Tank stands are strong enough to support the weight of all of that water, plus theyre attractive and bring the enclosure up to eye level. Whether you have a glass or plastic tub tank, you can always add some plants to your turtles ecosystem. Increase the size of the tank, as the turtle grows older. Instead they have free access to entire ponds and other bodies of water, traversing relatively large distances in their daily hunt for food. Theyll sell you a smaller tank a the hope you buy the turtle. In a glass aquarium, however, going underwater doesnt offer that same sense of security, which can cause stress. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'aquaticpals_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_9',105,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aquaticpals_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; Red-eared sliders are fantastic animals and great as pets, as well. When kept as a pet, a red-eared slider needs a tank that is large enough to provide both water for swimming and an area where it can dry off and enjoy the sun. Much deeper and wider than most tanks, allowing your sliders to have a bigger swimming area. Be sure to install a good aquarium thermometer and monitor the water temperature. Whats your opinion on this matter? 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. Alternatively, you can pay someone to build a custom semiaquatic turtle enclosure for you. A smaller tank should be only a temporary habitat for your turtle. Artificial ponds are easier to access and maintain, are generally less expensive, and can be just as beautiful as an aquarium (if not more so). For example, a red-eared slider with a size of 4 inches, will require at least a 40 gallons tank. 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. Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium Tank 75 Gallon, SC Aquariums 120 Gallon Starfire Glass Aquarium, Freeze Dried Shrimp & Mealworms for Aquatic Turtle, Rubbermaid tanks (click to learn more on Amazon). There are several alternative materials you can use to create an indoor pond: Whichever you choose, make sure its dimensions and capacity still meet the 10-gallons of water per inch red-eared slider tank size rule. It doesnt take long for a red eared slider baby to grow to their full-size. Other turtle aquarium options include the Aqueon and Marineland brands. and be very entertaining pets. Now, Ill explain everything steps by step. What if lm starting with a 20 gallon tank but the only difference between the 20 and the 15 is that the 20 gallon is taller. If you need cleaning products, betadine or methylene blue can do the trick. They are thick, tough, and built to last. Required fields are marked *. I have found that GlassCages.com seems to have the most accessible pricing for a standard 120 gallon, 48 x 24 x 25 aquarium (base price $580 USD as of January 2021). If you are into Star Wars, I recommend checking out this star wars aquarium decor. The other big disadvantage with these tanks is that they can break easily during shipping. Especially for animals that spend their fair share of time in the water, such as the red-eared slider. Aquatic turtles need big tanks with lots of water. But keep in mind that higher quality means more expensive, so this would definitely be a major long-term investment in your red-eared sliders husbandry. However, thats not the right way to do it. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. Tank stands can be pricey, so you may wish to build one yourself. How often can you take your Terrapin out of water, & for how long? 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. You can put fish in your red-eared slider tank, however, it often results in fish being eaten. Easier to hook up equipment with, and fit things like basking tanks with no modifications. Take this into consideration when planning where to set up the turtles enclosure. Red-eared sliders are strong swimmers, so you don't need to worry about drowning as long as the turtle can get out of the water and there is no place it can get trapped underwater. Available in a variety of sizes, from 50 gallons all the way up to 300. The turtle gets stuck after flipping, under a few inches of water and cant flip back over. 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Some people use glass aquariums to house their turtle indoors. A 20-gallon aquarium or plastic container (minimum size for a young turtle, adults may need 40 gallons or larger), Basking area supplies such as rocks, stones, or a plastic floating shelf. In this quick article, youll learn how to find the best red-eared slider tank for you. If you cant afford a bigger tank at the beginning, start small, but increase the size over time. You can buy this 75 Gallon Turtle Tank from Petco. That means you should be looking at large turtle tanks, around 80-100 gallons. Glass is very attractive, and convenient since it provides a waterproof enclosure that is ready to be used immediately. The above minimum may seem enormous to you, and possibly even unreasonable compared to examples youve already seen. And with these kinds of tanks, there is a big one; price. And, of course, its advisable to keep turtles with a similar age in your tank. If youre looking at glass tanks, check out and see if some of these are up your alley: With traditional glass tanks, your options are more plentiful. I love traditional glass aquariums. Otherwise you risk warping and possibly even breaking the floor! And with a reptile as active as a red-eared slider, you can be sure that the extra space will be appreciated. Use a thermometer to check the surface of the basking site to be sure it is reaching the correct temperature. If you are looking for a 55 gallon turtle tank, you should check out this 55 gallon aquarium kit. However, keep in mind that red-eared sliders are among the most abused and underhoused reptiles in the hobby! If you want to go really big, you can check out this 150 Gallon Turtle Tank from Amazon. If you live in an area where they can be found in the wild, whether because theyre invasive or native, you can actually leave your red-eared slider out year-round with the right precautions. The other type of red-eared slider tank I would recommend is something called a stock tank. Its really up to you. With every advantage comes a disadvantage. So, now that you know that red-eared sliders need large tanks, you need to know what you need for a basking platform, as well as what type of tank you should get. 