General Care Discussion :: basking under water?

[Deon]

hello! Well, my turtle has been going without a basking area for the last 3 days because it disappeared while i was cleaning the tank for some reason. (i do take my turtle out once a day tho).
Since then, it has started to going into the superman pose underwater on top of the heater. Is it trying to bask? if so, is there any problems with basking underwater?
thanks for replies

[meltedspork]

A turtle can't "bask" underwater. To bask effectively, they need to be completely out of the water and spend enough time basking to completely dry off their shell. Your turtle needs to have a permanent basking area with a heat lamp and uvb lamp.

[SpotsMama]

In addition to a basking area (where he can dry out completely, top and bottom), which is essential for your turtle's health, he also needs a place to rest.

[laurapa]

Aww, I bet he is trying to get warm. But surely the area over the water heater is not warm enough. A proper basking area can be up to 95f! Without a doubt he is not feeling his best right now and would really appreciate a hot, dry place to rest!

If he can't dry off completely in a basking area, he will have trouble shedding and develop fungal infections on his skin and shell. Not good!

[Deon]

thanks for the replies! i'm going to get a new basking area today if i can. was just curious thats all

[Caphits]

How does a basking area disappear?

[Deon]

i took it out while cleaning lol. i have no idea where it went