Red-eared Slider

Stats

Enclosure
Should be mostly aquatic. Minimum dimensions for tank are: width – 3 times the shell length and length – 6 times the shell length. Minimum depth of the water should be as deep as the shell is wide. A basking area is needed to allow the turtle to get out of the water to dry completely.

Substrate/Bedding
Substrate is not recommended. Frequent water changes make it difficult to clean.

Heating
The water should be 70-75F and can be maintained with a submersible aquarium heater. The basking area should be 84-88F during the daylight period. This can be maintained with an incandescent light.

Lighting
UV lighting can be beneficial for these turtles and should be provided over their basking area. All reptiles and amphibians need a photo period (light cycle). A plug-in timer (for your lights only; do not use a timer for your heating devices) works well to develop a regular photo period of 8 – 10 hours of lighting 14 – 16 hours of dark. Reptiles and amphibians cannot see the red spectrum of light, so a large wattage red bulb is ideal for nighttime viewing and heat.

Food
Feeding should be daily with all they can eat in 45 minutes. Remove all food remaining after that time, except for greens. Just because they beg for food does not necessarily mean they’re hungry, this is a trained condition. Diet should be at least 65-85% meat consisting of commercial turtle food, trout chow, beef heart, cooked chicken, fish live or fresh caught (not frozen). Meat should be dusted once a week with a good herp vitamin containing D3. Dark green leafy vegetables can be used to fill the rest of the diet.

Cleaning
Water should be clean and clear. Waste should be removed whenever it is found. Filtration prolongs the time between water changes, but should not be used as a substitute for water changes. Wastewater should not be emptied into a sink that is used for food preparation or personal hygiene due to the risk of Salmonella. Hands and any other part of your body that comes in contact with the water should be washed thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap for the same reason.

Note: Your should use these care guides in conjunction with a book or other reliable source or reptile and amphibian information to provide the best possible care for your pet..