4489. VET CASE STUDY. Ideal water temperature for a red-eared slider

 The ideal water temperature for a red-eared slider is between 24 - 30 degrees Celcius.

Younger or sick ones need slightly warmer water between 28 - 30 degrees Celcius.

 Hatchlings and juveniles: Maintain a slightly warmer temperature (26 - 30 degrees Celcius) compared to adults. Recently hatched juveniles are just over an inch in plastron length.

 

 Too cold: Water below 21 degrees Celcius can cause your red-eared slider to become sluggish and susceptible to illness and death.

Too hot: Water above 31 degrees Celcius can stress your red-eared slider and may lead to health issues and death.

 Practice in Singapore.
Most red-eared sliders are kept in the apartments.

Juveniles and adults are not given heated water. They may be allowed to roam on the floor and get sunlight or Ultraviolet lighting.They are put inside a container with water during feeding time.

Historical data:The warmest sea surface water temperature in Singapore is in May with an average around 86°F (30.0°C). The coldest month is January with an average water temperature of 81.3°F (27.4°C).

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Do red-eared sliders need warm water temperature?
Yes. The ideal water temperature is between 24 - 30 degrees Celsius, with younger or sick ones needing slightly warmer water around 28 - 30 degrees Celsius. 

Hatchlings and juveniles: Maintain a slightly warmer temperature (26 -30 degrees Celcius) compared to adults. 

Too cold: Water below 21 degrees Celcius can cause your turtle to become sluggish and susceptible to illness.

Too hot: Water above 31 degrees Celcius can stress your turtle and may lead to health issues.

Temperature monitoring: Use a submersible heater to maintain a consistent water temperature 24 hours daily. 

Can red-eared sliders be in water all the time?
No. Red-eared slider turtles are semi-aquatic turtles, meaning they spend a good deal of their time in the water and on areas out of the water to bask in the sunlight. Basking is important for the animal's health.

It allows the turtle to completely dry out and warm up. This makes it more difficult for fungal infections to develop on their shells because fungus needs moisture to grow. These types of infections, called SHELL ROT are common health conditions for red-eared sliders that do not have basking areas.


How deep should the red-eared slider water be?
Generally, the water depth should be at least 2 times the turtle's carapace length to prevent drowning if the turtle should flip over and not be able to right itself.

Basking area: Ensure a separate basking area with a temperature 10-20 degrees higher than the water temperature. 

Do red-eared sliders need a basking light?
Yes. They bask in a warm dry area to maintain a temperature that supports important bodily functions like digestion and to prevent fungal infections. UVA and UVB lights are needed.

UPDATE:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2025/03/4489-vet-case-study-ideal-water.html