The best tank accessories for a red-eared slider are larger rocks and stones, and driftwood. Consider increasing the size of the tank if you ever decide to keep more than one turtle.
If you are into Star Wars, I recommend checking out this star wars aquarium decor.
I mainly focus on writing comprehensive reptile care manuals, but youll also find abbreviated care sheets, product reviews, resource directories, and the occasional blog post here. Yourturtle tankshould include a good filtration system such as a power filter or canister filter to keep the water clean. And even if you dont, you can probably house them in an outdoor pond during the summer months, as long as you can provide an appropriate basking temperature. The first thing that probably came to your mind was the question: Whats the right red-eared slider tank size?
They are aquatic animal, therefore their tank mates should be aquatic animals, as well. If you do it right at the beginning, everything that follows will be much easier. Below are the 3 essentials for a red eared slider basking area. In the wild, a basking turtles first response to danger is diving into the water to hide. Adding a carbon media to your filter will also help keep the water clear, but the carbon needs to be replaced periodically, usually once a month. You could also use wood or a plastic "turtle dock."
The bigger your tank, the more you are going to pay the big bucks.
Just because you see someone online keeping their pet red-eared slider in a smaller enclosure and asserting that the animal is just fine does not mean that what theyre doing is anywhere close to best practice. If you need cleaning products, betadine or methylene blue can do the trick. There are a lot of plants you can have in your tank: water hyacinth, hornwort, common waterweed, hornwort, moneywort, dwarf hair grass, java moss, java fern, anacharis, and anubias, to name a few. Be Ready for Special Tanks, Special Food, Special Care, Ultimate Guide for Keeping Aquatic Turtles in Outdoor Ponds. These tubs are generally better suited for basements or a place away from high-traffic areas. Therefore, a red-eared slider enclosure must be able to accommodate both of these needs, providing a large amount of water and a relatively small amount of land area. 
As long as the tank size is big and long enough, every container, or tab that you can use as a habitat for your turtle will do just fine. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aquaticpals_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_1',109,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aquaticpals_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; No, 10-gallons tank is not big enough for a turtle. Besides a good-looking red-eared slider turtle tank set-up is absolutely amazing to look at. 
Additionally, you must make sure the pebbles are large enough that they won't be accidentally swallowed by your red-eared slider. Land area is a separate requirement, as red-eared sliders spend most of their time in the water. I have seen so many people make so many basic mistakes with these turtles that I felt I just needed to write this article. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'aquaticpals_com-box-3','ezslot_2',104,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aquaticpals_com-box-3-0')}; Building a natural habitat for your turtle is important. If you are interested in the diet of a Red Eared Slider, check out my article on Red Eared Slider Food. For example, a 4 turtle would need 40 gallons/150 liters of water to swim in, and a 12 turtle would need 120 gallons/450 liters. The first thing that probably came to your mind was the question: Whats the right red-eared slider tank size?
If you are interested to learn more about this topic you can check our article on that subject: Can fish and turtles live in the same tank? ReptiFiles is not a veterinary website, nor is the author Mariah Healey a veterinarian. Take this into consideration when planning where to set up the turtles enclosure. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The other type of red-eared slider tank I would recommend is something called a stock tank. All three of these products cost around $20. And, of course, its advisable to keep turtles with a similar age in your tank. And with a reptile as active as a red-eared slider, you can be sure that the extra space will be appreciated.
We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Otherwise you risk warping and possibly even breaking the floor! If you only have one turtle or are only planning on buying one, then thats perfectly fine! Be sure to install a good aquarium thermometer and monitor the water temperature. The other big disadvantage with these tanks is that they can break easily during shipping. Avoiding common problems during tank setup will help your turtle stay healthy and prevent issues in the future. Now, I know this doesnt tell you exactly how big your tank needs to be, so instead, I want you to follow a simple rule. What is ReptiFiles? You won't need a lid if the container is tall enough and the basking area is positioned so that the turtles can't climb out. Thats how ReptiFiles was born! One of the many reasons for this is the fact that they are chronically kept in enclosures that are far too small for them. Theres another reason you need to get a large turtle tank. Remember: bigger is ALWAYS better! You need to have a basking platform, light, and replacement bulbs. They are nearly indestructible.
