| When many people think of red eared sliders, the | | | | avoided as they tend to trap waste which can |
| cute baby sliders sold in pet stores often come to | | | | negatively affect water quality. |
| mind. Sliders may look small as babies, but did you | | | | Red eared sliders also require warm water. |
| know they can grow up to 12 inches? Now that's a | | | | Temperatures between 75 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit |
| big contrast to pet store baby sliders! | | | | will work quite well. A submersible heater will do the |
| Since sliders can grow so large and live up to 30 | | | | job of maintaining the perfect water temperature. |
| years, choosing to care for one requires a long-term | | | | Turtles are stronger than they look, and glass |
| commitment and proper housing. Sliders don't | | | | heaters can easily break, so be sure to protect the |
| generally need a lot to be happy and healthy, but | | | | heater by using a heater-guard which can usually be |
| they can be time consuming and expensive to care | | | | purchased at the same place you buy the heater. |
| for. | | | | Warmth stimulates a slider's immune system, and a |
| When choosing what size aquarium you need for | | | | warm, dry area where it can "bask" is required. The |
| your turtle, the general rule is 6 gallons minimum per | | | | basking area should be a flat, elevated area in the |
| inch of turtle. The most cost-effective way is to | | | | aquarium that is usually accessible by your turtle |
| provide the size of tank recommended for an adult | | | | through the use of a ramp. The heat in this area can |
| slider right away, which gives your slider all the room | | | | be provided by a 50 - 150 watt incandescent bulb. |
| it needs to properly grow and allows you to avoid | | | | If your pet does not have access to natural, |
| the hassle and expense of constantly upgrading your | | | | unblocked sunlight, then a UV light is also needed. |
| pet's tank when it becomes too small. | | | | Specific reptile lights at your pet store work great |
| Sliders need clean water, so constant water changes | | | | for this, and will provide for your slider's needs in this |
| are important. One piece of equipment that can help | | | | area. |
| keep the water clean between changes is a filter. | | | | Decorations can also be included in your turtle's |
| There are several types, including: mechanical | | | | aquarium. Whatever you choose to use, make sure |
| (internal, external hang-on-backs, and canister) and | | | | the decorations are not easily broken or have small |
| biological (internal sponge). You can even use a | | | | parts that can become detached. If unsure of what |
| combination of these types. Undergravel filters, while | | | | to use, the reptile-safe decorations available at your |
| they may look like less maintenance, should be | | | | local pet store should be okay. |