General Care Discussion :: res turtle

[hrly]

I have a female res about 6.5 years old. I've noticed in the last few days that she is staying in the bottom of her tank more, and not under her lights. She is eating and seems ok...and she always begs for food. She is in a 50 gallon tank, has lighting and everything she needs. What should I do.

Thanks,
Hrly

[tammi]

What's the water temp and the basking area temp. If the water or basking spot temps are off that can change her basking habitits.

[hrly]

water temp is between 75-78, how do I check temp of basking area?

thanks

[tammi]

Put the thermometer on the basking area

[hrly]

how long leave the thermometer and what should it be?
ty again

[tammi]

Leave it for a little while 30 mins or so should be fine. Temp should be around 90 degrees or atleast 10 degrees warmer then the water.

[hrly]

thanks a lot, I really love her and try to take care of her.

[hrly]

Her basking area is 85 degrees.

[tammi]

Can you move the light a little closer to the basking spot? That should raise the temp. You wanta shoot for 90.

[hrly]

I can raise the water level to raise her dock up higher

[tammi]

Try that. Then check your temp again. Then watch her for a few days and see if she goes back to normal habits.

[hrly]

Thx for your help, will let you know.

Hrly

[jozzep]

I would also raise the water temps to 82 for the time being.Could be initial stage of RI, and raising the water temp will help prevent it.

[mikee]

Hry & Jozz - If your turtle is sick the water temp in the 81 to 83 degrees is a good idea, however, turtles are temp driven. If he is not sick you may want to lower the water temp a couple degrees at a time until he starts to bask. The basking temp should be 90 to 91 degrees. They like the difference. If this doesn't work I would suggest a vet visit. m.