Red Tank
Red – Eared Sliders Tank – Housing Requirements
Red-eared Sliders are one of the species of turtles most commonly kept as pets, so we do well to focus on how to meet the requirements that this breed has. In this article I want to focus on their housing/habitat needs-and in particular what comprises an ideal Red-eared Slider tank. Contrary to the mistaken notion some people have, these turtles cannot simply be kept in a fishbowl. They are, after all, semi-aquatic animals. For this same reason, although they breathe air and dwell on land part time they cannot be kept in a box without water to swim in.
An outdoor pond in your back yard makes an ideal habitat for these turtles, that is, if you live in the southern part of the United States where Red-eared Sliders naturally live in the wild-but for most pet-owners, a rectangular glass aquarium kept in the house is more practical. You can regulate the temperature year-round and also observe their antics close up through the glass walls. Glass tanks are preferable over plastic tanks for two reasons. One: like most turtles, this breed has sharp claws which will scratch plastic; two: glass is much easier to clean when you routinely dump out the fouled water and wipe the sides of the aquarium before pouring in fresh water.
Even though a baby turtle will be small, it’s best to not buy a small, cheap aquarium. Red-eared Sliders grow rapidly during their first years and while some do not grow much more than 5 inches, some fully-grown adults will measure 10-12 inches in length. It is recommended that you have a minimum of a 30-gallon tank for a 5-inch adult. A 10-inch adult will require a 55-gallon tank. Bigger is always better, and if you have two or more turtles, you will require a larger tank still.
Since Red-eared Sliders require warm temperatures to turn on their immune system and stay healthy, it is vital that you maintain a water temperature of 75-86 degrees F. (20-29 degrees C.). The easiest and most practical method of maintaining a stable temperature is to use a submersible heater. Such heaters have a built-in thermostat which you simply set to a certain temperature.
The tank top should ideally be designed so as not to obstruct too much natural light from entering the tank. There are a variety of designs, and some tank tops come with a fluorescent Reptile light already attached. A full spectrum ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB) is important if the tank is not in a place where it can get enough natural light. Sliders must have sufficient UV rays to enable them to properly process the nutrients in their food. (Note: it is not good to have the turtle’s tank exposed to direct sunlight as overheating will result.)
It’s vital that you have a good filtration system. Your turtle will pass urine and feces directly into the water he swims in, and since this will increase the bacteria count in the water, this has a direct and adverse effect on the health of your pet. A good filtration system will filter out these pollutants and will also mean that you won’t have to do a complete cleaning of your turtle tank as often. (A tank with no filter must be have the water drained and be cleaned weekly.) As for what kind of filtration system, most turtle owners recommend a Fluval 403 filter.
Turtles require a basking area up out of their swimming water where they can bask and soak up the heat of the lamp. A pile of flat stones is commonly used. A cork bark “raft” or piece of driftwood also works. The temperature of the basking area should be 85-90 degrees F. near the fluorescent bulb.
It is fine to put decorative plants in your turtle tank; just be aware that your pet may attempt to eat them. For this reason, be sure that the plants you choose are not poisonous to turtles. Plastic plants are also not advised, as your pet may attempt to eat those as well. As for gravel, make sure that the stones are not small enough for the turtle to swallow.
About the Author
Todd is a Pet Turtle enthusiast. His passion is to make sure all pet turtles are well taken cared for by their owners. For more information visit on Red Eared Slider Tank, visit http://www.TurtleCareRedEaredSlider.com
red tank
|
|
Sodastream Jet Starter Kit The Soda Stream Home Soda Maker is a fun, cost effective and eco-friendly addition to any home and a must have item for soda lovers. The idea is simple. Making your own soda gives you ultimate flexibility in your flavoring options without having to buy, carry and store large quantities of cans or plastic bottles. Each bottle of Soda Stream flavoring syrup makes the equivalent of approximately 33 1… |
|
|
Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker $64.99 The very essence of form and function, Zojirushi designed their Zutto line with simplicity in mind, which means organic shapes, and that only the basic functions necessary for operating each appliance were included. Brewing up to 5 cups of coffee, this drip coffeemaker features control buttons that are designated with symbolic icons instead of labels, so they can be universally understood. Another… |
|
|
Margaritaville Chillin’ Pour Liquor Chiller $45.99 A License to Chill Escape the ordinary and introduce your guests to the Margaritaville Chillin’ Pour Liquor Chiller. Destined to become the life of the party, the Margaritaville Liquor Chiller super-chills premium liquors, shots or cocktails to an ultra smooth and refreshing 15 degrees F. Ice waters down your cocktails, and nobody needs to store that bottle of premium liquor in the freezer… |
|
|
Thank You $5.67 STONE TEMPLE PILOTS THANK YOU – BEST OF… |
|
|
Thomas & Friends: All Star Tracks $8.97 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
Aquarium $6.00 AQUA AQUARIUM… |
|
|
James Goes Buzz Buzz & Other Stories [VHS] $12.98 … |
|
|
Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends – James and the Red Balloon [VHS] $6.95 thomas vhs… |
|
|
Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends – James and the Red Balloon (with Toy) [VHS] $13.38 … |
|
|
Dirt Devil ND40015 Pressure Flex 2,000 Plus 1.6 GPM Electric Pressure Washer $149.99 The Dirt Devil Pressure Flex 2000 Plus Electric Pressure Washer is built with rugged functionality, durability and performance. The Dirt Devil Pressure Flex 2000 Plus is powerful, compact and brings new meaning to dependability. Convenient hose and water bottle storage tasks are no match for this powerful little machine. From siding to decks, cars to driveways this power washer gets outdoor … |
Tags: fish, red, red tank gem, red tank top, red tank tops for women, red tanking gems, red tankini, tank, video, web2.0
This entry was posted on Friday, July 5th, 2002 at 9:51 am and is filed under Clothing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.