Custom enclosures can be wonderful. In the wild, red-eared slider enclosures dont exist. To save you money in the long run, its best to buy an adult-sized enclosure right off the bat, even if your new pet red eared slider is just 4 long. Rememberthat turtles can knock things over and push stuff around. Outdoor ponds are convenient because you can get heat and UVB for free from nature. When you are setting up a turtle tank always remember that some of the decorations can take space, as well. One common scenario that Ive seen on several occasions is when people ask pet store owners the question: What tank size do I need for a baby red-eared slider? However, thats not the right way to do it. And they do that because if they recommend the appropriate tank size for a baby turtle, many of the potential buyers will have doubts about buying a turtle in the first place.
Most pet store owners want to just make quick money and will sell everything they could.
Below are some great options for buying big Red Eared Slider Turtle Tanks. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Increase the size of the tank when the right time comes. Aquatic turtles require at least a size of a 30-gallon tank. Double-check your turtle's measurements and make sure there's enough room for them in the tank. In order to avoid discoloration, soak your driftwood in a separate bucket of water for several days before adding it to your turtle's tank. More specifically, I would recommend looking at stock tanks made by Rubbermaid. They arent necessarily pretty, but stock tanks are durable, super-easy to clean, and deep enough for your turtles to swim in. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Bigger is always better. Rubbermaid tanks (click to learn more on Amazon) also have a lot of advantages. Red-eared sliders need an adequate amount of water in which to swim.
If you want to have a pond with multiple red-eared sliders, here are some rules to follow to reduce the likelihood of injuries, cannibalism, and other problems that can occur: Example: ReptiFiles.com is the best place to learn about correct reptile husbandry..
If you are looking for the best food for your Red Eared Slider, I recommend the Freeze Dried Shrimp & Mealworms for Aquatic Turtle. I have kept a variety of exotic pets for the majority of my life, but I have worked with reptiles specifically for over 10 years. And, of course, its advisable to keep turtles with a similar age in your tank. Rather than stepping down to the more common 90 gallon size and potentially sacrificing your pets quality of life for convenience, I recommend stepping up to 120-125 gallons instead. If looks arent particularly important to you, and you simply want something comfortable for the turtles, these things rock.
To learn more, check out my article on turtle safe plants. For human convenience, you may also wish to purchase a tank stand to go with your red eared slider tank. They come in a variety of sizes: 50, 70, 100, 150, and 300 gallons.
Easier to set-up equipment in.
If you are thinking of placing your tank in an area of your house which often receives guests, such as your living room, its probably going to be a bit of an eye-sore. Among turtle keepers, the generally accepted minimum for housing a turtle is to offer 10 gallons/38 liters of water per inch of shell length. What is the Right Tank Size For a Red Eared Slider? When it comes to a Red Eared Slider Tank, I recommend one of the two tanks: Each has their own advantages and disadvantages.
The turtle gets caught in or under something, like a pipe or stone. However, keep in mind that red-eared sliders are among the most abused and underhoused reptiles in the hobby! At a minimum, the water should be about twice as deep as your turtle is longa 4-inch turtle should have a minimum water depth of 6-8 inches. Instead they have free access to entire ponds and other bodies of water, traversing relatively large distances in their daily hunt for food. Lets get one thing straight here: Theres a common misconception that red-eared slider tank size limits how large the turtle grows. How Do You Care for a Pet Painted Turtle? How to Care for Yellow-Belled Slider Turtles, How to Keep Your Hermit Crab Happy in Its Tank, All you need to know about caring for a Spotted Turtle. Between feeding and defecating, turtles are pretty messy creatures. They have a few key advantages, in that they are: Glass red-eared slider tanks are a good option if you are looking for something pleasing to look at and easy to setup equipment in.
If your turtle lives outside, this light is not necessary. Much deeper and wider than most tanks, allowing your sliders to have a bigger swimming area. If you are in the process of purchasing a baby red-eared slider, naturally, you want to prepare yourself and learn everything about these animals. How often can you take your Terrapin out of water, & for how long?
But its also heavy and expensive. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet.
While this basking may look like the turtle is just lounging around, it's actually important for the animal's health. You can put fish in your red-eared slider tank, however, it often results in fish being eaten. Ill get straight to the point here. These tanks can easily cost hundreds of dollars, with some going well over $1,000. Its really up to you.
