Red-Eared Slider Care

Lifespan:

20-40 years in captivity with proper care

Sexing:

• Males: are smaller with longer front claws and longer tails. Mature males often have a concave plastron to aid in mounting during breeding.

• Females: are larger with shorter claws and shorter tails.

Enclosure:

• Minimum Size: A single adult should be housed in a 75–120 gallon aquarium or larger. Provide a strong canister filter to keep the water clean, as sliders are messy eaters.

• Basking platform large enough for the turtle to completely dry off

• Smooth, safe surfaces to prevent shell or skin injury

Substrate:

Basking platform only; use a slate rock or other hard surface

Lighting & Temperature:

• Basking Spot: 88–95°F

• Ambient Water Temp: 74–78°F (Adults), 78–82°F (Juveniles)

• Provide a UVB bulb (10.0 T5 HO or similar)

Humidity:

Humidity is not a primary concern, but ambient air around the basking area should not be too dry. Avoid keeping sliders in open, dry environments for extended periods when they are out of water.

Food:

• Red-eared sliders are omnivores. Offer a varied diet including:

  • Aquatic turtle pellets (staple)

  • Dark leafy greens: collards, dandelion, turnip greens

  • Occasional protein: earthworms, crickets, feeder fish, bloodworms

  • Feed juveniles daily; adults can be fed every 2–3 days. Remove uneaten food promptly.

Water:

Perform partial water changes weekly (25-50% to provide clean water. Maintain a pH around 6.5-8.0and ensure chlorine/chloramine is removed from tap water

Red-eared sliders are interactive and curious turtles that often recognize their keepers and beg for food. Their bright coloring, aquatic antics, and expressive personalities make them favorites among turtle enthusiasts. With the right setup and care, these turtles provide decades of companionship and a lively presence in any home or educational setting.