General Care Discussion :: basking...

[harleysmom]

my water temp is around 75-79 depending on the day, it varies.
the basking temp hovers at 83 or 84. i cant seem to warm it up, the lamps wont go any closer. i have a 60 watt bulb, should i upgrade to a 75?! i have never seen my turtle bask but a few times i have gone in and seen him on the platform then he dives off right away. maybe he is just shy to bask around me? so how do i know if he is using it or not...

thanks.

also i have about 40 gallons of water in my tank and a Fluval 405 which seems like a strong enough filter. i have only seen turtle poop in the tank once since we got him over 3 weeks ago. maybe the filter is sucking it up, or is he not pooping...i dunno what to do.

[xstefanx]

As far as your basking temp, I had the same issue, although I had my set up done before my turtle go here so I noticed it a bit sooner. Upgrade to a 75 watt and back the bulb up a bit and you should be able to get to 90 no problem. My little guy doesn't like to bask in front of me yet either. Yesterday is when I noticed he was doing it a lot, but any movement in the room sent him flying back to the water.

[harleysmom]

thanks. i was scared 75 watts would be too much for a tank with not a ton of water, cuz i already have been having problems with my water heating up too much so i dont want the lamp to heat the water up. i'll try it. thanks

yeah i guess they are shy baskers, i just hope he is using it, cuz i have no way of knowing...i need to set up one of those nanny cams to spy on him! lol jk

[BullDog]

I think a 75 watt should be fine, just as xstefanx mentioned you might want to move the bulb up so it doesn't get too warm. My basking temps usually end up around 86.

Many RES are very shy while basking (that's how they get the name, "slider"). It took Ralph about 10 years before he wouldn't shoot of the basking dock when I came in the room. Frankie on the other hand, was basking the first day I got her, and looked at me like, "Excuse me, don't bother me while I'm basking."
If you come in the room very quietly, and stand a long ways away, hopefully he'll start getting used to you. As he gets more comfortable, you can try moving a little bit closer each time.

On the missing poop - He's probably eating it. Disgusting, but totally normal. Check the filter. If the sponges are gunked up, he's pooping.