Do Red-Eared Slider Turtles Live in Water: Can They Survive Out of Water?

Many think red-eared slider turtles need water, but this is not always the case. These turtles are water-resistant and can survive quite well without access to a pond or water bottle. If you find your turtle getting thirsty, offer him a drink of cold water rather than giving him a bath or pond setting! As long as your turtle eats aquatic insects and other small creatures, his body fluids are likely sufficient.

Many people have successfully kept sliders indoors without water. The key is to provide your slider with a comfortable and suitable environment. You can provide hiding spots and pieces of submerged wood or rocks to climb on. If you have a tank with a lid, your slider can live without being in the water. Additionally, please turn off all unnecessary lights when you’re not home so they can find their way around easily during the day.

How Long Can Red-Eared Slider Turtles Stay Out of Water?

It’s essential to keep red-eared slider turtles out of the water as much as possible. This is because they can survive for up to two weeks without a drink. However, they’ll be much weaker if they don’t get a drink occasionally. Be sure to provide your turtle with fresh water every day – even if it’s just a little bit. If you need to put your turtle in the water, ensure it’s room temperature and filled with ice cubes first. 

Water Condition Needed by Red-Eared Slider Turtles

These turtles can tolerate a limited amount of water, so ensure they have enough access to fresh air and water. They should be brought out of the water for cool-down periods and bathed every 2-3 days. The lifespan of a red-eared slider is about ten years, but it may live up to 20 years in captivity if cared for properly.

How Much Water Does a Red-Eared Slider Need?

Red-eared sliders require about one gallon of water daily, but they can drink more if available. Ensure to provide them with an adequate water dish; if you live in a dry area, be sure to provide them with water regularly.

Best Water Temperature for Red-Eared Slider Turtles

According to research, the best water temperature for them is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Different types of turtles can live anywhere from the Arctic tundra down to subtropical rainforest, but red-eared sliders do better in warm climates with a lot of vegetation. 

Kind of Water to Put in a Turtle Tank

A large enough tank is necessary as turtles like to swim in calm and deep waters. You don’t need to sterilize the water- ensure it is fresh and clean. If your turtle doesn’t seem happy in its new home, it might be because of the water quality or temperature- so take time to check everything out properly before releasing them into its enclosure. 

Is It Okay to Use Tap Water for Turtles?

No, red-eared slider turtles need water that is moderately warm and clean – not just any tap water will do. It’s always important to be mindful of the well-being of your turtle, and one of the best ways to do that is to provide them with clean and fresh water. 

Try a rain barrel or hose attachment if you have an outdoor space for your turtle. These will help you provide your turtle with the needed water without leaving the house. If you’re using tap water to make turtle water, add a dechlorinator to the mix. 

Why Is My Red-Eared Slider Staying Out of Water?

If you’ve noticed that your red-eared slider turtle is staying out of the water a lot, there might be a reason for it. One common reason slider turtles may not swim around is that they’re trying to escape danger. Ensure all surfaces at home where your turtle spends time, such as balconies and patios, are safe from pets or other animals. These could easily fall into the water container unintentionally and lead to drowning. 

If it looks like your turtle is avoiding water, then there’s a good chance they aren’t feeling safe. To assess the safety of your turtle’s water area, you can check the tank’s lid for any debris that might have fallen in and caused the turtle distress. If the water area looks clean and the turtle willingly swims around, they are likely comfortable and safe.

Improper Water Temperature

Turtles are ectothermic and need to maintain a specific body temperature. If the water in their habitat is too cold, they will retreat into their shells and won’t come out again until it warms up. If the water temperature is too hot, they will struggle to breathe and may even die. 

Ensure the water stays between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your red-eared slider turtle safe and healthy. 

Dirty Aquarium Environment

Dirty tank environments can harm slider turtles and other aquatic creatures. Sliders are adapted to live in water but stay out of the water if the tank is dirty. To avoid this, keep your tank clean by using a filter and keeping an eye on the levels of chlorine and ammonia. Check the water quality regularly and ensure it meets the slider turtle’s requirements. 

Aggressive Tank Mates

Bullying by tank mates is a common problem for slider turtles. When the turtle is out of its watery habitat, it can become a target for bullying by its tank mates. This happens because slider turtles are timid creatures and don’t like getting close to other turtles. So if you see your slider turtle staying away from the water, try to find a new home for it as soon as possible.