Having purchased hatchlings of the common snapper the period of time having a bunch of cute baby turtles will end up soon. They will triple their size in about six months, and if kept first with other species, will outgrow anyone else in the tank by two or tree times in a year or so. Another year and there will be no space for any other turtles but the snapper, and so on...

What I am trying to say is that the snapping turtles grow large very fast and outgrow their tanks very fast. So, for someone planning on getting a snapping turtle, the best thing to do is to buy a larger tank right from the beginning.

If a person doesn't plan on keeping the snapper any longer than its juvenile stage, it would be better not to purchase it at all.

Snappers become quite large and not so tame in a short period of time, and need a long term and serious commitment on the part of the keeper.

Having decided to become a snapping turtle owner, a person should get a tank that will last for at least few years.
I would recommend a 40 gallon ( 180 liters ) tank ( 36 by 18 by 18 inches - or 90 by 45 by 45 cm ), which will let to set up its interior to a wild - like, with stones and driftwood environment.

For people with limited space, a 20 gallon aquarium should last for about two years, but as a rule of the thumb - the bigger tank the better.
With only the available space and the budget as limitations, most money when setting up a turtles home should be spent on tank and the filter.
Idealy, a 100 gallon ( 450 liters ) tank would make a fit home for a snapper for many years.