Will red-eared sliders and golden thread turtles get along in a tub?

I wouldn't recommend keeping a smaller turtle with a larger turtle. Oscar would harass or try to eat the smaller turtle. Red eared sliders can be quite territorial and aggressive towards other sliders. If you have a huge tank, say over 100 gallons, it *may* work. If you are set on having another turtle, look for one that is similar in size. The problem with mixing species is that there may be care and environmental differences that you may not be able to overcome in order to provide adequate care to both species.

Thanks for reaching out about Michaelangelo. Depth of the water is not that important as long as there is a haul-out area, with radiant heat (and UVB). Ensure haul-out area is used and the turtles are able to access. (might need a ramp). The larger the water volume, the more stable the conditions. Good luck.

Juveniles smaller than about 4 inches are difficult to sex. Once they reach that size or larger, it is quite simple.Female sliders are larger, have shorter front claws and thinner. smaller tails than males. Males can be territorial and could "argue" if the tank is not of sufficient size. Ideally, you want to allow about 10 gallons per inch of turtle. Sliders can get big (12 inches fully grown), so be sure you have the space and budget for a large tank.

Thanks for reaching out about Shelley. Starting with a good website such as the San Diego Turtle & Tortoise Society (instead of just copying it to here). At the minimum, a 30-40 gallon aquarium. Set up for a haul out area under a basking site. The basking site should reach 90+ degrees and also include ultraviolet B radiation (special bulb). Food can consist of turtle pellets (purchased in small quantities, used in 3 months, with the remainder thrown away). Fresh chopped vegetables can also be offered but it usually takes a while for turtles to accept it as food. Testing water quality and cleaning regularly. Good luck.

An adult slider should have at least 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length. Bigger is always better though, so if budget and space allow then try for a 75 or even 90 gallon tank. Provide a UVB light source unblocked by glass, plexiglass or fine mesh. Heat sources (for the water and for basking out of the water) are also necessary. A basking platform out of the water should be provided. Use a filter that is rated for at least twice the volume of any tank you choose. This will help maintain water quality. You can read more about keeping sliders at the links below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/

Thanks for your question about Bolt. Having multiple turtles together can lead to some problems, as males can be aggressive to both other males and to females, depending on the time of year. Males don't tend to get along with each other once they hit sexual maturity, and you may end up with injuries or the need for two tanks. Males will typically only be aggressive to females in the breeding season, but the same issues can arise depending on how aggressive the male is being. As far as determining sex, it is difficult to tell visually what sex they are until they are a bit older and getting closer to sexual maturity. There are other techniques that can be utilized such as endoscopic sexing, however you would need to consult with a veterinarian to have this procedure performed. I hope that provides you with some information, and often turtles will do quite well when they are kept alone.

The info for red eared slider care can be used for other sliders. Their care is similar enough that it will not make a huge difference. A 10 gallon tank will be sufficient for a juvenile. As Puddle grows, you will need a larger tank. The recommendation is 10 gallons per inch of turtle. A filter is not "necessary", but will greatly help in maintaining water quality. Turtles are quite dirty since they eat, swim and defecate in the water. Frequent water changes, every 2-3 days, will be needed to keep the tank clean. Having a filter will lengthen that time to a partial water change every week or so. Be sure the filter is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank.