Care for Red Eared Sliders

Place gravel in the aquarium and arrange it in a slope to allow easy access from the dry basking area to the swimming area.

Fill the aquarium partially with water to give the red-eared slider a swimming area and a land area for basking. You can add a small log or flat rock for the slider to climb on. The swimming area should be at least four times the length of the turtle's shell and twice the width.

Place the turtle filter in the water and connect the filter according to instructions. Add the water heater and the basking lamp. Place the thermometer in the basking area. You will need to maintain the basking temperature around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Set the water heater to maintain the water temperature in the mid 70s.

The aquarium should have a lid to keep the slider in and other objects out. Foreign objects can become choking hazards for a red-eared slider.

You may wish to remove the slider to another area for feeding to keep the primary living area clean. Give the slider feeder fish, earthworms and other fresh protein. As a red-eared slider matures, its diet develops from mainly protein to a more varied diet. A mature red-eared slider eats about 25 percent fresh protein, 25 percent commercial turtle food and 50 percent fresh vegetation. A floating turtle food in the form of sticks or pellets is a good choice. Add shredded carrots, lettuce, grapes and other vegetables and fruit. Remove peach, apricot or other pits before feeding fruit.

Monitor your pet. Any time the water becomes murky or cloudy, you will need to change it. The filter system will need to be cleaned from time to time. Check that the temperature is maintained properly.