Housing Basics For Your Red Eared Slider
Red eared slider turtles love large, open spaces where they have room to swim, and an area where they can "sun" themselves. But does that mean that your pet turtle would only be happy living in a pond? Not necessarily. Sliders can live long, happy lives in aquariums, as well. You just have to know what you need to properly set up whatever habitat you choose for your slider.
Habitat Choices For Your Slider
You Have Several Options
Sliders can grow up to 12 inches, so it is very important to make sure your slider has an ample amount of room to move around in and to grow.
Aquariums, or tanks, are a very acceptable option for your slider. You can choose to either provide a large enough tank for your turtle to last several years in, and then upgrade the size when needed, or to use the largest size aquarium recommended for an adult slider right away and not need to upgrade as your turtle grows.
Ponds are another option for housing your slider. Outdoor ponds work well in hot, sunny climates, while indoor ponds can work in any climate.
No matter the option you choose, be aware that the minimum size recommended is generally 6 gallons per inch of turtle.
Aquariums, or tanks, are a very acceptable option for your slider. You can choose to either provide a large enough tank for your turtle to last several years in, and then upgrade the size when needed, or to use the largest size aquarium recommended for an adult slider right away and not need to upgrade as your turtle grows.
Ponds are another option for housing your slider. Outdoor ponds work well in hot, sunny climates, while indoor ponds can work in any climate.
No matter the option you choose, be aware that the minimum size recommended is generally 6 gallons per inch of turtle.
Your Slider's Preferred Environment
Making Your Slider Happy
Sliders require a basking area. This area can be a flat rock set on bricks or cinder block, or it can be above water level, accessible by a ramp.
Sliders have a preferred optimum termperature zone of about 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29 degrees Celsius), in addition to the basking area. Ultraviolet light is also needed for about 10 - 12 hours daily to allow proper calcium metabolism; this can be provided artificially or by exposing your slider to natural sunlight.
Warmth for your turtle is important because it stimulates the immune system.
Sliders have a preferred optimum termperature zone of about 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29 degrees Celsius), in addition to the basking area. Ultraviolet light is also needed for about 10 - 12 hours daily to allow proper calcium metabolism; this can be provided artificially or by exposing your slider to natural sunlight.
Warmth for your turtle is important because it stimulates the immune system.
Required Equipment When Housing Your Slider
What Your Slider Needs To Be Healthy
The equipment needed for an aquarium and a pond mostly overlap, except in the lighting area if you're housing your slider in a pond with natural sunlight. You will need to artificially provide this light for your turtle in an aquarium, so that it can gain the same benefits.In the basking area, the heat can be provided by an incandescent 50 to 150 watt bulb. This should reach 90 to 95 F (33 - 35 C) and should be left on only during daylight hours.
For the ultraviolet light, it is recommended to go with specific reptile lights as opposed to "full spectrum" lights, if not using sunlight.
Filters are also required and improve water quality. However, they do not replace the need to do water changes. You can use either mechanical (which include hang-on-back or canister filters) or biological (such as sponges) filtration, or they can be used in combination. Undergravel filters are not recommended as they tend to trap waste.
Sliders need warm water, and submersible heaters are the best choice. Your turtle can damage the heater, so be sure to protect it using some type of heater-guard.
Decorating Your Slider's Home
Which Decorations Are Safe For Your Slider?
When choosing decorations for your slider's tank, be sure that they're turtle-safe. Sliders may try to eat any fake plants you put in, so make sure they're not sharp. Any other decorations you include should not be easily damaged or have small parts. Generally, commercial reptile decorations and accessories should be safe to use.
An Indoor Pond - Another Option To Consider When Housing Your Slider
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Turtle Guide Book
Find Out Everything You Need To Know About Red Eared Sliders
If you want to discover more about housing your red eared slider, or about feeding your turtle, caring for your pet should it ever get sick, and more, then take a look at this Turtle Guide Book. It's a thorough guide that should answer all your questions on housing your red eared slider. Here's my favorite link:
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Caring For Your Red Eared Slider Turtle
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The red eared slider is one of the most commonly kept aquatic reptiles. They are native to the United States, and can normally be found in slow rivers, swamps, and ponds. Caring for your red eared slider properly means providing it with adequate hous...
Caring For Red Eared Sliders
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Red eared sliders make wonderful pets. Taking proper care of them is rewarding for both you and your turtle.
Properly housing your red eared slider... (more)
Properly housing your red eared slider... (more)
