If you’ve ever walked past a pet shop and seen a cute little turtle paddling around in a plastic bowl chances are, it was a Red eared slider. These turtles are one of the most popular exotic pets in India. They look adorable, they’re easy to find, and they don’t take much space.
But here’s the truth most of people don’t know Red eared sliders might look small, but they grow fast and need proper care to stay healthy and happy. If you’re planning to keep one (or already have), this guide will walk you through everything you need to know from tank setup to feeding and daily care all made simple and Indian friendly.
Meet the Red-Eared Slider
The Red eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) gets its name from the little red mark behind each eye. Originally found in North America, it’s now a popular pet worldwide including India.
They’re semi-aquatic, which means they live both in water and on land, and can live for 20–30 years with good care. So yes it’s a long-term pet, not a short-term one.
Setting Up the Perfect Turtle Tank
Forget the small plastic bowl — your turtle deserves a real home.
Here’s what works best:
| Setup Element | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 3–4 feet tank (minimum 60L for one turtle) |
| Filter | A strong aquarium filter (external or canister type) |
| Basking Area | A dry platform or floating dock |
| Light | UVB lamp + normal light for day/night cycle |
| Water Heater | Needed if room temp drops below 24°C |
💡 Pro Tip: A good filter is non-negotiable. Turtles are messy eaters — without proper filtration, your tank will smell in days.
👉 (We’ll soon share our detailed post on “Best Turtle Filters Under ₹3000” — stay tuned!)
Keeping the Water Clean
Water quality is everything for turtle health.
Unclean water can cause shell rot, fungus, and even respiratory infections.
Here’s a simple cleaning routine:
Change 30–40% of the water every week
Use a dechlorinator or water conditioner (available on Amazon India)
Remove uneaten food after 15–20 minutes
Add a few live plants or a sponge filter to naturally balance the water
If you’re lazy about cleaning — buy a canister filter. It’s a one-time investment that makes turtle keeping 10× easier.
Feeding — What and How Often?
Turtles love variety.
Here’s a simple Indian-friendly feeding guide:
| Food Type | Example | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Pellets | Turtle food brands like Tetra ReptoMin / Taiyo | Daily |
| Vegetables | Lettuce, spinach, grated carrot | 3× per week |
| Protein (treats) | Boiled egg white, small shrimp, mealworms | Once a week |
👉 Don’t overfeed! Turtles should eat an amount roughly equal to the size of their head (without neck).
Avoid: Raw meat, rice, and processed human food.
Temperature & Lighting
Turtles are cold-blooded — they depend on external heat to stay active and digest food.
✅ Keep water around 25–28°C
✅ Use a UVB light (for Vitamin D3 — helps with shell growth)
✅ Provide a basking light area for 10–12 hours/day
Without UVB, turtles develop soft shells and weak bones.
If your turtle just floats around lazily — check the water temp first!
Common Problems (and How to Fix Them)
Shell turning white or soft → Lack of UVB light or calcium
Foul-smelling water → Poor filter or overfeeding
Turtle not eating → Too cold water or stress
White patches on skin → Fungal infection (clean water + antifungal drops)
Constant basking or gasping → Possible respiratory infection (needs vet)
💡 Keep your turtle in a quiet spot loud noise or constant handling stresses them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I keep my turtle in a bowl?
No. That’s one of the biggest mistakes beginners make. Turtles need swimming space, a basking area, and a filter. Bowls are temporary and harmful long-term.
❓ How big will my turtle get?
An adult red-eared slider can grow 6–10 inches long — roughly the size of your palm.
❓ Can I keep two turtles together?
Yes, but only if your tank is big enough (4+ feet). Otherwise, they fight or stress each other.
❓ Do turtles hibernate in India?
Not really. Since India is warm, they stay active year-round if temperature stays above 22°C.
Recommended Setup for Beginners (2025)
Here’s a sample budget-friendly setup you can build:
| Item | Example | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Turtle Tank (60L) | Boyu / AquaOne | ₹2000–₹3500 |
| External Filter | Sunsun HW-603B / RS Electrical | ₹2500–₹4000 |
| UVB Lamp | Tetra / ReptileOne | ₹1000–₹1500 |
| Turtle Dock | Zilla / Boyu Floating Platform | ₹500–₹800 |
| Turtle Food | Tetra ReptoMin / Taiyo | ₹200–₹400 |
Final Thoughts
Caring for a turtle isn’t hard — it just needs attention to detail. Once your setup is done right, daily care becomes super easy.
Think of it this way: the first two weeks are effort; after that, it’s peace of mind.
Your turtle becomes part of your life — calm, slow, but full of personality.
So, if you’re planning to bring home a red-eared slider, do it the right way.
Because when you care properly, even a “creepy” little pet can teach you patience, responsibility, and peace.
“In the tiniest corners of nature, entire worlds exist.”
— Creepy.in