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. And unfortunately, there is no one perfect formulate for determining the perfect enclosure size for captive reptiles. Since most red-eared sliders top out between 8-11, ReptiFiles recommends 100 US gallons (379 liters) as the minimum acceptable red-eared slider tank size. No matter how much you rinse afterward, it can leave a residue. 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. The depth of the water should also be at least the length of the turtles shell, preferably deeper if you can provide it. Rubbermaid tanks (click to learn more on Amazon) also have a lot of advantages. 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. In their natural habitats, red-eared slider turtles are semi-aquatic turtles, meaning they spend a good deal of their time in the water, but also spend a significant amount of time basking in the sun. When cared for properly in the right tank environment, red-eared sliders can live a long time (over 30 years!) If you are interested to learn more about this topic you can check our article on that subject: Turtles are messy animals and if you want to keep more of them, you need to pay attention to the hygiene in the tank. Since tanks can get expensive, I suggest you check out my list of cheap turtle tanks. Once everything has been scrubbed clean, it can be placed back in the tank and your turtle can be returned. 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. 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. If you have one red-eared slider, I dont recommend anything smaller than a 55-gallon turtle tank. Keep in mind that red-eared sliders can grow to be 10 to 12 inches as adults, so it's likely that you'll eventually need a very large tank. Increase the size of the tank when the right time comes. 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. Overall, the choice that you make should depend on what are the most important factors for you. 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. Yourturtle tankshould include a good filtration system such as a power filter or canister filter to keep the water clean. Just like an indoor enclosure, you need to customize an outdoor pond to fit a red-eared sliders specific needs, or else you risk your turtle becoming sick and possibly dying. The best indoor setup for a red eared slider must include a proper tank. More specifically, I would recommend looking at stock tanks made by Rubbermaid. When it comes to a Red Eared Slider Tank, I recommend one of the two tanks: Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. I have personally kept more than one turtle in a tank, and I havent had any problems. Make sure the floor can support the setups weight the ground floor or basement of your home typically works best. Do turtles need more height? 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. If decorating with driftwood, be aware that it can sometimes turn the water brown. And when it says big, it usually means a long turtle tank. GlassCages.com also offers reasonable-priced custom tank stands to go with their aquariums, which I recommend taking advantage of if youre not inclined to build your own. And, of course, its advisable to keep turtles with a similar age in your tank. One of the many reasons for this is the fact that they are chronically kept in enclosures that are far too small for them. They are nearly indestructible. Red-eared sliders and other pond sliders are semiaquatic, or they spend time both on land and in water. Red-eared slider turtles prefer to have a lot of room in the tank to. What kind of fish is good to put in a tank with a red-eared slider? Im not sure how that myth started, but turtle size is not and has never been limited by the size of its enclosure. I have seen so many people make so many basic mistakes with these turtles that I felt I just needed to write this article. The first thing that probably came to your mind was the question: Whats the right red-eared slider tank size? It's important to note that you cannot use soap or detergent in your red-eared slider's tank. Avoiding common problems during tank setup will help your turtle stay healthy and prevent issues in the future. Increase the size of the tank, as the turtle grows older. Your email address will not be published. In fact, the typical red-eared slider will live around most of its life swimming, floating, eating, and sleeping in water. Reptile health information given on this site is not intended to act as or replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. 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. Whats the best red-eared slider tank size? Deep and wide, giving your turtles a lot of space to swim. They can live with other species of turtles, however, not every other species of turtles are suitable companions. Another great advantage of glass tanks is that you can put in ornaments and make your turtle tank a special theme. So what size of enclosure should you get to start out? This size is more common, making it more reasonably priced, and your turtle gets more space in the process its a win-win! 