How to Make a Cage for Red Side Turtles

Red-eared sliders are water turtles with red markings along the sides of their head. They occasionally are referred to as red side turtles or green water turtles. Sliders are frequently sold as tiny green hatchlings. These turtles grow quickly and can reach 12 inches in a year or two. Plan on providing a large enclosure when these turtles reach adulthood. Red-eared sliders need a cage that provides swimming space and a basking area. Allow 10 gallons of space for every one inch in length. For example, a 5-inch-long turtle would need 50 gallons of water.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • River rocks
  • Basking island
  • Heat light
  • Aquarium filter
  • Thermometer
  • Dechlorinator
  • Ultraviolet (UV) light
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select an aquarium for your turtle. These turtles are accomplished escape artists. Ensure the aquarium has a fully secured lid. Pet and pond stores sell appropriate aquariums for red-eared sliders. While some pet stores market terrariums as appropriate enclosures for red-eared sliders, these cages will not support the weight of the water these turtles need. Avoid using a terrarium.

    • 2

      Provide a substrate at the bottom of the aquarium. Red-eared sliders like to dig for their food at the bottom of rivers. Aquarium gravel or river rocks will simulate this natural environment. Water turtles will eat just about anything and can choke or be poisoned by some substrates. Choose large rocks that the turtles can't swallow. Ensure the rocks are nontoxic.

    • 3

      Fill the tank with water. Ensure you use a water dechlorinator to eliminate chlorine and other additives. Virtually all pet stores sell these inexpensive aquarium treatments. Install a water filter in the aquarium to keep the water clean. Water turtles are notoriously messy; they will need heavy filtration to maintain a clean environment. Many turtle owners use double filtration systems. For example, with a 100-gallon tank, install a filter designed for 200 gallons.

    • 4

      Give your turtle a basking area. The simplest way to accomplish this is to purchase a floating basking island from a pet store. Pieces of wood also work. If you prefer a basking area that won't move, try stacking river rocks up to the top of the water. The turtles should be able to get onto the basking area easily and be able to completely dry off while on it.

    • 5

      Install a heat lamp over the basking area. Turtles like to bask in sunlight up to 95 degrees. Monitor the temperature at the basking area to ensure that it gets warm enough. Turtles can burn themselves under lights that are too hot. The turtles should never be able to touch the basking light. Ensure the light is positioned several inches away from the top of the basking area.

    • 6

      Provide your turtle with UV light. Turtles need sunlight to metabolize calcium. Pet stores sell light bulbs that radiate UVA and UVB rays to mimic sunlight. You can affix a second UV light near the basking area. Alternatively, install an aquarium hood light that radiates UV rays.