Aquatic Turtles

A basic guide for red-eared slider housing.

Red-Eared Slider burns are scary and can be very serious if not treated. Find out what can happen, and what you can do for Red-Eared Slider burns.

A review of the Cascade Internal Filter by Penn-Plax

These beautiful turtles with the red streaks on the sides of their head are commonly available as pets. Because they are often sold as hatchlings, owners are sometimes surprised to find out how big they get, and how much care they truly need. Find out what to expect from a red eared slider, the equipment you'll need to care for one, and what...

Turtles can make lovely pets -- but you have to know what you are getting into. Those cute little hatchlings you see for sale will grow into large, long-lived and somewhat messy turtles. Here are 6 things you should know about red eared sliders before deciding on getting one as a pet.

Red eared sliders are not difficult to care for, but it is important to choose a tank that is big enough, and provide sufficient water, a basking area, water filtration, and appropriate heat and light in order to keep your turtle happy and healthy.

Reptiles in the pet trade are prone to being very stressed and sometimes ill. Here's some tips for what to look for when picking out a pet red eared slider.

Turtle tanks, like aquariums, are prone to growing algae. While algae isn't particularly harmful to the turtle, the underlying causes excessive algae growth should be addressed, as it is often related to other water quality issues.

Basking, to the point of getting thoroughly dried off, is important to red eared sliders. Here's some help on getting reluctant turtles to use their basking spot.

Let's face it, red eared sliders can be messy. Keeping their tanks clean and their water quality high can be a real challenge, but there are ways to make keeping the tank clean easier.

Answer in response to a question I am asked frequently about feeding red eared sliders, especially young turtles.

red eared sliders fluttering their claws

Why turtles sometimes flutter their claws around the heads of other turtles.

A look at whether "Salmonella Free" turtles are a safer option as a pet.

The keeping of aquatic and semi aquatic turtles as pets, such as red eared sliders and more.

Information and tips about keeping aquatic turtles such as red eared sliders in outdoor ponds

Information on the basic care of pet red eared sliders, including diet and how to set up and maintain the tank.

Answer in response to a question I am asked frequently about feeding red eared sliders, especially young turtles.

How much and mow often to feed red eared sliders and other aquatic turtles

How to go about feeding your red eared slider or other aquatic turtle.

Determining if a red eared slider turtle is male or female: sexing red eared sliders

The age or size at which red eared sliders become sexually mature.

Covering the very basics of turtle care as well as a look at the various species available in the pet trade.  By David T. Kirkpatrick, Ph.D.

Great site with lots of detailed information on the care of a variety of turtle species.

From Aquatics Unlimited - brief guidelines for care (housing and feeding) of aquatic turtles in general.

Setting up an outdoor pond for your turtles, from Diane Levine/California Turtle & Tortoise Club.

Wide range of turtle care topics especially about aquatic turtles, including the introductory article listed above along with information on constructing a tank, basic care, and several species information sheets including Reeve's turtle, mud and musk turtles, and more.

Basic guidelines on feeding (and preventing obesity in) turtles, but no details by species.  From David T. Kirkpatrick, Ph.D.

An excellent article on the care of these popular turtles, especially housing, feeding and acclimatization by Melissa Kaplan.

Great little care guide for red eared sliders by Holly Frisby, DVM, MS, on the Animal Planet Site.

A brief introduction to the unusual soft-shelled turtle, by Melissa Kaplan.

Huge number of articles and information on turtles(plain text), by Valerie Haecky.

Basic care information including indoor and outdoor housing, and a little bit on medical concerns, from the California Turtle and Tortoise Club.

Gout symptoms and information relating to reptile gout.