Red-Eared Slider
Trachemys scripta elegans
The Red-Eared Slider is the most widely kept pet turtle on the planet. Recognizable by the bold red or orange stripe behind each eye, these semi-aquatic turtles are native to the freshwater habitats of the southern United States and northern Mexico. They are active, engaging animals that divide their time between swimming, basking under warm lights, and exploring their aquatic territory. Red-Eared Sliders grow to a substantial size — adults typically reach 10 to 12 inches — and require a properly filtered aquatic setup with both deep swimming water and a dry basking area. While their care demands are more involved than many terrestrial reptiles, the reward is a charismatic, long-lived companion that can recognize its owner and will surface eagerly at feeding time.
Habitat
Freshwater ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving streams
Diet
Omnivore (commercial pellets, leafy greens, insects, feeder fish)
Lifespan
20–40 years
Difficulty
intermediate
Recommended Products
Everything you need to create the perfect habitat for your Red-Eared Slider.
Accessories
Penn-Plax Turtle Topper — Above-Tank Basking Platform
Basking platform that sits on top of the tank, maximizing swimming space below. Includes a ramp and a clear guard to prevent escapes.
Fluval 307 Performance Canister Filter
Powerful canister filter rated for up to 70 gallons. Turtles produce heavy waste, so robust filtration is essential for maintaining clean water and reducing maintenance.
Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System (25 ft)
Gravel vacuum and water changer that connects directly to your faucet. Makes the frequent large water changes turtle tanks require much faster and less messy.
Zoo Med Turtle Dock — Large
Floating basking platform that adjusts to water level automatically. Self-leveling design ensures the ramp stays accessible as water is added or evaporates.
API Turtle Water Conditioner (8 oz)
Removes chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals from tap water. Use with every water change to keep your turtle's aquatic environment safe.
Enclosures
Tetra 55-Gallon Glass Aquarium
Large glass aquarium offering ample swimming space for an adult Red-Eared Slider. A 55-gallon tank is the minimum recommended size for one adult turtle.
Aqueon 75-Gallon Glass Aquarium
Larger aquarium for full-grown Red-Eared Sliders that need maximum swimming space. The extra 20 gallons over a 55-gallon tank makes a noticeable difference for adult turtles.
Waterland Tub — Large (50 Gallon)
Purpose-built plastic tub with a built-in land area and water section. Lightweight, durable, and easy to drain — a practical alternative to glass aquariums.
Rubbermaid Stock Tank (100 Gallon)
Heavy-duty polyethylene stock tank providing maximum swimming space at a fraction of the cost of glass. Popular among turtle keepers who prioritize function over aesthetics.
Food
Zoo Med Can O' Shrimp (1.2 oz)
Whole sun-dried freshwater shrimp packed with protein and natural carotenoids for shell color enhancement. An irresistible treat for Red-Eared Sliders.
Zoo Med Natural Aquatic Turtle Food — Growth Formula
Floating pellets formulated with the protein levels juvenile to sub-adult turtles need. Supplement with fresh leafy greens and occasional treats.
Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Diet
Veterinarian-recommended pelleted diet with balanced calcium and vitamin content. A trusted name in zoo and professional turtle nutrition.
Hikari Saki-Hikari Turtle Food — Medium Sticks
Premium floating pellets with probiotics for improved digestion and reduced waste. A step up from basic turtle food that helps keep water cleaner.
Heating
Zoo Med Repti Tuff Halogen Lamp 90W
Splash-resistant halogen basking lamp designed for use above aquatic turtle enclosures. Produces the intense, focused heat turtles need at their basking spot.
Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm 150W Aquarium Heater
Sleek, flat submersible heater with precise electronic thermostat control. Virtually unbreakable design makes it a safe choice for turtle tanks where equipment takes a beating.
Eheim Jager 150W Submersible Aquarium Heater
Precision submersible heater with an adjustable thermostat. Maintains the 75–80 degree water temperature that Red-Eared Sliders require.
Fluker's Ceramic Heat Emitter 100W
Lightless heat source that can be used above the basking area to supplement the basking lamp. Useful for maintaining air temperature in cooler rooms.
Lighting
Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB Lamp Combo Pack
Replacement bulb combo including one basking spotlight and one UVB compact fluorescent. Keeps your turtle's lighting fresh — bulbs should be replaced every 6 months.
Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB & Heat Lighting Kit
Combo fixture with a basking bulb and UVB bulb mounted together. Provides everything your turtle needs at the basking spot in one convenient setup.
Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0 T5 HO UVB Lamp (24")
Essential UVB source for shell and bone health. Red-Eared Sliders are highly susceptible to metabolic bone disease without adequate UVB exposure at their basking spot.
NICREW ClassicLED Plus Aquarium Light 30"
Full-spectrum LED light that illuminates the aquatic habitat and enhances turtle coloration. Provides a natural photoperiod for your slider's day-night cycle.
Substrate
Zoo Med Aquatic River Pebbles (10 lb)
Large, smooth river rocks that are too big for a turtle to swallow. Create a natural riverbed look while eliminating substrate ingestion risks entirely.
Exo Terra Riverbed Sand (10 lb)
Smooth, fine-grain natural river sand safe for aquatic setups. Choose sand with grains too fine for your turtle to accidentally ingest large quantities.
Fluval Stratum Aquarium Substrate (8.8 lb)
Porous volcanic soil substrate that supports beneficial bacteria for biological filtration. Gives the tank bottom a natural, dark appearance that complements turtle coloration.
CaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River Gravel
Smooth, rounded aquarium gravel that eliminates the risk of sharp edges injuring your turtle. Creates a clean, natural riverbed appearance.