Red Ear Slider Tank Dimensions

My wife and son came home with 2 red earred slider turtles that are quite young (maybe 2-3 inches long). We are thinking about the tank requirements. I recognize the general rule is 10 gallons per inch of turtle.

How much do the turtles care about the dimensions? Do they prefer a wider/longer tank or can a deeper tank be satisfactory?

For instance, would the RES prefer a 55G tank that is 48.25" x 12.75" x 21" over a 65G tank that is 36.375" x 18.375" x 25"?


What about a corner shaped tank? Corner Aquariums | Aqueon Aquarium Products

Assuming we get a rectangular tank, we are planning to get the Penn Plax Turtle Topper to go on top of the tank as a basking area, so we can fill the aquarium to higher level (thereby maximizing its size).

 

You would want more length and width than you would height. As long as they have enough water to fully submerge themselves, that’s sufficient.

 

What about a corner shaped tank? Corner Aquariums | Aqueon Aquarium Products

I like that corner tank. I have looked at it a few times myself. I'm in a condo so space is an issue for me, I am also worried about weights of heavier tanks once filled. I have to do more research into that.

Assuming we get a rectangular tank, we are planning to get the Penn Plax Turtle Topper to go on top of the tank as a basking area, so we can fill the aquarium to higher level (thereby maximizing its size).

I purchased a turtle topper. I don't use it yet because my turtle still struggles with it but I hear it works good for a lot of people. Like I said I really like the corner tank but more for fish I think. A long and low set up is probably more ideal for a turtle. Width will be important because they can get pretty big and of course you want lots of space for swimming and too maintain good water since they are very messy.

Let us know what you decide on!

 

I like that corner tank. I have looked at it a few times myself. I'm in a condo so space is an issue for me, I am also worried about weights of heavier tanks once filled. I have to do more research into that.



I purchased a turtle topper. I don't use it yet because my turtle still struggles with it but I hear it works good for a lot of people. Like I said I really like the corner tank but more for fish I think. A long and low set up is probably more ideal for a turtle. Width will be important because they can get pretty big and of course you want lots of space for swimming and too maintain good water since they are very messy.

Let us know what you decide on!

Thanks. We went with the 40G breeder. Too wide for turtle topper, so we are going to put some plexiglass under the turtle topper to adjust for the size.

 

Thanks. We went with the 40G breeder. Too wide for turtle topper, so we are going to put some plexiglass under the turtle topper to adjust for the size.

oh nice! I was considering a 40 breeder too but I didn't think about the extra width and turtle topper. Who knows what I will end up with. I'm hoping to upgrade by next year. We will see.