If you’re planning on adopting a red-eared slider, you may be wondering what can live with them. You’ll find out below which animals, plants, and fish will be good companions for these adorable reptiles. The key to their wellbeing lies in their shell, which protects them from being injured or harmed. Moreover, these reptiles have the ability to swim and be active, so you need to make sure they’re active enough to stay safe.

Animals

If you’re looking for an exotic pet to add to your home, a red eared slider turtle might be a good choice. The species is large and can live a long life. However, there are some things you need to consider before adopting a red eared slider turtle. These reptiles are invasive in many areas, so you should make sure they are safe to be around.

Aside from being an attractive pet for many people, Red-Eared Sliders can be difficult to care for. Due to their popularity, many of these turtles are being released into the wild, which is putting pressure on ecosystems all around the world. However, if you keep them in good health, you can expect them to live 20 to 30 years. For those who want to get a red eared slider as a pet, you should take the time to read about their care requirements and other important information.

Plants

When you’re putting together a tank for your pet, you need to think carefully about what types of plants are safe for the species. For example, you may not want to put in duckweed, which the turtles love, as it grows quickly and requires low-moderate lighting to thrive. But that doesn’t mean you should abandon all hope. Other plants that should be avoided include bamboo, calla lily, and Chinese evergreen.

Live plants help keep the turtle tank clean. While turtles spend most of their time in water, you should change the water often. But live plants can help keep the tank clean in between water changes. Live plants are excellent filters, reducing algae growth. And they’re also good decor. Your turtle will also feel safer and happier with the addition of live plants. Aside from adding beauty, live plants also provide nutrients and roughage to the turtle.

Fish

Red eared slider turtles are excellent pets for many reasons, and they can be paired well with a variety of fish. While red ear sliders are mostly carnivorous, older ones are more plant-based, so a combination of fish and plants is a good idea. The turtles are generally calm, but males can become aggressive once they spawn. Males will also become protective of the eggs, which will hatch into fry.

A common mistake people make when trying to pair a turtle with fish is bringing too many of them into the same tank. If you have a turtle that can be aggressive or passively aggressive, it’s probably best to remove it from the tank immediately. You’ll also need to carefully monitor the size of the tank. If you mix two different species of turtle, you’ll create too much ammonia and your tank will quickly fill up.

Reptiles

If you plan to keep red-eared slider turtles with other species, make sure to provide the right habitat. They require UVB lighting and calcium supplements. Red-eared sliders can also be kept in an indoor tank with a UVB lamp. However, you must avoid putting them in an enclosed tank as the water can become stagnant and cause bacteria and other microorganisms to thrive. Red-eared sliders also need full spectrum light. However, some of them may occasionally have health issues and are best left alone until they are old enough to handle them.

You can keep red-eared slider turtles in a tank with a common Plecostomus fish. This species is often sold as an ornamental fish but can also live in an aquarium with a red-eared slider. Although most of these fish are herbivorous, they will occasionally eat meat as a treat. Though they are generally peaceful, they may become aggressive with other turtles as they grow older. Besides, their armored bodies do not make them a good choice for turtles.

Fish tank plants

Red eared slider turtles love low-light environments. Plants provide additional cover, which is beneficial for hatchling turtles. They will also need additional shelter if they cannot fend for themselves. If you plan to keep turtles in your tank, make sure to avoid using sharp plants or objects, because these could injure them. Using real plants is the safest choice.

The plants that you choose should be suitable for the type of environment that your turtle will be used to. Rocks should be smooth and not have sharp edges, which can harm the turtle’s shell. Rocks should be heavy enough to discourage collapse or shifting. They should be placed on the bottom of the tank and not on top of the substrate. If possible, use a 100% silicone sealant to attach them to the tank.

Striped Raphael catfish

If you’re thinking about getting a pair of Red Eared Slider turtles and Striped Raphael Catfish for your aquarium, you should keep in mind that both species are omnivores. Their diets include anything that’s floating around in the water, including dead plant matter, detritus, and leftover fish food. They are also known to eat other animals such as fish, so you’ll want to provide your turtles with plenty of protein-rich snacks.

While most people think that turtles are not friendly to other animals, they can get along just fine with cats and dogs. Red eared sliders don’t require the company of other pets and don’t get lonely even if they have a pet cat or dog. Unlike catfish, turtles don’t need constant attention and are perfectly happy on their own.