General Care Discussion :: Brrr is it too cold?

[SeriSlider]

I dont have a tank heater and Im wondering if i should get 1. im not used to Seri's behavior but she seems to like it dark. hides by the filter most of the time. could the water be too cold? she's not basking either (that i kno of). I took her out the tank and after running around she fell asleep under a towel (the only time i've seen her sleep). what to do?

[vear]

What's your water and basking spot temperature? If it's cold in your house you shouldn't really let her walk around.

[SeriSlider]

i dont have a thermometer yet. i guess i should get 1 huh?

[VeipaCray]

Yes definitely get a thermometer and a heater. The stick on tank thermometers are useless. You can get a cheap floating thermometer from the pet store for a dollar or so. These type of thermometers are easily damaged by an investigative turtle, but they are OK for you to use to spot check your water temperature on occasion. Just don't leave your turtle unattended with a cheap floating thermometer in the tank. The best thermometer for a turtle tank is a $10 digital thermometer.

If your turtle is in a new home, it may take her some time to adjust and feel comfortable basking. Also, if there is a lot of foot traffic or noise near her tank she will be less inclined to bask.

[SeriSlider]

i think she must have basked 2day and got more curious bc she was under a chair in the next room when i got home. so she's coming around slowly but surely. do i need a uvb/uva/mvb light eventho she's in a room thats gets lots of natural light?

[VeipaCray]

Yes you either need one of the following:

1. UVA/heat light AND UVB light
or
2. MVB (does all three)

UVB from the sun is filtered out by window glass. You can take your turtle outside in direct sunlight if it's warn enough where you live OR you should get a proper indoor light setup.