ReptiHabitat
aquatic

Red-Eared Slider

The classic turtle: hardy, omnivorous, and chronically undersized-housed — adults need 100+ gallon setups or ponds.

Core Biological & Field Specifications
Water temp
24–26°C (75–78°F)
Basking spot
31–33°C (88–92°F)
UVB
Zone 3 — basking bulb + UVB
Enclosure min
100+ gal adult (10 gal/inch rule)
Filtration
2–3× rated capacity
Lifespan
30–40 years

Profile & Natural History

Sliders are the cautionary tale of the hobby: dime-store hatchlings that live four decades and grow to dinner-plate size — which is why they dominate invasive-species lists worldwide (never release!). The husbandry core is water: volume (10 gallons per inch of shell), over-sized filtration, and a proper basking dock with UVB. The "small bowl" setup is animal cruelty with a happy face on it.

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