Unfortunately, when I set up my tanks, the only area they could go in hosts a decent amount of foot traffic. While my female is pretty bold and basks just fine either way, my male always panics and jumps in the water at the very sight (and sound) of people on the other side of the room. For some reason, it has recently scared him so badly that he will stay underwater for the rest of the day, even if he has been basking for less than an hour.
I don't want to take away his opportunities to fully dry off, so I made a cardboard barrier and attached it around the top of his tank. Do you guys think this will help make him bask (i.e., he can't see anybody) or will seeing a solid wall intimidate him? He still hasn't come out with it there, but I'm trying to be patient as it's only been a day and a half since I put it up, and I know RES take time to adjust to environmental changes.
