Red eared Slider Turtles

 

Red-eared sliders grow much larger than most people expect.

 

 

Minimum Tank Size

 

 

• Juvenile: 100L+

• Adult female: 350–500L+

• Rule: 10 gallons (≈40L) per 1 inch of shell length

 

Larger is always better.

 

 

Tank Requirements

 

 

• Strong external canister filter (rated for 2–3x tank size)

• Fully dry basking platform

• Secure lid (excellent climbers)

 

Outdoor ponds are suitable in warmer months but must be fully escape-proof and predator-proof.

 

 

 

 

💧 Filtration & Water Quality

 

 

These turtles are messy and produce significant waste.

 

• Use powerful external filtration

• Partial water changes weekly (25–30%)

• Dechlorinate tap water

• Monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate

• Keep water clear and odour-free

 

Poor water quality is the #1 cause of health issues.

 

 

 

 

🌿 Diet

 

 

Red-eared sliders are omnivores.

 

 

Juveniles (more protein-heavy)

 

 

• Quality turtle pellets (main diet)

• Earthworms

• Bloodworms

• Insects

 

 

Adults (more plant-based)

 

 

• Turtle pellets (50%)

• Dark leafy greens:

 

• Dandelion
• Endive
• Bok choy
• Collard greens
• Silverbeet (moderation)
  • Aquatic plants (when safe)

 

 

 

 

 

❌ Avoid

 

 

• Processed human food

• Dog or cat food

• Excess fruit

• Iceberg lettuce

 

 

 

 

Supplements

 

 

• Calcium supplement 2–3 times weekly

• Cuttlebone in tank (optional extra calcium source)

 

 

 

 

🏝️ Basking Area

 

 

Essential for proper shell drying and health.

 

• Completely dry platform

• Easy ramp access

• Large enough for full body stretch

• Positioned directly under heat & UVB

 

Turtles must be able to fully exit the water to dry off.

 

 

 

 

🐢 Behaviour & Handling

 

 

• Intelligent and active

• Strong swimmers

• Can become food-focused and interactive

 

Handle minimally.

Always wash hands before and after handling (salmonella risk).

 

 

 

 

❤️ Lifespan

 

 

With proper care:

 

• 20–40+ years

• Some live even longer

 

They are a long-term commitment and require significant space as adults.

 

 

 

 

🧼 Cleaning & Hygiene

 

 

• Remove leftover food daily

• Spot clean debris

• Weekly partial water change

• Clean filter media regularly

• Full tank clean as needed (not with harsh chemicals)

 

 

 

 

🧪 Health Warning Signs

 

 

Contact a reptile vet if you notice:

 

• Soft shell

• Swollen eyes

• Wheezing or bubbles from nose

• Floating unevenly

• Not eating for several days

• White patches or shell rot

 

 

 

 

📝 Summary Cheat Sheet

 

 

• Water: 24–26°C (juvenile), 22–24°C (adult)

• Basking: 30–35°C

• UVB: 10–12% T5 tube, 30–40 cm above, 10–12 hrs/day

• Tank: 200L+ juvenile, 350–500L+ adult

• Diet: Pellets + greens, balanced omnivore

• Lifespan: 20–40+ years