General Care Discussion :: Basking area

[natbostow]

I just got my red-eared slider last night and he hasn't used the basking area I have set up. I am worried that he doesn't know how to climb onto it because he came from a cage where he could just walk onto the basking area, mine he will have to pull himself onto. Will he learn how to use it or should I set something up differently?
Also I have a Turtle Tough Lamp, does that have the right UVA/UVB that my turtle needs, if not what kind of lamp do I need and should I just return my turtle tough?

[SpenceMasta]

its only been one night, it can sometimes take a month for turtles to become accustomed to new areas to start basking, its instinct for it to try and climb out, dont change it, you'll know if its too difficult for it to climb out when you see the turtle flipping over and over again trying to get onto it, only then would it be a good idea to make a change to make it easier, just give the turtle some time to relax it'll happen eventually, they are natural climbers and it often becomes a problem that they climb so well they're always escaping

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/4288/product.web

if that is your bulb, it says it only gives off heat and uva, which is lacking uvb rays, for uvb you're gonna need a second lamp, which is what most turtle keepers have, unless you opt for a more expensive bulb which provides both uva/uvb

[pickerbp22]

make sure its 10 degrees warmer in the basking area then the water as well.

[pickerbp22]

turtle may also be basking when you're not looking. but just be patient your turtle will bask

[VashTCP]

its only been one night, it can sometimes take a month for turtles to become accustomed to new areas to start basking,

Oh wow thanks for that piece of info. I've had my turtle for a week and it worried me a bit that it hasn't basked yet(that I've seen). I've seen it on its basking platform once for a few seconds.

[natbostow]

Thank you! I will need to go buy another light because mine is only UVA. And he was basking when I wasn't looking, I was a bit worried even though it was only one night! Thank you so much for your help!