How big of a tank do I need for a slider turtle?
Tank Size. You should expect to provide no less than a 55-gallon tank for an adult slider. For every additional turtle, add 10 more gallons of water. The surface area of your tank should be no less than 2 square feet for 1 turtle. Provide 1 additional square foot of surface area for each additional turtle.
How long do red ear slider turtles stay in the water?
Position the light above your turtles basking area, and keep it on for 12 to 14 hours a day. If nighttime temperatures fall below 65 °F, leave the light on at night. Use an aquarium thermometer to monitor the temperature of the water and the basking site.
What does it mean when a turtle ignores you?
The turtle is basking in a “lazy” position, with its head and feet drooping on the basking platform. A turtle who usually leaps off the basking platform into the water when you walk into the room suddenly starts ignoring your presence. This can also be a sign that the turtle is simply getting to trust you.
How can you tell if a turtle is dead from its shell?
Shell or skin appearing to rot A cool temperature is normal when a turtle or tortoise hibernates. A turtle or tortoise seemingly dead with no eyes and shriveled skin could simply be dehydrated. Furry areas or white specks of fungus can make it look like the turtle is in a state of decay although your lethargic pet is very much alive.
Why does my red eared slider turtle rub its shell?
Inspect the shell for soft spots, pitting or fungus. Confirm proper environmental conditions (water quality/temp, ambient/basking temps, dry dock, UVB lighting) as well as proper nutrition. Was this answer helpful?
Why does my turtle keep trying to escape the tank?
Turtles will try to escape their tank due to a lot of reasons like: stress, bad diet, dirty water, bad basking area, etc. It’s normal for a turtle to try and escape a place with improper conditions, in search for a better place. As you can see there are quite a few reasons, but don’t worry. All of them can be checked and solved very easily.
The turtle is basking in a “lazy” position, with its head and feet drooping on the basking platform. A turtle who usually leaps off the basking platform into the water when you walk into the room suddenly starts ignoring your presence. This can also be a sign that the turtle is simply getting to trust you.
What does it mean when a turtle is swimming sideways?
The turtle is swimming lopsided or sideways. That last symptom — swimming lopsided (also called listing) — is a very dangerous sign, especially if any of the other symptoms are present. It usually means that the turtle has pneumonia and one of its lungs is starting to fill with fluid. That’s what’s throwing off its balance.
