Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I am currently upgrading my Ornate Wood Turtles tank which will leave me with a twenty gallon long empty. I would love to own a red eared slider. I know I would have to upgrade from this tank but would this be ok as a starter cage? I have read loads of care sheets all with different opinions. Just thought I'd ask here also. Any help would be appreciated.

Tangi

If the new RES is small, not full grown then a 20L should be fine as a starter tank.
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PHRatz

a 20 gallon is very small for RES, i have a single male and he's in a 75 gallon. it would be ok for one that is very young, but in my opinion they need at least a 40 breeder when full grown. once you have everything their upkeep is very cheap. if you have any specific questions i would be glad to help.

oh, incase you live in the US a RES under 4 " is illegal. heres some more info:
water temp-78-85
basking temp-85-95
water depth when full grown-6-12 inches (8-9 is best)
*they need a place to get out of the water
* they need UVB/UVB light
*feed crix, pellets, worms, lettuce, carrots, other veggies
* they really like grapes to play with
*get a good filter, they are dirty
* no real plants, they will eat them
*feed 2-3 times a week
TOTAL COST (this is what mine was)
425 about, but once you get everything they are cheap- this is with a 75 gallon

wow, must be nice to get all that for only $425!

We have real plants in our tank. We prefer (and I think the turtles do too) duckweed.

You are right about them being messy but once you have all the right tools for maintaining and keeping them clean, they are easy and fun.
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Tammy, Doug, Skylar, Andrew, Aaron, Lessley
2 cats (azul & chester)
2 parakeets
1 hampster (oreo)
3 RES (Big mama, Quazimoto, Rustus)
Crab, newt, and numerous fish