General Care Discussion :: Leg is sticking out

[jamie]

So I just adopted two RES hatchlings that we not in the best of the conditions before I got them. I noticed today that one of them sticks out one of his back legs straight when he is resting. He seems to be getting around from one side of the tank to the other fine though. Do you think something is wrong with it or am I being paranoid?

[N4784N R4613]

Lol. When RES stick there back legs out it means that they are very relaxed and in a good basking temp. It is perfectly normal and allot of people call it the "superman pose." Nothing to worry about just sit back and in enjoy.

[jamie]

ok whew! haha I was worried it was broken. but that's a good thing that he's relaxed and all.

[GPRenegade]

It's a good thing -_o

[jamie]

he does this underwater mostly though?

[xsavingsaturdayx]

ohh, well that means that the water is too warm i think.
whats your water temp? and basking temp?

[jamie]

I don't have a therometer yet... or a heater... The person I got the tank from said the light keeps the tank about 80 degrees.

[missibsu]

Using the light is not and effective way to maintain water or basking temps. It has the potential to not be safe either. First step is to buy a couple of themometers and check your water and basking temps. Digital themometers are cheaper and more reliable than stick on ones. You are also going to want to pick up a heater. Even if your water is warm enough, you are going to want to be able to maintain that temp when the light isn't on.

[jamie]

just curious... how is it not safe?

thanks for the advice... I am currently searching for a pet store.

[jamie]

also, one of the turtles has been hiding in the corner under a rock (he can swim out though)...is this something to be concerned with?

[missibsu]

Do to the fact that it isn't an effective way to heat the water and basking area, that makes it unsafe. It could be heating the basking area to temps that are too high, and not raising the water temp enough. Water temps that are too low can lead to RI and other illnesses. In cases of smaller tanks, the light can actually heat the water to unsafe levels, just like the sun would do.

I'd be curious to know what the temps are the way you have it set up, before you make any changes, if needed. What happens to the water temp when you turn your lights off at night?

The hiding by a rock could just be him trying to get some space to himself. He could be scared and stressed. Providing some fake plants, or something to hide in can also help. Just make sure that if it is something he can get it, that he can do so easily. You don't want him to get stuck and drown. I use a large pvc pipe elbow for example.