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I keep hearing that u should have some kind of a fake plant for the turt to rest on, is this true?

I think it's important for hatchlings. Also, a bare tank is kind of boring for them. I have 2 plastic plants that suction to the side of the tank. Both my turts like to sleep on them. They prefer to sleep just under the surface of the water so they can poke their noses out for air instead of having to swim up from the bottom.

A fake plant provides privacy for the turtle and if the water is deep and the turtle is small, a place to rest if s/he tires. My RES still likes to "lie" on some of his fake plants even though they sag under his weight. My little ones like to observe me from between the leaves.

One alternative to a plant for a resting place is some kind of ledge or shelf. But the plants to me are more natural looking and add to the tank.

I know mine enjoy something to float around on. I have a piece of driftwood and cork bark in there right now. They use the piece of driftwood like a swimming noodle... its so cute.

Do you have anything else in your tank?

My tank has some flower pots turned on their sides and one big flower pot with a rock on it so my turt can bask and i have some gravel in one of the corners that my turt likes to sleep on.

A little greenery would be nice.

Exactly why I was asking marisa

That and they have nothing else in which to float on .. hide in .. rest on. So, I'd add something to the tank for that purpose. I actually put a fake plant in the crack of the piece of driftwood. At first they were terrified of it, like it was some huge sea monster or something... now they love it.

Now should i just let the plant float on the surface or weigh it down?

Well if the purpose of the plant is to give your turtle a place to rest, let it float, if it's there for decoration then weigh it down. I have both. They really do like having something to hold on to at the top of the tank so they can sleep there, just like jenaero described. They are rather inexpensive so its not difficult to experiment with them and see what your turtle likes best

I wish I could watch my turtle on plants, but I think he is too heavy.