What Your Turtle Will Need In the Red Eared Slider Tank

When making your red eared slider tank, you should know the right equipment that is required. Its tank, or aquarium, should be anywhere from 20 to 50 gallons to begin with, depending upon its size and needs. As a rule of thumb, it is actually best to have approximately ten gallons of water for every inch of turtle. For example, an eight inch turtle should be in an eighty gallon tank. This is the ideal size for the optimum well-being of your turtle.You need to have both water and "land". Remember that red eared sliders are aquatic turtles, so they spend a great deal of time in the water. However, remember that they CANNOT breathe under water, so it is important for it to have a land area to rest on. Also, do not put wood chips in the tank, as the turtle could eat them (which is bad) or they may rot or grow fungus.

If you do not use one, you will have to watch the tank water to be sure it stays clean. If your turtle becomes stuck in the system and remains underwater for too long, it can drown.

Choosing The Right Temperature For Your Red Eared Slider Tank

It is important to keep the right temperature in your red eared slider tank. It is important for your pet turtle to keep warm. Ideally, their surroundings should be kept between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. You can lower the temperature 5-10 degrees at night. You should use a heat lamp to keep the tank at the right temperature.

This is usually the result of removing the turtle from indoor to outdoor, or vice versa. There is also other useful information on the web to help you build the perfect red eared slider tank. Check out the link above for more information.