General Care Discussion :: Water Temp & Basking help please

[HomerJTurtle]

Ok, I have that big pond in my living room that I have never used a heater in and things have been fine. A few days ago I broke down and got a 300 watt heater because I finally put a digital thermometer in and the water was only 60, a lot colder then I thought. Turtles basked all the time. Now that the water is up where it is supposed to be (74) I havent really seen them basking. The water temp is where it should be now but how do I get them basking again? Their rocks have been dry for a couple days now. Maybe they are liking the warmer water too much? Will it even out and will they start basking more again?

[Daniel3507]

do you know the temp of the basking area? if the temps are where they are supposed to be you should be fine. a healthy turtle will bask when needed.

[seanwb]

Check your basking temperature it should be 90-95F. If it is no warmer than the water, then they may not have incentive to bask.

I put a heater into the pond in my office 2 or 3 weeks ago and have slowly taken temperature from 65 to 74F. She is basking a little bit less, but still basking.

[HomerJTurtle]

Im checking the basking temp now, probably be a few before I know. Thanks so far

[HomerJTurtle]

It seems to be holding at about 86. Im just a little nervous about moving the lamp closer to the basking area because of the water.

[HomerJTurtle]

Well, it crept up to 87 now. Im figuring this is just about right. So maybe just give them some time?

[Daniel3507]

i would just give them some time. although it wouldnt hurt to move the lamps closer. what kind do you have?

[megcornell]

You could also opt for a stronger wattage of bulb, that way you don't have to move it closer and risk water splashing on it.

[marisa]

You could also lower the water temp a few degrees. Weren't you the person who had the water temp at 72F initially?

[HomerJTurtle]

They are starting to bask again. They are shy baskers anyway and if they see me looking the shoot off the rocks so, it seems they are doing fine. Thanks!