31on]

This video was super informative and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Are those pieces of wood in the tank behind you store-bought, or did you just get them outdoors?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

About half and half. The spiderwood was bought, the rest was collected.

[@rickyramon1864]

🐐 thank you for the info

[@louiedfresh4768]

You do a fabulous job. I am working on starting a KZbin channel about freshwater fish and college admissions. You are an inspiration. Thank you

[@inspire-mewealth5966]

Hey you are awesome! I have learned so much from you! I have a question: how much pool sand do you suggest to buy for a 75 gallon fish tank?

[@blakesmith1302]

Hey turtle girl! I was wondering if you ever planned on doing a video regarding some shell health, more specifically shedding. I have a 18 month old midland painted turtle that seems to be having difficulty shedding his scutes. I’ve tried some of the very basic things like feeding him wheat germ regularly, as well as getting a better UVB bulb. I was just wondering if there might be any other techniques or tricks! Thanks for all that you do!

[@edith9823]

Great Video!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

thanks Edith!

[@TheWakaMinecraft]

I use Seachem Fluorite for my RES. It's a gravel, but it's entirely clay and is non-toxic if ingested and I can break it up in my hands. I got it long before I knew enough about turtle keeping and just used it because I'd used it in planted aquariums before. My turtle initially tried to eat it, but he very quickly learned it wasn't food and will just push it around at the bottom of the tank at most now but otherwise leaves it alone. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who has a big turtle already because they might not know that it's inedible.

[@aballetgal6788]

I use large grey river rocks with plant gravel underneath

[@albertsrour8687]

I would like to see how do you clean the sand in your aquarium and how do you do a total change of water and a total clean in your tank!!! I've been thinking to make a black sand substrate for one of my turtle tanks but I think is hard to clean and dangerous for the filter (FX6).

[@w__i__n__d__y]

thank you!

[@kennedyleg]

i watched your other video about substraights and we are putting a new one in tomorrow!!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Nice! Thought it would be good to make an updated one :)

[@kennedyleg]

The Turtle Girl Thank you!! I switched from gravel to river rock.

[@josephgreen6950]

Oh wow thankyou so much about warning me about play sand

[@darrenehhhhhhtill8051]

How do you clean the take of debri and waste without picking up the sand?

[@captainjay1654]

This is super cool

[@TheTurtleGirl]

thanks Jayden!

[@itzadrian4649]

Great video 👍

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Poolplayer34]

Great video. Want to mention that Black Diamond blasting sand is actually really sharp and not actually sand. I would think a turtle could cut himself up on that stuff pretty easily.

[@mvhpets]

i personally love sand for my turtle as it has a lot of pros without any big cons! it's also great for capping other substrate ( like planted aquarium substrate for planted turtle tanks)!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

me too! I definitely prefer sand.

[@jessicawyman8223]

I have a yellow belly slider and her rocks keep growing algae and I was thinking of switching to sand. Do you have a recommendation. I love your videos BTW I watch all the time 🥰

[@randealarid]

Hello, thanks for the video, it was really informative. We have two hatchling turtles (a painted and a caigles map), in a 75gallon with African cichlids. I currently have river rock on the bottom and every time I clean it it seems to stir up a bacteria bloom, I know it’s because of all the hiding stuff under the rocks. Ive been looking to change substrate and am thinking sand would be a good option. My question is I have a Fluval fx4 with the filter input and output near the bottom of the tank, should I raise them if I do sand so the filter doesn’t suck in or blow around the sand? Also can I mix the crushed coral and sand to up my ph and still have that safe for the turtles? My fish prefer a higher ph so I’m trying to think of ways to make everyone happy. Thanks in advance for the help. I’m a total newbie and this is my kids aquarium and pets.

[@kevinbuck6058]

I've used tube sand from a hardware store and rocks from local river here in Southern Minnesota. It is now winter up here and he local ponds are frozen over do I can't get local pond weeds. I purchased pond lettuce and that have eaten it. I'm a sucker for a crying begging turtle so I feed them. Then they go to the bottom and eat fine sand. I assume I should just let them beg for a day or so. I had two Western Painted turtles that I couldn't get to eat and they died. But these are very friendly towards each other for now. I am planing on increasing their water area to at least a 75 gallon aquarium or a 75 gallon black rubber maid stock tank. I have a separate tank for the water plants that make use of the turtle waste. Then I siphon out two gallons from the plant aquarium tank an pour it into the turtle tank. I remove about two gallons and add about two gallons every third day. Thanks for reading my reply.

[@reptilemetaljen]

I use river rocks but really want to add sand lol I’m afraid it’ll cloud up. I have the beer canister filter ever but still worth it’ll be messy. Do you go to the pet shop and look for aquarium stand is there a specific brand you would recommend?

[@ironswolemaiden9954]

Love your channel! Can you pretty please do a video on impaction? Like signs/symptoms, etc?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

that's a good idea! thanks for the suggestion!

[@tatumsajerkk]

You should do a video on how to properly boil decorations so they're safe to be in the tank!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Good suggestion, thanks!

