Where To Keep Red Eared Slider Turtles?

If you’ve recently taken the leap and purchased a pet Red Eared Slider Turtle, you’re likely wondering where best to keep them. Red Eared Sliders are one of the most popular pet turtles for good reason; they’re relatively low maintenance, and with the proper care, can live for decades. To ensure your new pet turtle has the best chance for a long and healthy life, you’ll need to give them an appropriately sized and well-maintained habitat. In this article, we’ll explore the best housing and tank setup for your Red Eared Slider Turtle.

Where to Keep Red Eared Slider Turtles?

Red Eared Slider Turtles, or RES, are a popular pet choice for reptile lovers. They are relatively easy to care for, but they do require special considerations when it comes to where they are kept. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to house your RES to ensure they remain healthy and happy.

Habitat Considerations

When choosing a habitat for your RES, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, RES turtles require a large tank, as they can grow to be quite large in size. A tank of at least 45 gallons is recommended. It is also important to keep in mind the temperature. RES turtles need a warm environment, with a temperature range between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The tank should also include a basking area, with a temperature of at least 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a water heater to maintain the water temperature.

Filtration and Cleaning

A good filtration system is essential for your RES’s habitat. Most tanks will require a filter that is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. It is also important to clean your tank regularly, as RES turtles produce a lot of waste. Weekly water changes should be done, and the tank should be scrubbed down with a mild bleach solution every few months.

Tank Decorations and Substrate

Your RES’s tank should be well decorated with hiding spots, plants, and other decorations. This will help to keep your turtle entertained and also provide them with places to hide. The substrate in the tank can also be important, as it can help to keep the water clean and provide a place for your turtle to dig. Gravel is the most common substrate, but sand is also an option.

Lighting

Lighting is also important for your RES’s habitat. A full-spectrum UVB bulb should be used to provide your turtle with the necessary UVB rays for proper health. This should be kept on for 12-14 hours a day. In addition, a basking light should also be used to provide a warm basking spot for your turtle. This should be kept on for 8-10 hours a day.

Diet and Feeding

RES turtles are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plant and animal materials. A good diet for your turtle should include a mix of fresh vegetables, commercial turtle pellets, and occasionally some live or frozen foods. Feeding your turtle should be done 1-2 times a day, with only enough food that they can eat in 5 minutes.

Housing Multiple RES Turtles

If you are planning to house multiple RES turtles, it is important to have a large enough tank. The tank should be at least 75 gallons, as multiple turtles will produce more waste and require more space. In addition, it is important to provide multiple basking spots, as more than one turtle will be vying for the best spot.

Safety Considerations

It is important to keep your tank safe and secure, as RES turtles are known to escape from their habitats if given the opportunity. The tank should be kept in a secure area, away from windows, doors, and other potential escape routes. The tank should also be covered with a secure lid to ensure your turtle does not escape.

Health Care

It is important to keep your RES turtle healthy by providing them with proper care. This includes regular monitoring of their environment, as well as providing them with regular check-ups from a veterinarian. It is also important to provide your turtle with a healthy diet and provide them with the necessary supplements they need to stay healthy.

Handling and Interaction

RES turtles should not be handled often, as doing so can lead to stress and potential health issues. When handling your turtle, it is important to always wash your hands before and after, as turtles can carry bacteria that can be harmful to humans. When interacting with your turtle, it is important to be gentle and keep them in their tank as much as possible.

Conclusion

When it comes to housing your RES turtle, it is important to keep a few things in mind, including habitat considerations, filtration and cleaning, tank decorations and substrate, lighting, diet and feeding, housing multiple turtles, safety considerations, health care, and handling and interaction. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your turtle remains healthy and happy in their new home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Red Eared Slider Turtle?

A Red Eared Slider Turtle is a species of aquatic turtle native to the United States. They are named for the distinctive red stripe behind their eyes. They can grow to be 8-12 inches long and have a lifespan of up to 30 years. They are popular pets due to their bright colors and docile nature.

Red Eared Slider Turtles require special care as they are aquatic animals. They need to be kept in a tank with clean water, and the temperature must be regulated. They need plenty of space to swim and hide, so their tank should be at least 10 gallons.

Where to Keep Red Eared Slider Turtles?

Red Eared Slider Turtles should be kept in an indoor aquarium of at least 10 gallons, but ideally 30 gallons or more. The water should be filtered and chlorine-free, and the temperature should be kept between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The tank should also include a basking area with a UVA/UVB light and a place for the turtles to hide.

It is also important to provide a good diet for your Red Eared Slider Turtle. They should be fed a variety of foods, such as insects, worms, and leafy greens. Commercial turtle food is also available, but should be given in moderation. Additionally, a calcium supplement should be added to their diet to ensure they get enough calcium.

What Equipment is Needed to Keep Red Eared Slider Turtles?

To successfully keep Red Eared Slider Turtles, you will need an aquarium with a filter, a UVA/UVB light, a thermometer, and a basking area. You will also need to provide the turtles with a variety of foods, such as insects, worms, and leafy greens, as well as a calcium supplement. The tank should also be cleaned regularly to maintain a healthy environment.

Additionally, it is important to provide the turtles with plenty of space to swim and hide. The tank should be at least 10 gallons, but 30 gallons or more is preferable. The water should also be filtered and chlorine-free, and the temperature should be kept between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Items Should Not be in the Tank?

When setting up the tank for your Red Eared Slider Turtle, it is important to remember not to put any items in the tank that could be dangerous to the turtle. This includes rocks, gravel, or anything else that could be sharp or create a jagged edge. Additionally, you should avoid using any chemicals, such as cleaners, in the tank as this could be harmful to the turtle.

It is also important to avoid adding any other animals to the tank, such as fish or other turtles. Red Eared Slider Turtles are territorial and may attack other animals in their tank. Furthermore, it is important to avoid feeding your turtle any foods that are not part of their diet as this could cause health problems.

How to Clean the Tank?

It is important to clean the tank regularly to maintain a healthy environment for your Red Eared Slider Turtle. The tank should be cleaned every two weeks using a gravel vac and a sponge. The water should be completely emptied and the tank should be wiped down with a soft cloth. The filter should also be cleaned and the water should be refilled with dechlorinated water.

Additionally, it is important to remove any waste, such as uneaten food, from the tank. All decorations should be removed and cleaned with a sponge and warm water. Finally, the filter should be replaced and the water should be tested for pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels.

Red Eared Slider Turtle Care: Beginner Guide

With the right care and attention, red-eared slider turtles can make wonderful pets. They require a large, clean habitat with plenty of room to swim and bask in the sun. They need a temperature-controlled environment and access to clean food and water. With a little bit of effort, you can provide your red-eared slider turtle with the perfect habitat to keep it healthy and happy.