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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?

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.

steve wrote: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?

Therobbierabbit wrote:

steve wrote: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.

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

Therobbierabbit wrote: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

ljapa wrote:

Therobbierabbit wrote: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?

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.

ljapa wrote: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?

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

steve wrote: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

Thanks everyone!

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?

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.

steve wrote: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. ...