Things That Are Needed in Your Red Eared Slider’s Tank

When you build your red eared slider tank, you have to make sure you have the proper equipment. The size of your turtle will determine what size tank you need, but you can generally start with a tank that is 20 to 55 gallons. One way to estimate the proper size is to have ten gallons of water for every inch of turtle. For example, if your turtle is six inches long you should have about a sixty gallon tank. Using this rule will help you find the right size to make your turtle its healthiest.Your tank should contain a “land” area as well as water. The water must be deep enough that your turtle can completely submerse itself. Remember that the red eared slider (an aquatic turtle) enjoys the water and will spend a great deal of time there. It is important to have a “land” area for your turtle to rest on because your turtle cannot breathe underwater. Materials such as rocks or other non-organic matter is the best. Things like wood chips may be eaten by your turtle or they may grow fungus or rot, all of which are bad for your turtle’s health.A filtering system is optional for keeping the water clean. If you do not use one, you will need to keep an eye on your turtle’s water to make sure it stays clean. Remember that excess turtle waste left in the tank can make your turtle sick.An important thing to keep in mind about a filtration system is that it must be set not to suck too hard. Remember that your turtle cannot breathe underwater and it may drown if it gets caught in the system and stays submerged for a long time.Finding The Right Temperature For Your Red Eared Slider TankMaking sure the temperature is right inside your red eared slider tank is important. You should try to keep your indoor pet turtle warm. Keeping the temperature between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. At night, you can choose to lower this about 5 to 10 degrees. Using a heat lamp is a great way to keep the tank at the right temperature.You should avoid dramatic shifts in temperature for your turtle. This can happen when you move a turtle from indoor to outdoor, or vice versa. Turtles can be sensitive to sudden environmental changes due to the fact that they are cold-blooded. To learn more about red eared sliders and how to build a red eared slider tank, click on the link above.