redearslider.com

I just bought my baby RES a new tank and a 75 gph filter, that suctions to the bottom of the tank. My question is, my turtle is always on the filter, he's not stuck to it, i watch him swim on and off, I was just wondering if that's ok for him or if perhaps I should put rocks around the filter to discourage him? thanks!

As long at it isn't hurting him, I don't see any reason to pile rocks around it. My main concern would be him getting stuck to it and not being able to get off and breathe. What kind of rocks were you thinking of piling around it? And what kind of filter is it that suctions to the bottom...I've never heard of such a thing. Sounds interesting.

well, it actually attaches to the side by suction cups, i described it wrong, its as far as i know, a regular 15gal filter ( i assume for fish tanks), and as for rocks to put near it i wasn't sure, i didnt want anything that would fall on my turtle, i was hoping for suggestions haha.. but he seems completely able to swim to and from the filter, i just am not sure why he prefers that over his basking area...

Does he have objects he can rest on? Plants (real or fake), an easily accessible basking area?

He has an easily accessible basking area, and in fact I thought maybe he was still a bit shy so covered the sides of the tank last night near his basking area in hopes he'll be more inclined to use it.
As for plants, I haven't gotten any yet, I know silk plants aren't good because he could eat them, but plastic are ok? And are there any plants in particular that are good for them to rest on?

My turtle likes to play with his filter...I say he's taking a shower, because he likes to sit under the water and let it hit him on the head and shell...Sometimes he'll sleep under the waterfall letting it hit him on the head.

Although I guess I never realized a smaller turtle could get stuck to one.

Silk plants are ok as far as I know...just make sure they don't have any wire in the stems. That could rust and then filter into the tank. Mine tried to eat mine at first, but with no success or problems. They realize now that they aren't real.

I think it was Carol that used suction cups and attached leaves to them. Then stuck them to the sides of tank near the top. She had some cute pics, but other than searching through the photo gallery, I don't know how to find them. A really neat idea though.

thanks for the advice everyone, i found some plant rest pics under sonyj's pictures, and i think i'll try that for Leo...

I'm thinking of making a new one since that plant rest works so well to place on the opposite side of the tank. Koopa sleeps in it every night and it's his "safe place" to swim to if he gets spooked. Glad you found it useful and it is extremely easy to make. Also, I use silk plants in the bottom of the tank with no problems as well.

When I had a submersible filter one of my turtles liked to rest on it--I think he liked the vibration of the motor. As long as he can't get stuck behind or under it, I don't think it will hurt him.

Sonja, if that was your idea and not Carol's, sorry for giving credit to the wrong person. It's the end of the school year and my mind is everywhere. I can't remember what happened last week, let alone what happened a couple of months ago. 22 days to go!

BTW, the silk plants that are for aquariums are fine--some people use them. I prefer plastic plants because they're easier to clean.

thanks guys, i made Leo a small rest out of fake leaves and attached it to the side of his tank and he seems to be enjoying that much better!!