Habitat - Indoor :: Turtle not leaving one corner of tank

[kikicool]

So, I have a 4-inch RES. He is currently in a 20 gallon tank. I plan on getting him a larger one. However, something has me worried: he doesn't really move around much. Never has. I've seen him swim for food and walk around on dry ground, so he's not injured. But he really only does two things:

1. sit on the floor under his floating basking dock. This is a corner dock, held on by suction cups. It has a ramp on either side leading up to it. (I also built a ramp with bricks--securely placed). So he sits on the bottom under that or

2. floats under it, sometimes scratching at it, or just sticking his head out of water--under the floating ramp.

I begin to wonder--why get a bigger tank when he NEVER leaves this corner of the tank? I intentionally aimed his filter so that his food floats away from this corner. He swims out, gets it, and swims back under. All day. He also never basks. Just hangs out under the ramp.

Advice? suggestions?

[flutterby]

I think its normal for them to hang out under the basking dock, my one turtle used to do that all the time but he was really shy.

As for the basking what are your basking and water temps?

[kikicool]

Really? So do you think I need a larger tank then?

water temp = 75-79;
basking temp = 90's; I have a heat lamp about 8-10 inches right above the rock, and there's no air conditioning in here.

[scripta_elegans]

how long have you had your turtle?

[grey goose]

Kiki, do you notice that when he's sitting on the floor if he stretches his rear legs out and spreads his feet? If so, the tank temps might be a little too high, and he is actually basking in the water! I'll bet his "spot" is furthest from the heater.
Turts are cold-blooded, which means they can't regulate thier body temps on their own. So if they are cold, they haul out and bask under the lamp, if they are too hot, they "slide" back into the water. If the water is too warm they are never going to bask. For a 4" I'd set the heater to 75F., and basking ramp to 90F. Remember these temps are "baseline" or average, you can experiment a degree or two to find your turts sweet spot. If you havent already, invest in a digital thermometer, most pet stores have them.
And yes, you must get a bigger tank.....

[kikicool]

Good suggestion--I wonder if that's it? You're right, it is far from the heater. But...the heater never goes on. I have it set at 75, so if it drops below, it will go on. The thermometer inside says 75 degrees. IS there any way to COOL it down? Perhaps it is naturally above 75?? Thanks.

[CountryGirl68]

If you have the heater set at 75 and the internal thermometer reads 75, then the water temperature is 75 - that's why the heater doesn't go on.

How long have you had the turtle? After spending time in a tank at the pet store with only 2 inches of water, my turtle spent his first day in a 30g tank filled 2/3 swimming like a madman. However, after that, he spent the next few days just like your turtle - hiding in a corner under the dock or just sticking his head out next to the dock. If you've only had your turtle for a short time, it means he's getting used to his environment. Give him time. Two weeks later and my turtle spends some time hiding and some time swimming (or rather, begging for food). He will only bask when no one is in the room.

[kikicool]

Hm. Well, I've had him over a month. He was in a pet store, in a little pond with many other turts. Although the pond itself seemed sketchy to me... At first, he DID bask, and I'd catch him jumping off when I entered the room. Now, I never catch him doing that. It's ridiculous how obsessed I am with this little guy. I wonder if I"m just overworrying.

Suppose his water IS too warm. Is there a... water...cooler? Can anyone recommend a brand or anything?

[CountryGirl68]

Water chillers as they are called are way too expensive. They run upwards of $300. You can take a plastic bottle (cleaned and rinsed very well with the label removed) and freeze water in it. Then add the bottle to the tank. Just keep an eye on the temperture drops.

[kikicool]

Ooh good one. Thanks. I will try that tomorrow, during the daytime when it is warm. Thanks all for the suggestions!! Much, much, MUCH appreciated!

[grey goose]

What is the air temp in the room and how many watts is your heater? Is your tank covered day and night? Do you have one of those glass thermometers? Or a "stick on" type? I don't trust either. I live in N. east NJ, its still kinda warm during the day here, but drops below 65F at night. So during the day I leave the tank uncovered, and cover it at night. The tank temps generally stay around 76-77F, but my guys are still young, so a little warmer is ok. If the air temps in the room are say, 74F or above, it might be hard to get the temp down in a covered tank. Get a digital thermometer. Even the cheap ones are very accurate. Measure the tank temp AND room temps, then go from there. Also measure the basking spot and adjust the lamp as needed. Remember, you want the lamp to heat the basking spot, not the water. If the room temps are high, keep your tank uncovered if you can.
I don't think a chiller (water cooler) would be a good idea in a 20 gal. tank. Besides, I think the cheap ones start at about $699. (yikes!)

[boruchj]

Hi,

I noticed the posts re; water heaters and RES's who stay in one "favorite spot". I am trying to explore both of these areas, which sound like they have some relationship.

However, my water temp is on the cooler side of 75, and my baby RES seems to love hanging out aroung the filter. I notice he basks when we are not home, and then he dives in to hide, same as yours.

Do not feel bad about being overly turtle conscious, I am a new owner, and seem to have the same problem.

This may be the most complicated pet I have ever had! lol

Any news on your situation would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[boruchj]

Please accept my apologies for very poor sp/grammer tonight, I am exhausted

[kikicool]

No worries about poor grammar--it's a turtle forum! I will certainly keep you posted on how he develops. I've had lizards, birds, dogs, cats, insects, farm animals... and more! I agree, this is a very compicated little animal.

And I appreciate all the advice. I have a stick on AND a glass thermometer. They read the same temperature. PErhaps I need a digital one. I haven't taken the room temperature, I just know that it is warm. Maybe it's no warmer than his room. I DO have the light aimed RIGHT as his basking spot though. He's a little dear. I put him in this room because it tends to stay warmer. Perhaps it is TOO warm in the water, and too cool in the room? ACH! It's amazing how they get into your heart!

[boruchj]

Is your water heater vertical or horizontal?