How Long Can Red-Eared Sliders Live Without Water

Red-eared sliders that do not have enough water will experience a loss of appetite, begin to lose weight, and become dehydrated.

If red-eared sliders are without water for just four days can cause death.

How long can red-eared sliders go without water? This is a question that many people have wondered about.

In this article, we will explore the answer to that question.

How Long Can a Red Eared Sliders Go Without Water?

Outside of water, red-eared sliders can only survive for a week, but there are some cases where they can stay without water for up to three months and sometimes longer than that.

This only occurs during the winter, when the turtle is brumating.

Do Red-Eared Sliders Need To Be In The Water

Red Eared sliders need to be in the water. They cannot survive without it.

Turtles breathe by absorbing oxygen through the water and breathing in the air in front of their nose and mouth.

While turtles can last for one month without being exposed to water, turtles are still not able to get oxygen through the air.

Another problem with leaving red-eared sliders out of the water is that they are unable to regulate their body temperature without being in the water.

Since turtles are cold-blooded, they rely on the water to keep their body temperature warm.

Turtles also require access to water in order to stay hydrated and healthy. Turtles, including red-eared sliders, painted turtles, and map turtles, must be in the water.

They were engineered for this purpose.

Turtles cannot live without a home that has enough sunlight to support a basking site as well as a heating lamp.

Also, turtles are unable to absorb the calcium that they need from food if not exposed to UVB light for 10-12 hours every day.

Why do Red Eared Sliders Stay Underwater?

Red-eared slider turtle has a special adaptation called a cloaca.

The cloaca is the rear opening from which turtles urinate, defecate, and lay eggs.

This adaptation allows turtles to remain submerged underwater most of the time.

Since their cloaca opens underwater, they are able to absorb oxygen through their skin.

Turtles are not able to use the oxygen normally found in the air because it contains 21% oxygen, while water contains around 10%.

As a result, turtles can hold their breath for hours.

They typically dive to the bottom of the water and stay there as long as they can.

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How Does Red Eared Slider Breathe Underwater?

Red Eared sliders are able to absorb oxygen through the water. They also use their lungs.

When turtles engage in physical activity they take on a labored breathing pattern. When they rest, they take on a more relaxed and less frequent breathing pattern.

When turtles spend time out of the water, they need to breathe air through their mouth and nose.

How Long Can a Red-Eared Slider Be Underwater?

Semi-aquatic turtle can hold their breath underwater for a total of 30 minutes. However, they can only stay underwater without coming up to breathe for one minute.

If turtles do not come up to the surface of the water and take a breath, they will die. Turtles cannot breathe underwater for long periods of time.

While turtles can survive for one month without water, spending more than a day out of the water puts them at risk for dehydration and death.

It is vital to provide turtles with a proper habitat and to get them out of the water every day so that they can bask in the sun and regulate their body temperature.

What Will Happen if They Don’t Have Enough Water?

If turtles do not have enough water, they will become dehydrated. This can cause serious turtle health problems.

Turtles need to be able to get out of the water every day.

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How Do I Tell if a Red-Eared Slider is Dehydrated?

If a red-eared slider is dehydrated, it will become lethargic and stop eating. You can tell if a turtle is dehydrated by looking at its skin.

If you can see the turtle’s shell through their skin, they are dehydrated and need medical attention as soon as possible.

Red Eared Sliders Brumating

To brumate means to hibernate. If you find your turtle underwater all the time and not eating, they might be brumating.

During brumation, turtles remain underwater for a period of time to reduce their body temperature and slow down their metabolism.

Red Eared sliders brumate when the water temperature falls below 50 degrees for long periods of time.

What Do They Eat During Brumation?

Turtles do not eat during brumation. They only use the energy stored in their own bodies to survive.

After turtles stay underwater for a period of time, they come up to the surface and bask in the sun. Then turtles dive back under the water to brumate for a few more days.

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How Much Water Does a Red-Eared Slider Need?

A baby red-eared slider will need a tank that is 10 gallons. As they grow, it is important to increase the size of their habitat.

An adult red-eared slider will need an enclosure that is at least 55 gallons.

It is crucial to keep turtles in a tank that has enough water to keep them submerged. Turtles need water that is at least twice the length of their shell.

Turtles also need a basking dock or spot that they can climb out of the water onto. They need to be able to rest on land each day in order to regulate their body temperature and digest their food.

What Kind of Water do Turtles Need?

Turtles need chlorine-free water.

Chlorine can cause the shell of the turtle to become soft and malformed.

Turtles are more likely to become ill in water that has a high chlorine content.

It’s important to treat turtle’s water with a dechlorinating agent to remove the chlorine. You can get dechlorinating agents at most pet stores.

Is it Okay To Use Tap Water for Turtles?

Tap water has a high level of chlorine and will kill turtles if they drink it or swim in it.

Turtles need clean, freshwater to survive. If you want to use tap water for your turtle, it must be treated with a dechlorinating agent first.

If you’re unable to use dechlorinating agents, it is best to use bottled spring water for your tank.

Water Temperature for Turtles Tanks?

Turtles need a water temperature of around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

The warmth of the water is important so that turtles can live comfortably. Turtles need around 75 degrees Fahrenheit to swim and breathe properly.

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Can Turtles be in Cold Water?

Yes, turtles can be in cold water as long as they have a place to bask in the sun to warm up.

Turtles need a tank that has enough water to keep them submerged.

The water should be at least twice the length of their shell.

Do Turtles Like Warm Water?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question as each turtle is different.

Some turtles prefer warmer water, while others prefer cooler water.

How to Maintain Your Red-Eared Slider Tank Clean

1. It is important to keep the turtle tank clean to prevent bacteria and algae growth.
2. You should change the water in the tank every week.
3. Remove any uneaten food from the tank immediately to prevent bacteria growth.
4. Clean the tank with a mixture of water and vinegar every month.
5. Use a gravel vacuum to clean the bottom of the tank every week.

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Conclusion

Red-eared sliders can live without water for a total of one week sometimes longer if he brumates.

It is important to provide your red-eared slider with a proper habitat that includes enough water for them to submerge themselves in, as well as a basking dock or spot where they can get out of the water and regulate their body temperature.

Chlorine-free water is essential for keeping your turtle healthy and hydrated, so it’s important to use a dechlorinating agent if you’re using tap water in your tank.