General Care Discussion :: New basking area ,basking issue and questions.

[sull324]

Ok i have adopted my 2 turtles since 2-3 months from an previous ownder,they are around 3-4 months old.

2 days ago my turtles were basking frequently,they had some semi floating platform that i made off foam and pond liner,but after i saw some of the setup from here ,i decided to make an external basking area.




Since its installed i have not seen any turtle go bask under the light,i know they can climb in there since ive put some foods up there. Im not sure how long will it take till they decide to bask again.

How long can they live without basking?,can i force them to bask?.
Is there any way i can encourage them to accommodate to that new setup?.


ps. i know the filter and light isnt yet appropriate but i have ordered more hardware to accommodate there needs

[TerrapinStation]

I saw that double-decker basking area idea around here as well. I'd like to try it myself. I can't really see how they get up into the basking area from your pic, though.

[mikee]

su-24 The ramp is a little steep but they should be able to make it. Turtles are temperature driven and they reapond to it. Your basking area should be around 90 to 91 degrees and the water about 75 to 78 degrees. However, you can lower the water temp a little which should encourage them to get warm. You will also need to put a uvb light over your basking area. Good Luck!

[jozzep]

I believe they're scared cause the glass is clear all around. try covering a few sides with a neat background.It also takes a few days for the turtles to feel comfortable with a change in their habitat.

[sull324]

Ok after some comments i decided to change the setup and do an aquarium cleaning. adjusted the ramp,added an background and added an place where they can sleep and have easy access to air while they do.


thanks for the help,hopefully it work out

and TerrapinStation for the information,i took an old 10 gallon aquarium,removed the right side with an sharp knife and added an bendable ramp made from some old hamster cage door and the bottom is made from left over of pond liner,really cheap solution

[Kemul]

Be careful, I'm afraid the turtles might be able to climb out and fall out of the tank.
Can't underestimate turtle's climbing ability...

[bradmeisel]

I believe they're scared cause the glass is clear all around. try covering a few sides with a neat background.It also takes a few days for the turtles to feel comfortable with a change in their habitat.

i agree. since it is high up they probrably feel a little exposed. try covering the sides and back and leave the front open so you can see.

[TerrapinStation]

It may take your turtles a little while to get used to the whole basking thing, it did for ours. Now, that they do it, they don't like to do it when we are around. We literally have to sneak into the room and hide around the corner to see them bask with their little appendages sticking out this way and that. Very cute. The main part of the area is 90 degress, per the temp recommended in the sticky in regards here.

[sull324]

Yes after a week they managed to get maybe 1-2 hours a day of basking during the morning,they are getting use to it slowly but it works.