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. Theyre tough, personable, and extremely popular. It is crucial that the red-eared slider turtle tank you setup prioritize water. If you only have one turtle or are only planning on buying one, then thats perfectly fine! This is because most equipment is built with glass tanks in mind. A 10-gallon tank is a small tank even for one baby red-eared slider turtle. So make sure to put a fence around your enclosure, and lay chicken wire over the top. The first thing that probably came to your mind was the question: Whats the right red-eared slider tank size? However, we can look at established minimum enclosure size standards, and then commit to provide larger if at all possible. 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. Animals such as dogs, cats, raccoons, birds, opossums, and rats (as well as neighborhood children, although theyre not really predators) can invade your turtle pond and cause serious harm to your pet. In my opinion, the best red-eared slider tank for most people is going to be a glass aquarium. Theres another reason you need to get a large turtle tank. The remainder of its time is usually spent basking in a warm spot somewhere. Plan on a tank size of 10 gallons of water per inch of the turtle as a general rule of thumb, with a minimum size of a 20-gallon for hatchling red-eared sliders. There are a few drawbacks to stock tanks. Replace the bulb as recommended by the manufacturer, since the intensity of UV produced diminishes over time. If using driftwood, make sure to purchase it from a pet supplies store rather than using driftwood you find on the beach. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. As you have seen in this post, you have two options. All three of these products cost around $20. If looks arent particularly important to you, and you simply want something comfortable for the turtles, these things rock. 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. The information, content and material contained on the site is intended to be of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute professional/medical advice. I would probably not opt for the 50-gallon stock tank simply because it is not deep enough, at around 12 inches. The tank is made from Starfire glass, which does a better job of controlling temperature inside your tank. They are not difficult to take care of, however, they have some specific requirements. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. AquaticPals.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to, Can fish and turtles live in the same tank. 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. He has worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve pet store animal care among other endeavors. That was the short answer to the question. Learn How to Transport Pet Turtles by Car, A Guide to Caring for Red-Eared Slider Turtles as Pets, Swampy Turtle Tanks: Reasons the Water Turns Green, How to Care for Pet Red-Eared Slider Turtles, Want a Turtle? Does it matter which one l get? These territories are so large that to perfectly replicate one in captivity is quite unrealistic for most reptile keepers. 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. Most of the time it results in giving the wrong answer. Red-eared slider turtles prefer to have a lot of room in the tank to swim around. You can put fish in your red-eared slider tank, however, it often results in fish being eaten. You can order it online and have it shipped to you, or you can pick it up at a nearby store. Secondly, you will need to do a little bit more work in terms of outfitting the tank with all the necessary gear your red-eared slider needs. Im talking about things such as a water heater, filter, UV lamp, basking area, etc. 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. 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. Most aquarium equipment, such as filters, water heaters, and more, are built with these types of tanks in mind. This means that there needs to be enough water in the tank so that your red-eared slider can rotate 360 degrees, while still being totally submerged in the water. Available in a variety of sizes AND shapes. Whats the best red-eared slider tank size? The kit comes with a bunch of turtle tank essentials including a LED low profile hood, flow power filter, submersible heater, water conditioner, boxwood plant, net, thermometer and a setup guide. If you are dead-set on getting a tank but a little cash-strapped I would suggest checking out second-hand goods websites such as Craigslist to see if anyone is selling one for a decent price. Keep in mind that if you want to use gravel in your tank, it can make the tank harder to clean. But whats more important is setting up an appropriate tank so your turtle can live a long and comfortable life. Whenever possible, its best to purchase your turtles aquarium in-person rather than ordering online, as you will save a lot of money by avoiding shipping costs. Petsmart has a surprisingly good deal on a 125 gallon Aqueon LED Aquarium & Stand combo. A 10-gallon tank should be only a temporary habitat for a juvenile turtle. Your email address will not be published. Firstly, they arent exactly eye-pleasing! However, you need to be careful. 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. ReptiFiles.com is a compilation of factual, science-based research from the best reptile care resources in the world, packaged in one neat website. 