Red Eared Slider is undoubtedly one of the most loved, adored, and popular pets in most places. Their quiet, peaceful, and calm nature makes them a desirable pet choice.
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Red Eared Slider is undoubtedly one of the most loved, adored, and popular pets in most places. Their quiet, peaceful, and calm nature makes them a desirable pet choice.
Moreover, they are hardy and tough from the outside. These turtle pets can withstand harsh conditions better than other turtles. Unlike any other turtle, the Red Eared Slider likes to go without water for some hours to bask on land. However, the interesting fact is that these turtles can go without water for a week or even more.
But remember that making them stay without water for too long isn’t advisable. Read this article to find out why. Also, this article emphasizes how long Red Eared Sliders can live without water.
So, let’s start.
How Long Can Red-Eared Sliders Go Without Water?
It is now well-known that red-eared sliders only go without water when they need to bask. Also, they can only stay in that situation for a few hours. Given all this, how long can they live without water? Here’s a simple answer to that:
An adult and well-nourished red-eared slider can go without water for at least a week or so. Nevertheless, the fact that it will get dehydrated is inevitable. It’s safe to assume that they would survive for a longer period (several months) in an extremely humid climate. This is all possible but at the cost of the turtle’s health.
Also, red-eared sliders can live without water for several days when the environment is cooler. Nevertheless, these adorable pets can only stay without water for a total average of eight hours. Note that even if they stay for that long, it will adversely impact their health. Water is vital for these turtles as it helps them with hydration and optimum metabolism and digestion.
Not having access to water can result in serious digestive problems in these turtle pets. Severe dehydration is something we can all anticipate to happen. The best advice is to never keep them away from water for too long.
When Can a Red-Eared Slider Go Without Water For a Long Time?
Under normal circumstances, these pets can live without water for a week or more. Nevertheless, these turtle pets can go without water for as long as six months under certain special circumstances. Also, they would be just fine. This is when they undergo the brumation phase during winter.
Let’s have a better understanding of this.
During winter, red-eared sliders have difficulty finding food as nothing grows. This is why they shut down and undergo the brumation period. When these turtles brumate during winter, their metabolism rate declines significantly. This metabolic rate can be considered next to the inactive state.
These turtles don’t need any nourishment because they move very little and have a minimum requirement to use their stored energy. They only need a single heartbeat every few hours to stay alive. That’s why their heart rate also drops during brumation.
Given their low level of physical activity, they can go longer without doing their daily chores. Thus, it may not need water and may even go without water to bask for longer hours during the cold.
How Much Water Do Red-Eared Sliders Require?
The best way to determine the water requirement of a red-eared slider is to find out its maximum growth size. Take a measuring tape and start. Firstly, put the tape from one end of the turtle’s shell to the other and measure the length. Consider this measurement and ensure the water is twice as deep as it.
However, make sure that the tank is five times the turtle’s length and three times its width. Let’s look at an example for better understanding. Say the red-eared slider is five inches long. In that case, your water-filled tank must be 15 inches wide, 25 inches long, and 10 inches deep.
Any adult red-eared slider will require a tank with a 2-feet water depth and measurement of 3 by 5 feet. Remember that since these turtles are semi-aquatic, they will have to spend time on land too. For those who have these turtle pets at home, let them bask under a UV lamp at any table.
Ideal Water Temperature For a Red-Eared Slider Turtle
The ideal water temperature for these pets ranges between 76°F and 78°F (25°C). Nevertheless, a baby red-eared slider grows well in warmer water temperatures. They require it to be anything around 80°F. A digital thermometer is the best tool to check the water temperature in the slider’s tank. Get a portable water heater if the water temperature ranges below the 70s.
Taking Good Care of Your Red-Eared Slider Pet
It’s a well-known fact that red-eared sliders are hardy from the outside. However, it doesn’t imply that they don’t require any good care. Also, taking good care of the pet turtle can increase its lifespan and make it live for over 20 years. Here’s how to take good care of them:
Change Their Tank Water Frequently
The small size of these pet turtles can be deceptive as these creatures are undeniably messy. For instance, they turn the tank water dirty using the food they get. So, change their tank water more often to eliminate the risk of bacteria breeding in that water.
The deposit of the food particles often led to the development of such bacteria. Also, do not use tap water as it’s unhealthy for the turtle. Instead, use distilled water in the tank.
Use a Powerful Water Heater
It is next to impossible for these turtle pets to regulate and control their body temperatures. Nevertheless, using a water heater can solve this problem. It will ensure an optimum temperature level for the pet, especially when they brumate during the winter.
Try Using UV Lamps
If taking the pet turtle out in the garden or yard isn’t an option, go with UV lamps. One cannot keep their red-eared slider pet from basking. After all, this is where they get vitamin D from. An alternate solution is to keep them under UV lamps so that they bask and work on their shell maintenance.
What Type of Water To Use in a Turtle Tank?
Using tap water from the faucet or sink isn’t really an option when it comes to turtle tanks. Using it runs a big risk of damaging the healthy bacteria that may have deposited over time. This can result in cloudy water formation by eventually resetting the water cycle.
Check whether the community around uses any sort of chlorine-treated or chlorine water. If so, use a dechlorinating agent first or distilled water. Meanwhile, if using well water, there’s no problem in running it right from the sink.
Do Red-Eared Sliders Need Regular Basking?
Although not as frequent as terrestrial tortoises, red-eared sliders do need regular basking. The fact that it’s a semi-aquatic creature means it will spend a considerable amount of time outside water. So, ensure the pet is having a great basking time.
Keep a ramp so that they find ease and convenience while getting out of the water. To retain some amount of the outside heat, place a few rocks. However, there are some events when taking the pet turtle outside for sun exposure may not be possible. To ensure they maintain their source of vitamin D, place them underneath a UV lamp.
Final Words
A red-eared slider must bask more often to stay fit and healthy. However, it’s best to prevent the turtle pet from staying outside water for too long. Their shell and overall health will get affected if they go without water for too long.
Also, check if they have a tendency to go without water or not. If yes, the pet turtle is either unwell, getting bullied by other turtles in the tank, or the tank water is dirty.
