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The Basic Care guide on this website says the water temp should be 80 degrees for hatchlings, but I have seen many people in the forum say 78 degrees. Does anyone know which temp is best?

Also, at what size is the RES no longer considered a hatchling?

Thanks! (I am full of questions this weekend!)

After a year, the turtle is out of the hatchling stage. Anywhere between 75 - 80 degrees is OK. It's a personal choice, but most keep their hatchlings water at 78 degrees. I'd say 80 degrees is a little too warm for a healthy hatchling.

I'd say temperature consistency is more important when in the 78-80 range. After a few weeks, 78 is fine.

I keep my temp at 80, but i think that range is kept according to your turtle's comfort zone. Some turtle might like it at 78 some at 80. See how your turle reacts with 78, then 80. If hes more active in 78 then keep it that way

If the turtle is shedding a lot of skin at 80 degrees, try cutting it back to 78. Higher temps can cause excessive skin shedding.