How to Care for Pet Slider Turtles

For people looking to own more than a fish but don't want to pick up after a dog or cat, a slider turtle might be the right pet for you. The slider is an aquatic turtle that comes of the water to bask in the sun. Slider turtles are active than other turtle breeds, which you can see as they dart through the water after their food. Responsibilities come with owning slider turtles, and you need to be diligent in maintaining its tank and water quality.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank
  • Water filter
  • Submersible water heater
  • Ultraviolet light
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a tank that will fit the turtle when it is fully grown. Slider turtles grow up to twelve inches in length. Use the equation ten gallons of water to every inch of turtle as a guide. You don't have to start out with a 120-gallon tank when your turtle is small, but be prepared to upgrade as your turtle grows.

    • 2

      Put a filter and a heater in the tank. Turtles produce a lot of waste, so efficient water circulation is necessary. Use a filter that is rated for twice the size of your tank. Keep the water at 75 to 85 degrees with a submersible heater.

    • 3

      Keep the tank clean by changing half of the water every two to three weeks, and make sure the temperature is always warm and steady. Turtles are prone to illness, especially in captivity. Dirty, cold water can produce many health problems.

    • 4

      Place a rock or log in the tank for the turtle to bask on. Shine a lamp on the basking area that produces ultraviolet-B fluorescent light to mimic the sun in the wild. Purchase driftwood or rocks from a pet store. Obtaining them from the outdoors might bring parasites into the tank.

    • 5

      Feed your turtle a diet that mimics what it would eat in the wild. Try to stay away from pellets sold in pet stores, but if you do use them, they should only make up about 25 percent of the turtle's diet. A live-food portion of the diet can consist of crickets and other insects, various worms and fish. Don't put live food in the freezer, as this will reduce the nutritional value. Edible plants include dark leafy vegetables (such as kale and romaine), water plants (such as water lettuce and water hyacinth) and shredded or thinly sliced vegetables (such as squash, carrots and green beans).