Do you have a red-eared slider and want to add an African side neck turtle to your tank? Maybe you’re wondering if it’s possible for these two turtles to live together. In this blog post, we will explore the answer to that question. We will talk about the compatibility of these two species and whether or not they can peacefully coexist in the same tank.
While both African sideneck turtles and red-eared slider turtles are freshwater turtles, they have different habitat requirements. African sideneck turtles prefer slower-moving water with soft substrates, while red-eared sliders prefer more robust environments with a mix of land and water.
In addition, African sideneck turtles are more shy and reclusive, while red-eared sliders are more social. As a result, it is generally not recommended to keep these two types of turtles together. However, if the tank is large enough and has different areas that meet the needs of each type of turtle, it is possible for them to coexist peacefully.
Will the African sideneck turtle fight and injure the Red-Eared Slider?
The African sideneck turtle is not as aggressive as the red-eared slider and is not likely to attack or injure the other turtle. However, if there is a significant size difference between the two turtles, the African sideneck turtle may be harassed or bullied by the red-eared slider.
A chart of the size of the tank in the ratio of these two turtles
If you are considering adding an African sideneck turtle to your tank with a red-eared slider, it is important to remember that the tank size should be large enough to accommodate both turtles. A good rule of thumb is to have a tank that is at least four times the size of the largest turtle in the tank. So, if you have a red-eared slider that is six inches long, you will need a tank that is at least 24 inches long.
This chart provides recommended minimum tank sizes for different combinations of these two turtles:
Turtle Size (Inches) Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)
African Sideneck and Red-Eared Slider Up to 12 Up to 100
African Sideneck and Red-Eared Slider 12 to 18 Up to 200
African Sideneck and Red-Eared Slider 18 to 24 Up to 300
African Sideneck and Red-Eared Slider Over 24 Minimum tank size should be determined by the largest turtle in the combination.
Habitats set up for these turtles to live in harmony
A tank that is at least 80 gallons in size is recommended if you are wanting to house both an African sideneck turtle and a red-eared slider. The tank should have a mix of land and water areas, with one end being deeper than the other. The water should be well-filtered and kept clean, as both turtles are messy eaters. There should also be a variety of plants and logs for the turtles to hide in and bask on. If you are not able to provide a tank this size, it is best not to try to keep these two species together.
What are the differences in diet in these turtles and what should each be fed?
Both the African sideneck turtle and the red-eared slider are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. However, their diets differ in some ways. The African sideneck turtle prefers a more herbivorous diet, eating mostly plant matter.
The red-eared slider is more of a carnivore, preferring to eat meatier items. In the wild, each of these turtles would consume a variety of items from their respective diets. However, in captivity, it is possible to provide them with a diet that meets all of their nutritional needs.
The easiest way to do this is by feeding them commercial turtle food that is made for both species. This food should be supplemented with occasional treats such as live insects, earthworms, or fish. It is important not to overfeed the turtles, as this can lead to health problems.
What should be the temperature of the tank?
The temperature of the tank should be kept at a constant 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a heat lamp or heating pad to maintain the desired temperature. If the tank is not kept warm enough, the turtles will not be able to digest their food properly and may become ill.
So, while it is possible for African sideneck turtles and red-eared sliders to live together in harmony, it is important to remember that they have different needs when it comes to habitat and diet. If you can provide a tank that meets all of their requirements, then go ahead and add an African sideneck turtle to your collection! Otherwise, it may be best to stick with just one type of turtle.
FAQ’s
-What should the temperature of the tank be?
The temperature of the tank should be kept at a constant 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a heat lamp or heating pad to maintain the desired temperature. If the tank is not kept warm enough, the turtles will not be able to digest their food properly and may become ill.
-What should be fed to each type of turtle?
Both the African sideneck turtle and the red-eared slider are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. However, their diets differ in some ways. The African sideneck turtle prefers a more herbivorous diet, eating mostly plant matter.
The red-eared slider is more of a carnivore, preferring to eat meatier items. In the wild, each of these turtles would consume a variety of items from their respective diets. However, in captivity, it is possible to provide them with a diet that meets all of their nutritional needs. The easiest way to do this is by feeding them commercial turtle food that is made for both species. This food should be supplemented with occasional treats such as live insects, earthworms, or fish. It is important not to overfeed the turtles, as this can lead to health problems.
