How Long Can a Red-Eared Slider Be Out of Water? A Comprehensive Guide to Maintaining Optimal Health.
Red-eared sliders are popular pet turtles because they are easy to care for. They are semi-aquatic turtles, meaning they spend some of their time on land and some in the water. Keeping them in an aquarium can be challenging. Many owners wonder how long their pet turtle can stay out of water.
A red-eared slider can be out of water for a limited amount of time, usually up to 8 hours, depending on the temperature and humidity levels. It’s recommended to provide a basking area for your turtle to dry off and warm up and a place to get back into the water when necessary.
Here, I’ll look at some of the risks of keeping turtles out of water for too long. I’ll also include some best practices for ensuring your slider remains happy, healthy, and comfortable in its environment. Continue reading to find out more.
What is the Maximum Amount of Time a Red-Eared Slider Can Stay Out of Water?
The maximum amount of time a Red-Eared Slider can stay out of water depends on a variety of factors. The age of the turtle and its health can play a major role. Healthy adult turtles can usually stay out of water for up to 24 hours, with some being able to remain out for up to 48 hours.
Younger turtles and those that are not in the best of health should not be out of water for more than 12 hours. Monitor your turtle while they are out of the water and to ensure they have access to a shallow bowl of water to soak in if they need it. Temperature also plays a role, as they cannot remain out of water for too long.
The higher the temperature of the environment, the shorter the amount of time the turtle can remain out of water. They can stay out of water for up to two hours at temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius).
As the temperature rises to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 degrees Celsius) or higher, their maximum time out of water drops to 30 minutes.
Factors Affecting the Amount of Time a Red-Eared Turtle Spends Out of Water
Red-eared sliders spend a significant amount of time basking out of the water, which helps regulate their body temperature, metabolism, and immune system. Let’s discuss the various factors that can affect the amount of time a red-eared turtle spends out of water.
Temperature
Temperature is one of the most important factors affecting how much time they spend out of water. Turtles are cold-blooded reptiles, and their body temperature is directly linked to their environment.
If the temperature is too low, the turtle will spend more time in the water to maintain its body temperature. On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, the turtle will spend more time out of the water to avoid overheating.
Size & Location of Basking Area
The size and location of the basking area can also affect the amount of time. The basking area should be large enough to accommodate the turtle and positioned so that the turtle can easily get in and out of the water. Besides, the basking area should be equipped with a heat source, such as a heat lamp or basking spotlight, to provide warmth and light.
Food and Water Quality
Poor water quality can cause respiratory and other health problems, and the turtle may avoid the water if it is not clean and well-maintained. On the other hand, a diet lacking essential nutrients can lead to health problems that can affect the turtle’s behavior and cause it to spend more time basking.
Do Red-Eared Sliders Need a Lot of Water?
Yes, red-eared sliders do need a lot of water. They are semi-aquatic turtles, which means they require both land and water to live comfortably. In captivity, they need a large water tank or pond that provides enough space to swim and bask.
The water should be deep enough for the turtle to fully submerge, with a shallow area for basking. Additionally, the water should be cleaned and changed frequently to maintain good water quality and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.
The water temperature should be kept between 75-85°F, and a submersible heater may be necessary to maintain the appropriate temperature. A water filter is also recommended to maintain proper water hygiene.
How Long Can Red-Eared Sliders Stay Without Any Water?
Red-eared sliders cannot survive for an extended period of time without access to water. In general, the sliders can go for a maximum of two to three days without water, but this can vary depending on several factors, including temperature, humidity, and activity level.
During this time, the turtle will slow down its metabolism and enter a state of semi-hibernation, but it will still need access to water to regulate its body temperature and carry out normal metabolic processes. Prolonged exposure to a dry environment can lead to dehydration, heat stress, and other health problems.
Provide a large and well-maintained water environment for them, including a clean and temperature-controlled water tank or pond that allows the turtle to swim and bask.
If you need to remove the water for cleaning or maintenance temporarily, provide a shallow dish of water for the turtle to drink from and to limit the time without water to a few hours.
Do Red-Eared Sliders Need to Be in Water All the Time?
Red-eared sliders do not need to be in the water all the time. They enjoy having access to water- such as a pool or pond—but they will also be happy in a bowl or tank filled with water.
If you choose to give your slider a pool of its own, ensure it is appropriately sized and has a lid to prevent drowning. It’s also important to monitor the water quality and provide proper filtration, and do regular water changes as needed.
If you go with a bowl or tank instead, just make sure it has enough room for the turtle to move around and has proper filtration to keep the water clean.
What Do Red-Eared Sliders Need in Their Habitat?
Red-eared sliders need various things in their habitat to live healthy and happy life. These include:
Living Environment
They need a large water tank, approximately 60 gallons of water enclosure. The water should be deep enough for the turtle to fully submerge, with a shallow area for basking. Besides, the water should be cleaned and changed frequently to maintain good water quality and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.
The water temperature should be kept between 75-85°F, and a submersible heater may be necessary to maintain the appropriate temperature. A water filter is also recommended to maintain proper water hygiene.
Basking Area
Along with a living environment, the sliders also need a basking area to regulate their body temperature and carry out normal metabolic processes. The basking area should be large enough to accommodate the turtle and equipped with a heat source, such as a heat lamp, to provide warmth and light.
Lighting
Lighting is an important factor in the habitat of these turtles. They need exposure to UVB light to metabolize calcium and maintain strong shells. Turtles can develop shell deformities and other health problems without adequate UVB light.
It is recommended to provide a UVB light source in the basking area and to change the bulb every 6-12 months.
Substrate
The substrate, or bottom of the habitat, should be chosen carefully to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the turtle. Natural substrates, such as coconut coir or sphagnum moss, are recommended, as they provide good drainage and help to maintain proper humidity levels.
Avoid using sharp or abrasive substrates, such as gravel or sand, which can cause injury to the turtle’s delicate skin and shells.
Food and Water
They are omnivores and require a balanced diet of animal and plant-based foods. In the wild, they feed on various prey, including worms, insects, fish, and amphibians.
In captivity, they can be fed a diet of commercial turtle pellets, live or frozen feeder fish, and leafy greens. It is important to provide a clean and well-maintained water environment for drinking and soaking.
What Are the Best Places to Buy Red-Eared Sliders?
When you’re looking to buy red-eared sliders, there are a few places that stand out as the best options. Online retailers like ReptilesNCritters and CBReptile offer a wide selection of healthy red-eared sliders. Additionally, pet stores such as Petsmart and Petco often have these popular turtles available for purchase.
Conclusion
I hope you have learned a lot about caring for red-eared sliders. Always provide plenty of water for these semi-aquatic turtles and keep them from overheating. These turtles shouldn’t spend much time without access to water.
By providing a suitable water environment, you can help ensure the health and well-being of your red-eared slider. If you follow these guidelines, your turtle shouldn’t have any problems.
Let us know in the comments if you liked the article. Have you ever tried keeping a red-eared slider out of water? How did it go?