[@madz6n6]

If I use the crushed coral and some snail shells on the Red-eared slider tank is that ok? my turtle both are about 6cm, I just use this is the second day of use that substrate. Thanks, because of your channel I will upgrade to more bigger tank soon to 33 gallons, and maybe I will use both crushed coral and sands if it's ok, and other stuff like decoration too.

[@kennethmarrow3131]

Turtle Girl, you are so beautiful , talented and animated. I have a disabled daughter and I encouraged her to watch you. Now she is hooked! We watch you all the time. Thank you Turtle Girl!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Aw Kenneth, that's awesome! Send her my best!

[@JElizondo22]

I just want to ask what brand of sand is best for turtles? Or any from petstore is fine like.. “Top fin” or “Imagitarium” sand ok to use?

[@hi-ix2ps]

I have small river rocks in my painted turtle’s aquarium :)

[@VashtiPerry]

I've never seen a video with 0 dislikes cool. Also thank you for the info

[@fishlegend2536]

I love your channel im getting turtles.

[@katsuya063]

I have two six year old turtles and I recently changed their tank. I have some quartz sand that I want to place in their tank but I don't know if it's a good idea because I'm afraid they might eat it. I also heard it's difficult to clean it up. What should I do?

[@anfeora870]

Hey i just bought 2 baby turtle for my little sister about a weeks ago, and the pet shop said that i should feed them once everyday. Is it right? Or should i feed them like monday, wednesday, then friday or something like that? Thanks !

[@LeviathanFinn]

Do you prefer the medium or fine Black Diamond Blasting Sand for Tractor Supply?

[@goodlifevideos6131]

Do you think using plastic rocks is a good idea? Or glow rocks?

[@d4rk4ngel132]

I've used the oven to sterilize river rock. Start them in a cold oven and set it for 350 for about 30 to 45 minutes.

[@malejones2250]

Any tips on where to buy or what to watch out for in river rock? Thanks!

[@arncj18]

2 parts peat moss 1 part potting soil 1 part mulsch/ pond mud/ compost/ black cow manure pond muck 1/4 portion supliment sand

[@sylviadoneski4073]

Hi turtle girl! So my tank is in my room when I go bed should I turn off the light when I go bed or leave it on for my turtle to bask

[@Gustavojimenez559]

I have a question what should I do to warm my tank water for my baby turtle I'm buying it a heater next week what should I do so that it's water won't be as cold.will a uvb light last it till next week?

[@glamster911]

I purchased caribbean live sand, I just haven't added it to my turtle tank because I am not sure it is safe for fresh water. Does anyone know if there is a specific type of sand that is needed for turtles?

[@skylersimpson1645]

Hey so I’m having a problem with my black stones in my turtle tank they keep getting slimey so I scrub them when cleaning or ? Get new ones ?

[@turtleaesthetic5638]

Your channel inspired me to buy turtles

[@FlickrAya88]

Can I use the crushed coral for a hatchling DBT?

[@tejaskutal2922]

yesterday i have installed a UVB bulb that heat so quickly. can uvb bulb break because of to much of heat

[@hellopeeps4722]

OMG love the video Could you maybe do a updated room/ pet room 😁🐢🌱

[@TheTurtleGirl]

noted! thanks for the suggestion.

[@dianneperezmartinez6339]

I want to get sand and river rocks for my 55 galon tank but use more sand than rocks how much sand would I need? Would a 11 lb bag be enough?

[@Bigdawg2.0]

i would like to know how can i get a good basking box i see alot of people have one where the turtle can jus swim up but the ones thats being sold are normally just turtle docks and it goes inside tank

[@melib8248]

What sand do you suggest for red-eared sliders?

[@brianrooks1881]

Where did you get your basking area? I have one that sticks to the side of the tank and not a fan.

[@juanmoceton6842]

I am interested in purchasing a Diamondback Terrapin. Can you recommend some reliable breeders? Captive turtles.

[@InsectUncle]

PLEASE HELP! So i ran into the issue of buying the wrong rock...i bought stone rocks and i bout river rocks...i havent put them into the tank but im gonna get sand but im wondering if a 20/40 gradation is fine for the tank. Thank You

[@lauragilmore3907]

Can you add substrate to a tank that’s already got turtles in? I went with bare to start with but I don’t like how boring it looks and want to add rocks or sand!

[@cuteandspookycritters8691]

Okay so… I’m trying to save as much money as I can. There’s a ton of garden stones around my complex that the neighborhood kids like to just hurl at each other and they’re all over the street. They’re quite large but they’re free. Would that be an option or does it need to be from a pet shop or specialty store? Edit:)) You already answered my question sorry

[@jacquelinexlara]

Hey I was wondering what sand you use I’ve heard that pool filter sand is good and play sand but I don’t know if those would have any harsh chemicals is there any specific brands you recommend it would be super helpful anyways thank you I love your videos 😊😄🐢

[@TheTurtleGirl]

I like hth pool filter sand!

