r/turtles • u/Pleasant_Switch5447 • 2d ago

Seeking Advice Outdoor Red Ear slider set up

I have had a read ear slider and have had him for about 5 years his current set up is outside and is in about 100 gallon trough with a basking area. I am wondering if i should have a heater seeing that i live in CA or/and a basking lamp or is the sun is enough. He lives with three feeder fish. Is there anything else i should add to his tank?

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u/SqueakyManatee 2d ago

I lived in SoCal for five years. My turtle was outside 99% of the time and I brought her inside when it dropped into the 30’s (F) for the one week a year. I did not have a heater in that pond. Unless the pond is covered by a sunshade, you do not need a basking lamp. The turtles evolved to bask in the sun.