6907. Tank size for an adult red-eared slider

 

 

IMAGE OF TANK USED FOR AN ADULT FEMALE RED-EARED SLIDER
 

W=40 cm  (16 inches)
L=100 cm  (39 inches)
H=33 cm   (13 inches) 

 

 

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An adult red-eared slider needs a tank holding 75 to 125 gallons of water, with a minimum rule of 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length. [1, 2]

General Size Requirements

Volume: 75 to 125 gallons minimum (adults grow to 8–12 inches for males and up to 12–15 inches for females). [1, 2, 3]
Footprint: Prioritize a wide, long tank (length × width) over a tall tank because turtles need horizontal swimming space. A common minimum dimension for a large adult setup is roughly 6 feet long × 2–3 feet deep × 2 feet tall (especially if housing larger or multiple turtles). [1, 2]
Water Depth: The water depth should be at least equal to (or up to 1.5 times) the length of the turtle's shell so they can easily right themselves if they flip over. [1, 2]

Key Setup Tips

Basking Area: You must provide a dry, easily accessible basking platform with a heat lamp and UVB lighting. [1, 2]
Filtration: Use a heavy-duty canister filter rated for 2 to 3 times (or up to 4 times) the tank's water volume because turtles create a high amount of waste. [1]
Multiple Turtles: If keeping more than one adult, you need at least 120–150 gallons or more, adding about 50% more space per extra turtle. [1, 2]