How Do You Take Care Of A Red Eared Slider Turtle?
• Research the species through the Internet, pet stores, and breeders. • Buy the supplies. If starting with a small baby turtle it’s best to start with a 50 gallon tank. Since this species grows quickly, a 50 gallon tank is good for about a year, or until the turtle out grows it. The general rule for tank size is 10 gallons per inch of shell length, plus 5 gallons per inch of shell length for additional turtles in the tank. • Set up the tank. The water in the tank must be heated to 74-82 degrees F. This can be achieved with an aquarium heater of the correct wattage. The turtle must also have a basking area, where it can get out of the water to completely dry off and warm up. The basking area must have a UVB and heat lamp above it. Fluorescent UVB lamps must be assisted by a heat lamp, while mercury vapor lamps will provide both UV and heat. Fluorescents must be replaced every 6 months, and mercury vapor lamps every year. Filtration is also highly important, and you will want an oversiz
• Research the species through the Internet, pet stores, and breeders. Be sure that it is legal to own a turtle in your area. • Buy the supplies. If you’re starting with a small baby turtle, it’s best to start with a 50 gallon tank. Since this species grows quickly, a 50 gallon tank is good for about a year, or until the turtle out grows it. The general rule for tank size is 10 gallons per inch of shell length, plus 5 gallons per inch of shell length for additional turtles in the tank. • Set up the tank. The water in the tank must be heated to 74-82 degrees F. This can be achieved with an aquarium heater of the correct wattage. The turtle must also have a basking area, where it can get out of the water to completely dry off and warm up. The basking area must have a UVB and heat lamp above it. Fluorescent UVB lamps must be assisted by a heat lamp, while mercury vapor lamps will provide both UV and heat. Fluorescents must be replaced every 6 months, and mercury vapor lamps every year. Fi
