The red-eared sliders are so named because of the distinctive red streak on both sides of their face. They are primarily semi-aquatic but emerge from the water for basking on logs and rocks.
Table of Contents
The red-eared sliders are so named because of the distinctive red streak on both sides of their face. They are primarily semi-aquatic but emerge from the water for basking on logs and rocks.
So when it is time for basking, they are usually piling on each other. And they quickly slide off whenever they are startled by the sight or sound of a potential predator. Since they slide and shift from their basking spot into the water, they’re named “sliders.”
You might feel that the turtle is simply lounging around in the name of basking. Nevertheless, it is actually essential for the health of the animal. And if you keep a red-eared slider as a pet, it requires extra attention.
This article will provide you with valuable insights into the space required by a red-eared slider for swimming freely. Further, you will get to learn how to set up a water tank for them. Come, let’s get rolling.
How Much Space Does A Red-Eared Slider Need?
Talking about the space required by your red-eared slider, you must arrange for a tank that provides 10 gallons of water per inch of your turtle.
Red-eared sliders are typically slow-growing reptiles who are usually very small in the initial stages of life. Over time, they can get enormous. Thus, pet parents must provide them with accommodation that is compatible with more significant habitats. So while they grow, they can easily fit in and move freely.
Appearance and Behavior of Red-Eared Sliders
The younger sliders have a bright green shell which eventually gets dull while the animal ages. They do not possess any teeth, but they have a beak made of hard keratin protein. Since it overlies their jawbones, it significantly helps in ripping and tearing food.
Surprisingly, male sliders are typically smaller when compared to females. Moreover, they have significantly longer tails and nails with curved plastrons. This efficiently helps them to mount females during mating.
The upper part of their shell is known as the carapace, and the lower part is known as the plastron. Both of them are covered in bony plates called scutes, which are covered in keratin protein. And while they grow, they typically shed their scutes, which are replaced from underneath.
The red-eared sliders will eventually become familiar with their caretakers. So whenever they sense your approach, they will likely come to the water’s surface. Besides, they are remarkable swimmers. So they love spending most of their time in the water.
Learn the Characteristics of a Red-Eared Slider
It is no secret that red-eared sliders are fascinating pets, and they are actually fun to watch. They require lots of space for dwelling freely. However, they are ideal pets for those turtle enthusiasts who have far better experience in dealing with turtles.
But if you are a novice and can provide adequate space for their living, you can easily keep one. So, you can keep your swimmer friend happy with an excellent setup and proper care.
Listed here are the main characteristics of a red-eared slider:
- Average Life Span: It can live for at least 20 to 30+ years with proper care.
- Care Difficulty: Intermediate.
- Diet: They are omnivorous creatures.
- Average Size of Adult: It usually ranges between 6 to 12 inches long and sometimes can also grow more.
- Minimum Size of Their Habitat: You must provide at least 40+ gallons. They might take at least 5 to 7 years to reach adult size. So as an owner of a red-eared slider, it is important to upgrade their habitat size while they grow.
Learn About the Habitat of a Red-Eared Slider
Even though red-eared sliders are considerably smaller in the initial stages, they tend to grow bigger with time. So it is essential to provide a habitat with 40 gallons or more enclosure. Ensure you put a screened lid over their habitat, lest they crawl and escape.
Remember that upgrading the size of their habitat is crucial as your swimmer friend grows into an adult. Also, ensure that you provide a large habitat that allows your turtle to swim and move around comfortably.
As a rule of thumb, choosing an aquarium with a size of 10 gallons per inch is ideal. The ideal size of an aquarium should be at least 4 to 5 times the length of your turtle’s carapace. And the depth should be at least 1.5 to 2 times the length of the carapace.
How to Build a Compatible Habitat for Your Red-Eared Slider Turtle?
As you have chosen to keep a red-eared slider as your pet, you need to provide it with a large tank. Ensure that it can not only swim quickly but also can dry off while basking in the sun.
Providing them with proper care and the right tank environment, your little swimming friend can live for over 30 years. The best part about these turtles is that they provide downright entertainment.
Please remember:
You must provide a tank that holds 10 gallons of water per inch of your turtle. And for hatchling sliders, a minimum size of 20 gallons is required. Since the red-eared sliders will grow up to 10 to 12 inches when they are adults, you will need a larger tank.
Things You Need to Build a Habitat for Your Red-Eared Slider
Listed here are a few supplies that you require for setting up a habitat for your red-eared slider:
- An aquarium or a sturdy plastic container, with a size ranging from 20 gallons to 40 gallons.
- The supplies for making a basking area include stones, rocks, and colorful pebbles. You can also choose to include a floating shelf made out of plastic.
- An ultraviolet light or heat light.
- Top quality water filter for your aquarium.
How to Build Your Red-Eared Slider’s Habitat?
Here is a comprehensive listing of the few steps required for building a habitat for your little swimming friend:
Step 1: Fill Water in the Tank
First, you need to fill the tank with adequate fresh water so your red-eared slider can easily swim. Please ensure that the minimum water depth is at least 6 to 8 inches. Moreover, they are strong swimmers, so you needn’t worry about drowning as long as they don’t get trapped.
Step 2: Formulate a Basking Area
You can easily create a basking area for your turtle by stacking smooth rocks one after another. Also, adding slopes of large smooth gravels on one side can create a land area for them. You can even consider using plastic or wood for making a “turtle dock.”
No matter what you construct, please ensure that your turtle can climb onto it quickly. This will allow them to bask under the sun and completely dry themselves.
Step 3: Add Decorations to Their Habitat
Whenever it comes to designing the habitat of your little swimmer, it’s best to keep it uncluttered. This will make it much easier for you to clean. While your turtle can knock off things, you can consider keeping the decoration minimal and adding stones, rocks, and driftwood within your turtle’s habitat.
Step 4: Maintain the Heat
It is important to keep the water of your red-eared slider’s habitat between 74 to 78 Fahrenheit. And when there are hatchlings within the habitat, the ideal temperature is 80F. If you reside in hilly areas and the climate is usually cold, you can always use a submersible aquarium water heater.
Step 5: Install Basking Light and Ultraviolet Light
You can install a basking light for your turtle within their habitat. And in addition, you can also install ultraviolet light to offer them a full spectrum. While they become exposed to UV lights, it will provide proper calcium metabolism. Also, they will have overall health benefits while improving their appetite.
Lastly, please ensure that your turtle’s habitat contains an efficient flotation system. This will help keep the water clean and improve the overall health of your tiny pets.
Conclusion
Red-eared sliders are invasive in almost every part of the world. So it is imperative to conduct a thorough research about your local wildlife laws. This will help you determine whether or not you can legally purchase them in your state. While they are invasive, finding a reputable breeder for them is also quite tricky.
But if you adopt one, ensure you provide them with an adequate amount of space for living. Also, ensure you upgrade their living space while they grow bigger and larger.