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I just got my res...finally! I have the whole setup done, but he's been in it for about 4 hours, and he hasn't gone near the turtle dock. Is that normal? Also, it seems like not much of the dock is actually in the water (about an inch). Is that far enough under for him to be able to get up the ramp and bask?

Finally, to my dismay, I just read that the dock I just bought is very unsturdy and breaks very quickly. I can't return it now, but I also don't want to keep buying new ones. I have a 20 gallon tank, what kind of setup can i have for a replacement dock in case this one breaks. I only ask because the only other kind Ive seen are the ones made with PVC pipe, and that seems to take up a lot of space in my already small tank...any advice would really help.

Thanks Again!!

Its probably trying to adjust to its new surroundings, just give it time.

I just set up my tank, we finally got a floating dock that suctions to the side from Petsmart. however I think we did better with just the rocks built up. We've only had them for three days but they climbed out onto the rocks and have not gone near this new floating dock. one of these little guys (they are about 1/2 - 1 inch maybe) actually gets underneath and sticks its head through the hole that the suction cup pole goes through. It's kinda weird and looks like he is stuck but I guess its okay. Should I worry yet? or go back to the rocks?
thanks

I have a pvc dock with river rock on top I love it and it actually saves me space my turt has the whole tank for swimming. it may take the turt a wek or more to adjust to its new home,basking only if ur not there is very common along with not eating each turtle is diffrent and it will depend on its nature but 4 hrs is not enuff time to worry yet nor is 4 days.

how long have you had the dock and where did you buy it? you should might still be able to return it.

a good portion of the basking area needs to be submerged for your slider to get up there. and flutterby's right, the litta fella needs some time too. you can tempt it with food to see if it can get up there.

pvc platforms are good, you can get real creative. do you have your heat source setup? once you have that going its only a matter of time.

you can also create ur own, some go to local garden centers.make sure what ever u do that 1. the turt can get on and off safely 2. it cant fall or shift and smash your turtle, it mut be sturdy and stable 3. it is not so rough that it will scratch the shell up or cut him. 4. it can not caz a chemical hazard, concrete blocks lead or copper pipes are out. 5. the basking temp. can be achieved and maintained. 6. can not be eaten away by a mischievouse fellow ummmm o.k. did I leave anything out guys?

i bought my turtle dock at petco. it's a floating dock with suction cups on the side, and a little ramp for them to easily go in and out of. it's great, cuz they sleep on the ramp so that they have just enough room to stick their heads out while resting.

Yeah, I got the floating Turtle dock from a local store called All Pets. It's the one that suction cups to the side and has the ramp for access, but it's been about 4 days and he hasn't gone onto it yet. The most he'll do is stick his head out of the water behind it for a while. Does it normaly take this long and I'm just paranoid, or should i worry?

What is your water/basking temps? When I moved scooter from my mom's house he didn't bask much either but I figured out that it was because the water was too warm. Once I dropped the temp he basks normally.

Well, it's strange. I got the water temp to about 78 degrees, but in order to do it, I had to set my water heater down to about 70, because it was making it too hot. I'm not sure, maybe I bought a bad heater, but it's at the right temp now, so I'm not worrying. Also, my basking temp is about 90 degrees now, so I'm not sure why he won't bask.

Maybe he is and you just don't see him?? Is he in a room that has high traffic? Is his tank low to the ground. I know mine freaked when they were on the floor.. we all looked like giants too them and they were rather intimidated and feeling threatened. Just some of the things I've dealt with when mine were adjusting to new setups.

No, the tank isn't that low, it's on a little table, so I don't thiink that it's that. But, my rrom is a little high traffic, there's not people walking back and forth, but the family comp is in here, so my bro is on it 24/7. Other than that, not much activity

You could put a screen around the outside of the end of the tank where the basking area is to give him some privacy. I've made simple ones from cardboard boxes that have shielded my turts from movement in the room and allowed them to bask in private.