What should I put on the bottom of my red eared slider tank?

Gravel substrates are aesthetically pleasing, but they tend to trap waste and debris, which slowly pollute tank water. Excessive amounts of gravel exacerbate this problem. Captive turtles may eat small gravel, so the best option is to provide a 1- to 3-inch layer of large, smooth stones in the bottom of the tank.

Can a red eared slider live in just water?

Red-eared sliders need to be in the water. They can eat without water, it’s just a lot more difficult. They also need to be in the water to stay hydrated and be as healthy as possible. Turtles such as red-eared sliders, painted turtles and map turtles, need to be in the water.

Do red eared sliders need deep water?

Red-eared sliders need an adequate amount of water in which to swim. At a minimum, the water should be about twice as deep as your turtle is long—a 4-inch turtle should have a minimum water depth of 6-8 inches.

Why is my turtle staying at the bottom of the tank?

Air and water that are not warm enough can lead to infections, lethargy, and appetite loss. Turtles must have a basking area where they can get out of the water, dry off, and bask in very warm light. The ambient air temperature in the tank should be around 24*C, with the basking area warmer still.

Can I let my red eared slider walk around?

Yes, you should look to let your turtle walk around. This will provide them exercise, provide mental stimulation and will meet their natural inclination to explore. You can let your turtle walk around both inside and outside; so long as you prepare the area in advance and ensure it is safe.

Can I put sand in my red eared slider tank?

Red Eared Turtles are what we call “soft-shelled” and these types of turtles love to bury themselves underneath the sand. Which is another reason why I don’t like using gravel or pebbles as this can really damage their shell if they try to bury themselves.

Can I take my red-eared slider out of the tank?

Turtles require 12 hours of sun a day! Also, do not take your turtle in and out of the tank; it can severely affect its immune system. Keep your turtle away from any other pets that can do harm to it. Just be sure, if they’re real, that they’re not poisonous to your turtle because it will try to eat them.

Can I take my red eared slider out of the tank?

Why is my turtle just floating?

Your turtle is leaning to the side, which means it is floating up and down or leaning to the side. More importantly, it cannot dive into the water. The most likely culprit is respiratory infections. Usually, turtles will turn over because they fell from something, or because the water is too shallow.

Why does my turtle stay in one corner?

If you have just bought a turtle, then you may often see him hiding under rocks or in a corner. This is actually pretty common for new turtles. The most common reason is the turtle is new to the tank and it is afraid. So, hiding in a corner or under a rock makes the turtle more comfortable.

Which is the best tank for a red eared slider?

Getting to select the best red-eared slider tank will help tremendously with the overall well being of your pet. Turtles, especially the aquatic ones, will spend most of their lives in the tank, so giving them enough size for them to move and swim will ensure a long and healthy life throughout its days spent with you.

Why is my red ear slider tank too cold?

In short, if your red-eared slider is basking too much it’s either that your water temperature in the tank is too cold for him or he is feeling ill. Another cause is that your turtle might be gravid (pregnant). Maintain Suitable and Stable Water Temperature

How did the red eared slider get its name?

This freshwater turtle was named for the thick red stripe behind each ear. Red-Eared Sliders ( Trachemys scripta elegans) are a subspecies of the Common Slider (Trachemys scripta) which is one of three North American Pond Sliders. Some other subspecies of the pond slider include the yellow-bellied slider and the Cumberland.

Why is my red eared slider turtle dying?

Red-eared sliders (RES) are susceptible as they require a lot of water in their tank. It is caused by microorganisms (bacterial or fungal) that get under the protective layers of the scutes (individual pieces that make up the shell) of a turtle and begin to eat away at the tissue underneath.

What is the best size tank for a red eared slider?

Plan on a tank size of 10 gallons of water per inch of the turtle as a general rule of thumb, with a minimum size of a 20-gallon for hatchling red-eared sliders. Keep in mind that red-eared sliders can grow to be 10 to 12 inches as adults, so it’s likely that you’ll eventually need a very large tank.

What do Red Eared Sliders need in their tank?

An adult red eared slider turtle has to have a tank with a minimum of 100 gallons. Red eared slider also needs a light and heat source, so you will need to get a light and heater if you ever want to buy a red eared slider. They will also need their tank cleaned often because they are pretty messy.

How much does a red eared slider cost?

Depending on their species, turtles can vary in cost. Red-eared sliders, one of the most common pet turtles, can be found for as little as $20 in pet stores, while some types can be purchased from breeders at a much higher cost.

What is the life cycle of a red eared slider?

Smaller species, such as box turtles (Terrapene carolina ssp.) and red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), have wild life spans of 20 to 30 years, though occasional specimens live to be 50 or more.

A healthy adult red-eared slider would probably be able to survive for months without water. HOWEVER, it would not be healthy, and would certainly be quite dehydrated. Red-eared sliders NEED to be in the water in order to stay healthy, vibrant and robust.

How full should a red eared slider tank be?

Young red eared sliders will do great housed in a 20 gallon aquarium. When the turtle, or turtles if you decide to keep more than one, are full grown then they will most likely require a tank that is a minimum of 50 gallons. Ideally you should provide 10 gallons of water for each inch of shell length for each turtle.

How long can a red-eared slider hold its breath?

On average, red eared sliders can hold their breath for up to 30-35 minutes. The amount of time they can hold their breath does depend on the temperature of the water. Red eared sliders can hold their breath a lot longer in cold water because their body requires less oxygen.

Can you put sand in a red eared slider tank?

Can you put sand at the bottom of a turtle tank?

Fine sand is a popular substrate that many turtle hobbyists like. If you do choose to use sand, use clean, fine sand (like the sand they sell for children’s sand boxes) and clean it thoroughly before putting it in the tank.

What is the white stuff in my turtle tank?

If you’ve ever noticed a white residue forming on the top of your glass tank, you’re probably seeing the result of the evaporation of hard water. The residue left behind is likely a lime (calcium carbonate plus additional ions) build-up on the glass called “limescale.”