redearslider.com

HEY!! CHOMPER my big guy is not totally out of the water under his light but it's never really bothered him he's about 20 cm long and when he stretches in the morning i love that he's 27 cm long. is it okay if he's not 100 pecent out of the water b/c he has basked every day and i don't see any problems yet

I think the reason that they need to be 100% out of the water is so that plastron and carapice can completely dry off to prevent bacterial and fungal infections. Quite a few microorganisms need a moist enviornment to flourish, and drying off 100% gives them no place to survive. It may not yet be an obvious problem, but it could become one. If your turtle is even a little submerged, you probably need to reconsider the basking area.
Nicole

I see in your pic a lilly pad?? Now Chomper is pretty big, My gf made a pretty tank and doesn't want a milk crate in their what's the best kind ledge for him??

There are lots of choices for basking. Many products are made specifically for the purpose. my favorite site:http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18494/cl0/pg2/zoomedfloatingturtlelog/Zoo+Med+Floating+Turtle+Log.000139363218494?oldParentID=&item_orderbydirection=ASC&item_orderby=si_title&ctl_nbr=3684&keys=&attrib_cnt=&attrib_search=&attrib_id_0=&attrib_value_0=&viewType=Category&specialOffers=
If your turtle is a big fellow, I have heard of the floating docks needing to be stacked or supported with extra foam. Cork board is another option. It can be arranged to make a great platform. I myself have 2 basking platforms, and 2 shaded platforms. (since I have 2 turtles, I need options so they don't fight. ) They zoo med floating turtle dock is a popular choice, but if your turt is over maybe 3 kilos, I think you might want to look at cork board. There are lots of photos in the photo sections showing ideas for basking platforms. Hope this helps!