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