Hybino Red Eared Slider 12-13cm

The Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is one of the most popular pet turtles in the world, recognised by the red stripe behind each eye. Native to the southern United States, Red Eared Sliders are active, semi-aquatic turtles that spend most of their day swimming and basking. They are... Read More

The Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is one of the most popular pet turtles in the world, recognised by the red stripe behind each eye. Native to the southern United States, Red Eared Sliders are active, semi-aquatic turtles that spend most of their day swimming and basking. They are hardy and full of personality, and with proper care they can live 20–30 years or more.

Red Eared Slider Care Guide:

Enclosure Size:
Hatchlings & juveniles: Minimum 75–100 litre aquarium.
Adults: Minimum 300–400 litre aquarium or pond, as adults can reach 20–30 cm.
Provide enough water depth for swimming (at least 1.5–2× the shell length) and a dry basking platform the turtle can fully climb onto.

Water Quality:
Use a strong canister filter rated for 2–3× the tank volume.
Use dechlorinated water and change 25–50% of the water weekly.
Keep the water clean, as turtles produce a lot of waste.

Lighting & Temperature:
UVB: Essential. Provide a 10.0 UVB tube over the basking area for 10–12 hours a day.
Water Temperature: 24–27°C (use a submersible heater for juveniles).
Basking Area: 32–35°C under a heat lamp.
Air Temperature: 24–29°C.

Diet:
Food: Omnivorous—offer quality turtle pellets, leafy greens (romaine, dandelion, aquatic plants), and occasional treats such as insects, shrimp, or feeder fish.
Feeding Schedule:
Juveniles: Feed daily.
Adults: Feed every 2–3 days; increase the amount of greens as they grow.
Supplementation: Provide a cuttlebone or calcium supplement to support shell health.

Handling:
Red Eared Sliders tolerate brief handling but prefer to be left alone.
Always support the turtle from both sides of the shell and wash your hands after handling or cleaning the enclosure.

Red Eared Sliders are hardy, long-lived, and fascinating to watch. With clean water, proper UVB lighting, and a balanced diet, they make a rewarding addition to any reptile lover’s home.