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. Other sizes up to 500 gallons are also available for relatively low prices compared to other options Ive observed on the market. Believe it or not, red-eared sliders can sometimes drown. at least the length of the turtles shell, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU6_F2LR3xg, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZz_jq8fhaM, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8mLAbBqAOw, http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Turtles-Tortoises/Turtle-Care/Build-the-Ultimate-Turtle-Pond/, http://www.infoturtle.com/how-to-build-a-pond/, only house turtles of similar size together, supervise feeding sessions to make sure that each turtle is getting enough to eat, provide either an extra-large basking area or multiple basking spots (both heat and UVB). Hi, I'm D and I run Turtleholic! First, you need to set aside your turtle in a safe place and then deconstruct its tank, taking all of the pieces out to scrub them clean. Remember: bigger is ALWAYS better! 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. My name is Mariah Healey, professional reptile husbandry specialist and consultant. This usually happens in 1 of 2 ways: Once you get your tank, you should check out my list of the best turtle tank accessories. Consider increasing the size of the tank if you ever decide to keep more than one turtle. Beware of fine netting, as this may filter solar UVB too much, and any gaps between fence slats should be too narrow for the turtle to fit through for escape. Dr. Nick Saint-Erne, DVM, is a highly accomplished veterinarian and writer who has treated zoo animals and exotic pets for more than 35 years. The opaque walls of a pond also help turtles feel more secure in their surroundings, and can help reduce or eliminate pacing behavior. The daytime ambient air temperature in the tank should be between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a basking spot between 90 and 95 F over the land area of the tank. A red-eared slider can live happily by itself, and unlike humans or other obviously social animals, they dont seem to need friends. You can protect the heater so the turtles can't bump it by placing it behind something (a brick is one idea) or by fashioning some sort of cover (a piece of PVC pipe could be used). A recommended minimum size of tank for red-eared sliders is 30 gallon, however, it can live in 20 gallons for a short period of time. As you have seen in this post, you have two options. Land area is a separate requirement, as red-eared sliders spend most of their time in the water. You should have at least 10 gallons of water for every 1 inch of shell length, measured vertically. An adult red-eared slider needs a minimum size of 100-gallon tank to live comfortably. Custom-made red-eared slider tanks can be ah-maz-ing. You can usually get them quite a bit cheaper that way. In the wild, a basking turtles first response to danger is diving into the water to hide. 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.. A Red-Eared Slider tank size should ALWAYS be very large. Heres where you can order custom turtle tanks: Most red-eared slider owners opt for housing their pet in a pond of some kind, whether indoor or outdoor. Even if the turtle is small, the minimum recommended size for a juvenile red-eared slider is 30 gallons. And a full-grown adult red-eared slider needs a minimum tank size of 125 gallons. In my experience, they are also easier to clean. You can also easily see what your turtle is doing. Another useful feature of these tubs is the conveniently placed oversized drain plug, which lets you quickly drain water for changes and cleanings. Additionally, you must make sure the pebbles are large enough that they won't be accidentally swallowed by your red-eared slider. In addition to the basking light for heat, provide a full spectrum reptile Ultraviolet (UVA/UVB) light. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aquaticpals_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',108,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aquaticpals_com-banner-1-0')}; You can keep more than one turtle in the tank. The rest is explained here. If you want to properly care for a red-eared slider, you need to know that these animals need to be in lots of water! Lets get one thing straight here: Theres a common misconception that red-eared slider tank size limits how large the turtle grows. They arent necessarily pretty, but stock tanks are durable, super-easy to clean, and deep enough for your turtles to swim in. Here are some examples of indoor ponds that others have built: How do you create an outdoor turtle pond? Glass aquarium heaters may become damaged by large turtles and could cause a potentially lethal situation if it heats up the water up too much. 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. Turtles with a size of approximately 6 inches need at least 55-gallon tanks. and will save you a little bit of space versus a stock tank. For smaller red eared sliders a 30 gallon is the absolute minimum tank size. And to be specific to pond sliders, they spend most of their lives in water, with regular but brief excursions out of the water to dry off and bask. What sets this site apart from the rest? Red-eared sliders can live with tetra fish, zebrafish, guppies, goldfish, minnows, and koi. Set up the appropriate red-eared slider tank size and your turtle will certainly be happy. I find reptiles so wonderfully captivating, challenging, and diverse that I have dedicated my career to understanding them better.
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