Ideas on Setting Up Red-Eared Sliders in Aquariums

Terrarium

• Creating a terrarium is a common setup for red-eared slider aquariums. Terrariums are a combination of land and water in the same tank, making a perfect environment for red-eared sliders. Purchase plastic terrarium dividers which will let you separate your water and land in your tank. In your land half, add pebbles and in your water half add sand and aquatic plants.

Floating Island

• Creating a terrarium can be a difficult process in terms of cleanup. A much easier setup is to have a floating "island" in your aquarium. Simply place a material which will float in your aquarium to create an island for your red-eared sliders to rest and breathe from. You can make the island from material such as wood and plastic or buy it from your local pet shop.

Underwater Forest

• Creating a healthy vegetation system is an important goal for any aquatic turtle aquarium setup. Red-eared sliders are fond of aquatic vegetation, and providing them with a healthy underwater forest is invaluable. Purchase rooted aquatic plants and introduce them to your aquarium according to each plant's needs. To ensure air for your red-eared sliders, place a driftwood stick in a diagonal position to allow for a resting place.

Mud Plain

• Red-eared sliders are fond of sifting through mud for food, and creating a mud plain aquarium will help them fill this instinct. While not as visually appealing, creating a mud plain is extremely easy and the only material needed is mineral rich pond mud to disperse along your aquarium's bottom.