What aquarium for Florida turtles?

If you already keep a Florida red-eared slider, allow around 300 litres for a 20 cm adult, with a dry area, external filter, heater and glassless UVB lamp. If you are considering getting one, the answer is no: the species is on the European list of invasive alien species. This article is therefore intended for people who already have one at home.

What the regulations say

The Florida red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta, was added in 2016 to the European Union's list of 37 priority invasive alien species, according to the official Belgian statement. It states, for each species listed, a ban on importation and trade, a ban on possession and breeding, and a ban on release into the wild.

An exception protects existing pets. Article 31 of European Regulation 1143/2014 allows a non-commercial owner to keep an animal held before its listing until the end of its life, in captivity and with measures preventing its reproduction and escape. Anyone who cannot comply with these conditions cannot keep it, and the State may offer to take it back.

• In Wallonia. Possession must be reported to the administration, and any change must be reported: transfer, death or escape.
• In Brussels. Brussels Environment reminds that animals must remain in a closed environment, without escape or reproduction.
• In France. The Cerfa 15882 form is used to declare possession at the prefecture. It specifies that animals cannot be replaced after their natural death.

For Flanders or another country, check with the local authority. A well-sealed tank also meets this obligation: the turtle must not be able to get out. Reproduction must be prevented: if you have a male and a female, ask a veterinarian for advice.

What volume to allow for?

The Florida red-eared slider grows and lives for a long time. The Royal Veterinary College states it can grow up to 20 cm and live for over 30 years. The small starter tank does not last. Melissa Kaplan thus considers tanks of 10 to 20 gallons, or about 38 to 76 litres, too small once the land and water are set up.

VCA recommends the largest tank possible, with at least 10 gallons per inch of shell. Reptifiles gives 75 to 120 gallons for an adult. These two approaches lead to the same conclusion: for a large adult, we are talking about several hundred litres. With several turtles, allow even more, and plan to separate them if one harasses the other.

The choice is not limited to a living room aquarium. A low, long and wide tank often suits better than a tall tank. What matters is the swimming surface and access to the dry area. Outdoors, our article on the depth of a turtle pond details other guidelines, subject to a closed enclosure and your local rules.

Organising the tank

The turtle must be able to get completely out of the water and dry off. VCA requires a dry area of 15 to 25% of the surface, on the same side as the heat lamp. The Royal Veterinary College recommends a gentle slope to facilitate access. Our guide creating an aqua-terrarium helps you distribute the land and water.

Filter, heater and lighting

• Filter. The Royal Veterinary College considers it essential and recommends an external filter for adults. Take a volume range above your tank.
• Heater. The RVC aims for 24 to 26 °C, without going below 20 °C at night. VCA gives 24 to 29 °C. Protect the heater: a turtle can hit it.
• Hot spot. The RVC gives 32 °C, turned on during the day. VCA indicates 24 to 31 °C and Reptifiles 32 to 35 °C: measure at the place where the animal rests.
• UVB. VCA requires a lamp at 30 or 45 cm, without glass or plastic, to be changed every 6 months or according to the manufacturer. The RVC provides for about 12 hours a day. Reptifiles aims for a UVI of 3 to 5.

The shop does not offer a specific UVB lamp for aquatic turtles: ask us for the model suited to your tank height, without placing it on the cover glass.

Water and hygiene

A turtle quickly soils its water, as it eats and defecates in it. Change 20 to 25% of the water every week, and more if your tests require it: the JBL Pro Aquatest Easy test strips provide quick control. VCA notes that some owners renew up to 50% per week. Remove food remains with a siphon and rinse the pre-filter in the tank water rather than under the tap. For feeding, see how to feed aquatic turtles. The Hikari Turtle Sticks complement the base food.

Also think about personal hygiene. According to the American CDC, reported by CBS News and Phys.org, a turtle of any size can carry salmonella, even if it seems healthy and clean. Wash your hands with water and soap after touching or feeding it, or after cleaning its tank. Do not kiss it, do not eat next to it and keep it away from the kitchen. In case of fever or diarrhea that lasts, consult a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Can you still buy a Florida red-eared slider?

No. The Florida red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta, has been on the European list of invasive alien species since 2016. The Belgian text of the time cites the ban on importation, trade, possession, breeding and release into the wild.

Can I keep the turtle I already have?

Yes if you had it before the listing, until its natural death, by preventing any reproduction and escape. In Wallonia, possession must also be reported to the administration. In France, the Cerfa 15882 form is used to declare it to the prefecture.

What should I do if I can no longer keep it?

Never release it. Contact the administration of your region or country before any transfer. The European regulation provides that States may offer to take it back.

Can a Florida red-eared slider live in 100 litres?

A young one, perhaps, for a while. An adult, no. With the VCA guideline, a 20 cm shell requires about 300 litres. Reptifiles gives 75 to 120 gallons, or about 285 to 455 litres.

Should the water be changed often?

Yes. Our rule is to change 20 to 25% of the water every week. VCA speaks of at least one change per week, and some owners do more. A turtle soils a lot: adjust according to the water tests.

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For the dry area: How to create an aqua-terrarium for your turtle?

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Last updated: November 4, 2026.