The tank is made from Starfire glass, which does a better job of controlling temperature inside your tank. And when it says big, it usually means a long turtle tank. The basking area for your turtle can be provided by stacking smooth rocks and sloping large smooth gravel to one side to make a land area. One common scenario that Ive seen on several occasions is when people ask pet store owners the question: What tank size do I need for a. For example, they are: Rubbermaid stock tanks are a good option if you are looking for something super durable and tough. Well, for one, ReptiFiles offers reptile care information that you can actually trust. You can buy this 75 Gallon Turtle Tank from Petco. Red-eared sliders are excellent pet turtles. That was the short answer to the question. A 10-gallon tank should be only a temporary habitat for a juvenile turtle. Whatever you choose to construct a basking spot, make sure your turtle can climb onto it easilyand that it allows your turtle to completely dry off. You can also easily see what your turtle is doing. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aquaticpals_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_0',106,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aquaticpals_com-medrectangle-4-0')}; Red-eared sliders dont necessarily need glass aquariums. So what size of enclosure should you get to start out? The most common mistake when it comes to creating a habitat for your turtle is using a tank that is too small. More turtles in your tank mean more space. Other sizes up to 500 gallons are also available for relatively low prices compared to other options Ive observed on the market. While there are aquariums large enough to meet the minimum housing requirement for a pond slider, these aquariums can be prohibitively expensive, difficult to access, and will require modification to provide an appropriate basking area.
The depth of the water should also be at least the length of the turtles shell, preferably deeper if you can provide it. UV rays diminish with distance from the bulb, so it's important to place the bulb where the turtle can be close to benefit best. In my experience, they are also easier to clean. When cared for properly in the right tank environment, red-eared sliders can live a long time (over 30 years!) For clarification, thats the minimum amount of water that is needed for housing a red-eared slider properly. Whats the best red-eared slider tank size? Your tank needs to be filled with enough water so that your turtle will not drown. He has worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve pet store animal care among other endeavors. Increase the size of the tank, as the turtle grows older. An adult red-eared slider needs a minimum size of 100-gallon tank to live comfortably. This is because most equipment is built with glass tanks in mind. Required fields are marked *. How do you clean a red-eared slider turtle's tank? However, that doesnt necessarily mean that they should be housed together as pets. Pond sliders like red-eared sliders seem to get along in groups, as theyre frequently seen together in the wild or housed together in outdoor ponds. Dr. Saint-Erne is part of The Spruce Pets' veterinary review board. That was the short answer to the question. Hi, I'm D and I run Turtleholic! If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. If decorating with driftwood, be aware that it can sometimes turn the water brown. The water in a red-eared slider turtle tank should be kept at about 74-78 degrees Fahrenheit, and up to 80 F for hatchlings. My name is Mariah Healey, professional reptile husbandry specialist and consultant. A smaller tank should be only a temporary habitat for your turtle. But you need to know how to house them properly. One important consideration to make as you plan your red-eared sliders enclosure is location. The rest is explained here. The opaque walls of a pond also help turtles feel more secure in their surroundings, and can help reduce or eliminate pacing behavior. And its all FREE, because I believe that good information should be accessible to all. Plus, theres usually a significant emphasis on aesthetics, turning the enclosure into a piece of furniture or even living art that youll be more inclined to show off than hide. A 10-gallon tank is a small tank even for one baby red-eared slider turtle.
Do turtles need more height? If you want to go really big, you can check out this 150 Gallon Turtle Tank from Amazon. Reptile health information given on this site is not intended to act as or replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. Good quality, durable and will not smash easily like a glass tank. Replace the bulb as recommended by the manufacturer, since the intensity of UV produced diminishes over time. However, you cant just dig a hole in your backyard, line it with a tarp, fill it with water, and plop your pet turtle in. Oftentimes theyll sell you the inappropriate size of the tank. They can live with other species of turtles, however, not every other species of turtles are suitable companions. Easier to hook up equipment with, and fit things like basking tanks with no modifications. So, if your red-eared sliders shell is 6 inches long, the tank size of your red-eared slider should be at least 60 gallons of water. Like Ive mentioned earlier, aquatic turtles like to swim, so setting up a longer rather than tall is always the best solution. Most aquarium equipment, such as filters, water heaters, and more, are built with these types of tanks in mind.