General Care Discussion :: Female Red Ear Sliders!

[Therobbierabbit]

So I'm new to the turtle world and I was wondering what are the most important things to know about female red ear sliders?

[steve]

The main difference between males and females is that they will be larger (needing a larger tank) and might lay eggs (even without a male). Water quality/temperatures and diet would be up there in importance. Working our way down, habitat size and basking issues would be next. Frankly, it's all an important mix but I think water temperatures are the first thing that needs to be checked.

[Therobbierabbit]

The main difference between males and females is that they will be larger (needing a larger tank) and might lay eggs (even without a male). Water quality/temperatures and diet would be up there in importance. Working our way down, habitat size and basking issues would be next. Frankly, it's all an important mix but I think water temperatures are the first thing that needs to be checked.

Her water temp is on 80 right now. Is that too hot?

[ArtexFX]

The main difference between males and females is that they will be larger (needing a larger tank) and might lay eggs (even without a male). Water quality/temperatures and diet would be up there in importance. Working our way down, habitat size and basking issues would be next. Frankly, it's all an important mix but I think water temperatures are the first thing that needs to be checked.

Her water temp is on 80 right now. Is that too hot?

You should be good, a RES will do okay in temperatures between 78F-80F.

[Therobbierabbit]

Since females are bigger, what's the best tank size for them? Would a 75 gallon be too small?

[ljapa]

Since females are bigger, what's the best tank size for them? Would a 75 gallon be too small?

The general guideline is at least a gallon per inch. But shape matters too. A 90 gallon long tank is better than a 90 gallon tall tank.

A female RES can get up to 12" long, so the general recommendation is for a 125 long. However, most won't get that large. An ATBA that let's you use the full space may allow for something less than a 125 with a female, particularly if she doesn't grow to max size.

On the other hand, I'm planning on a 180 upgrade from my 55 because the 125 is only 18" front to back, which doesn't seem like that much room for a 12" turtle.

Check out this picture from the Austin Turtle page for RES for a sense of the possibilities

[Therobbierabbit]

Since females are bigger, what's the best tank size for them? Would a 75 gallon be too small?

The general guideline is at least a gallon per inch. But shape matters too. A 90 gallon long tank is better than a 90 gallon tall tank.

A female RES can get up to 12" long, so the general recommendation is for a 125 long. However, most won't get that large. An ATBA that let's you use the full space may allow for something less than a 125 with a female, particularly if she doesn't grow to max size.

On the other hand, I'm planning on a 180 upgrade from my 55 because the 125 is only 18" front to back, which doesn't seem like that much room for a 12" turtle.

Check out this picture from the Austin Turtle page for RES for a sense of the possibilities

Whoa! That's cool! Ok so I found this 75 gallon tank on craigslist that's only 125 so I wanted to get it and I'm also planning on making her an ATBA, will that still not be enough space?

[ljapa]

How big is she now? 75 gallons probably won't be enough eventually, but if she's only a few inches, it should be enough for years.

Make sure it's an aquarium and not a terrarium. I'd specifically ask if it can hold water.

[Therobbierabbit]

How big is she now? 75 gallons probably won't be enough eventually, but if she's only a few inches, it should be enough for years.

Make sure it's an aquarium and not a terrarium. I'd specifically ask if it can hold water.

She's about 4 inches, and the person that owned the tank also had a RES so I was quite happy about that. About how long will it take her to reach 12 inches?

[steve]

Growth rates depend on diet and genes but not many reach 12". My female RES is about 10yo and only about 8".

[Therobbierabbit]

Growth rates depend on diet and genes but not many reach 12". My female RES is about 10yo and only about 8".

Oh, ok, I got time. Lol

[Therobbierabbit]

Thanks everyone!

[Therobbierabbit]

Oh! I have another question? So she's been shedding a lot from her skin and shell, is it normal? And how long does it last?

[steve]

Skin shedding could be a constant issue, possibly tied to warm water or other water issues. Timing shell shedding is a bit more complicated, but is usually a good sign as long as it happens.

[Therobbierabbit]

Skin shedding could be a constant issue, possibly tied to warm water or other water issues. Timing shell shedding is a bit more complicated, but is usually a good sign as long as it happens.

Well, her previous owners didn't have a filter for her so she was usually in dirty water. ...