General Care Discussion :: forgotten how to bask?

[vixter73]

I have got two RES, both young (one is about 4cm shell length, the other is about 6cm). I live in turkey and the info I got from the pet store and even the vet was very limited and I belatedly found out about the need for a basking lamp. The larger turtle had been with me for 3 weeks before I got the lamp set up and I got the smaller RES when the lamp was already set up. However the larger turtle doesn't bask - do you think I have permanently altered his behaviour by not having the lamp in there from the start? The lamp has now been positioned pointing into the tank for a week now but he still won't go onto the basking platform (very easy to access and not too hot for him) - he prefers to float at the top of the water but bask in the water rather than getting out. Any ideas?

This site has been a Godsend for me - so much information!

[mike hill]

vix73 - Sliders are temp driven and respond accordingly. I would suggest that you lower your water temp slowly and raise the temp on the basking area a little at a time. Normal water temp for a turtle aquarium should be around 75 to 78 degrees F and basking temp should be around 90 to 91 degrees F. Make sure you have uvb lighting also. I hope this will help. -

[vixter73]

thanks for your reply Mike

I think the water temp could be too warm - it's around 80 f so perhaps the difference in temp isn't enough to get him to bask. I'll turn it down a little and see if that makes a difference. I haven't got a UVB light yet but will get one very soon - just need to get a lamp with the correct fitting as the uvb bulb I saw had a large screw and the ikea lamp which clamps on has a small fitting.

[VeipaCray]

Vixter all of the UVB bulbs will have the larger threads. You can buy an adapter from the hardware store for cheap.

Look for a candelabra adaptor.

[vixter73]

it all seems fine now - today I saw him basking with the smaller turtle several times so am relieved I haven't changed his behaviour permanently! many thanks for your replies