[@Lazycompass]

I am new to the turtle community I have two juvenile Mississippi map turtles and I went to petco and got aquatic substrate

[@bandita445]

Great tips, thank you! For the Black Diamond Blasting Sand, does it matter whether to use Medium or Fine Blasting sand for a Red Ear Slider?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

I use medium since I don't want the water to get too cloudy when I add it!

[@tierramcclain7450]

@@TheTurtleGirl On the tractor supply co site, it says to keep the black diamond blaster sand dry, should that be ignored since it’s going into a tank?

[@purpleflakes8]

@@tierramcclain7450 I had the same question and want to know before I buy it @theturtlegirl

[@ghoulishgrl]

question for anyone who could help me: i had large river rocks in my tank around a year ago and i LOVE how it looked, i didn’t mind it being harder to clean, the reason why i removed them and went bare bottom instead is because of how loud they were! my turtle was constantly digging through them and smashing them into the glass, i was also scared she’d break the glass by doing this. is there a way to maybe attach the fake moss/grass (some people put on their docking areas) on the bottom of my tank to soften the sound of the rocks? or if anyone has a different idea that would be appreciated as well. thanks!

[@ChadTower]

I had them too and ended up removing them. Same fear, they would get smashed into the glass bottom all the time. I was afraid someday I was going to come home to a huge mess on the floor.

[@MakeupByDamarisC]

What type of pool filter sand should I get

[@amysouth7010]

Hello! Considering switching my African sideneck turtle’s habit to sand, and looking for ideas of other natural elements to add. Where did you get those large grey stones, and what are they?

[@peebeme1506]

Yeah, I’m switching to sand tomorrow morning

[@marina460]

Hello The Turtle Girl, I want to buy sand but I am afraid that my turtle is going to eat it. He is a baby cooter turtle and he had pebbles but I removed them because he was starting to bite them and I don’t want him to get used to biting them as he gets older since he could swallow them. Do you recommend sand?

[@izzy9596]

What is the best cheap brand to get for sand I have no substrate and no decor but I've spent about $300 in the past 4 months having my turtles and need to find the best options to fill my tank?

[@Lupita94294]

Hello, I have a question! Where did you buy this sand, I need some for my red-eared slider but I don't want to fine of sand that it will ruin my hanging filter. Please help :,>

[@PTNT_PlushToyIslandTNT]

Would lavarock be a good substrate cuz it can grow beneficial bacteria while in the tank and you can buy it big enough so your turtle won't eat it

[@royalkay9306]

I love your turtles 🐢

[@TheTurtleGirl]

thank you for watching!

[@elisescheller6546]

is it okay if my new baby pink bellied turtle has trouble swimming down? like it’s hard for him to swim down to the ground. is that okay? or is it just because he is a baby?

[@mali.e3160]

can i use sand from the beach or do I have to buy it

[@nz9z]

My turtle just ate 0.02 mm sand and im worried. He s 7 months old . Will he be okay? Its just a tiny bit larger than normal sand i have seen but way way smaller than gravel. Like just sand

[@kendrasanders2323]

I have a question can I have a juvenile red eared slider and a baby yellow belly slider can they be in the same tank together?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnLWl6p5pNGglac :)

[@juanmoceton6842]

For the Black Diamond blasting sand do you recommend the fine sand or the medium grain?

[@purpleflakes8]

I have the same Question @theturtlegirl

[@purpleflakes8]

I looked deep in the comments and she suggested medium

[@ronaldmcdonald4839]

I’m actually thinking about getting a eastern box turtle in 3 months and I now that they have the same care as a tortoise maybe you could do a tortoise care video even if you do or don’t have a tortoise because you go over a lot of ground rules that I never new about before

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Suggestion noted! Though I don't know that much about that species or honestly tortoises in general. Land turtles/torts are quite different than aquatics, so I don't know that I'd be confident enough to speak to the topic :P

[@nicolemarie748]

I use a mixture of sand and river rocks ☺️

[@jondean56]

Can you use calcium sand for sideneck turtle

[@Topdollarkennels_Atlanta]

Where do you get your drift wood from?

[@zee-wx7vk]

could you do a video on how to prevent or get rid of algae in the water please ?

[@btxuknowasia8686]

So I was thinking about getting my red ear slider a above basking area should I put subtract in there or no and if no how will they lay eggs

[@btxuknowasia8686]

Substrate*

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Putting substrate in the basking area is definitely a thing people do for female turtles. I don't know much about the topic since both my turtles are boys haha. So sorry, I don't have any advice! Best of luck on your research!

[@Roussey88]

@TheTurtleGirl what about aquasoil?

[@bkugu]

I have a 7 year old RES named Draco. I've had to start keeping him in a barebottom as of this year as I've tried every other safe substrate and he manages to eat everything. He was eating the sand, and intentionally shoving it into the filter (living up to his name), so got rid of that. Got river rocks larger than his head. He managed to break them down into tiny pieces, pick them up, and clog the filter. Those were pretty big river rocks. So I got rid of the rocks. Now he intentionally knocks down the filter. Is there any other substate anyone knows might fit him better? He hates having no substrate but I can't trust him with either sand or river rocks, and gravel is a no go