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Hello, folks!
As I've mentioned on other threads, we have a female red-eared slider named Teresa, or "Terry" as I like to call her, and after her spending years in a rather undersized aquarium, I am interested in the idea of moving her into an outdoor enclosure with a large pond and a land area for basking and digging.
My studying seems to suggest that red-eared sliders live in sluggish waters and swamps with muddy bottoms and dense vegetation. I think that most people generally use gravel as their pond substrate, but what the guide mentions make me wonder if Teresa would prefer a substrate closer to her natural habitat.
The vegetation is a given. Red-eared sliders are primarily herbivores, and aquatic plants also clean the water and provide cover for turtles and other pond-dwelling animals.
I'm aware, though, that the tendencies of aquatic turtles can be tough on pond plants. Also, since sliders are likely to taste any plants in the vicinity, I'm wondering if any aquatic ornamentals are toxic, similar to the concerns a dog or cat owner might have about ornamental trees and shrubs.
Since grazing is a natural RES behavior, I probably would be encouraging her habits rather than trying to keep her from doing what comes naturally for her species.
Since red-eared sliders have an unpredictable carnivorous side, I'm also looking for aquatic plants that would provide decent cover for the frogs and small fish sharing the pond with her. As I've mentioned on another thread I'm hoping to add at least one bullfrog to the enclosure, which might need the vegetation as cover to escape from Terry. The pond would also be stocked with minnows and mosquitofish that would need the shelter.
Additionally, I think it's noteworthy and important to mention that I live in a northern region that gets very cold in the winter and pretty cool in the summer, so I'd be looking for hardy plants, or at least plants that would be hardy from spring-fall.
So, does anyone have any ideas concerning which aquatic plants would be ideal for a red-eared slider pond?
Any plants that are hardy, nontoxic, and could withstand her probable grazing habits?
It may be nice if the plants were part of a red-eared slider's natural diet or habitat, but that may be asking too much.
Maybe five or six suggestions? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks! God bless!
As I've mentioned on other threads, we have a female red-eared slider named Teresa, or "Terry" as I like to call her, and after her spending years in a rather undersized aquarium, I am interested in the idea of moving her into an outdoor enclosure with a large pond and a land area for basking and digging.
My studying seems to suggest that red-eared sliders live in sluggish waters and swamps with muddy bottoms and dense vegetation. I think that most people generally use gravel as their pond substrate, but what the guide mentions make me wonder if Teresa would prefer a substrate closer to her natural habitat.
The vegetation is a given. Red-eared sliders are primarily herbivores, and aquatic plants also clean the water and provide cover for turtles and other pond-dwelling animals.
I'm aware, though, that the tendencies of aquatic turtles can be tough on pond plants. Also, since sliders are likely to taste any plants in the vicinity, I'm wondering if any aquatic ornamentals are toxic, similar to the concerns a dog or cat owner might have about ornamental trees and shrubs.
Since grazing is a natural RES behavior, I probably would be encouraging her habits rather than trying to keep her from doing what comes naturally for her species.
Since red-eared sliders have an unpredictable carnivorous side, I'm also looking for aquatic plants that would provide decent cover for the frogs and small fish sharing the pond with her. As I've mentioned on another thread I'm hoping to add at least one bullfrog to the enclosure, which might need the vegetation as cover to escape from Terry. The pond would also be stocked with minnows and mosquitofish that would need the shelter.
Additionally, I think it's noteworthy and important to mention that I live in a northern region that gets very cold in the winter and pretty cool in the summer, so I'd be looking for hardy plants, or at least plants that would be hardy from spring-fall.
So, does anyone have any ideas concerning which aquatic plants would be ideal for a red-eared slider pond?
Any plants that are hardy, nontoxic, and could withstand her probable grazing habits?
It may be nice if the plants were part of a red-eared slider's natural diet or habitat, but that may be asking too much.
Maybe five or six suggestions? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks! God bless!
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