Quick facts
- Scientific name: Trachemys scripta elegans
- Adult size: about 7–12 inch shell (females are bigger)
- Lifespan: 20–30+ years
- Difficulty: intermediate — they get big and messy
Enclosure
A cute baby slider becomes a big, long-lived turtle. Plan for the adult.
A common rule is about 10 gallons of water per inch of shell. An adult often needs a 75–125 gallon tank or a pond.
Other aquatic turtles, like musk and map turtles, have different needs. Ask us about yours.
- Deep enough water to swim and flip over
- A dry basking dock they can climb out on completely
- A strong filter rated for 2–3 times the tank size
Temperature
Use a submersible heater with a guard, and a heat lamp over the dock.
- Water: about 75–80°F
- Basking spot: about 90–95°F
- Air: about 75–85°F
Lighting & UVB
Sliders need UVB over the basking dock to build a healthy shell. Replace the bulb on the maker's schedule. Keep a 12-hour day.
Humidity
Not a concern for aquatic turtles — they have water. Make sure the basking dock dries out fully.
Substrate
A bare bottom is easiest to clean. If you use something, pick large river rock (too big to swallow) or fine sand.
Small gravel can be swallowed and cause blockages.
Diet & feeding
Feed a quality aquatic turtle pellet. Feed in the water — they eat best there.
Young turtles eat daily and need more protein. Adults eat every 2–3 days and should get lots of leafy greens and aquatic plants.
Don't overfeed. Uneaten food fouls the water fast.
Water
Treat tap water with a dechlorinator. Do partial water changes every week and clean the filter as directed. Dirty water causes most turtle problems.
Handling
Turtles are look-don't-touch pets. Hold them by the back half of the shell when you must move them.
Turtles can carry Salmonella. Wash hands after touching the turtle or its water. Watch young children closely.
Never release a turtle outdoors. Sliders are invasive, and it's harmful to local wildlife.
Common problems & the vet
If something seems off, see a reptile-savvy vet. Don't wait it out.
- Swollen or closed eyes — often dirty water or poor diet
- Soft spots, pits or smell on the shell — shell rot
- Swimming lopsided, bubbles from the nose — respiratory infection
- Not basking — check heat and UVB first
Questions about your setup? Contact us or call (603) 382-3338.
