General Care Discussion :: Water Level

[Salmonantha]

Hi All!

Ok, so I've had my turtles for a little over a year now, but it wasn't until recently I searched online and saw that I was not caring for them right, so I made lots of changes to their home - New, big tank - floating dock - filter, etc.

I've had them in this new setup for a month or so now, but I haven't been putting more than 5 inches or so in there, because when I put more they seem to not know what to do and I'm afraid they will drown! They have a floating dock that goes into the water, but they seem confused on how to get up on it unless they can touch the bottom with their back legs.

I heard that if you put too much water into a new tank with turtles that have never had much water, that it could be dangerous. So, what should I do? Put lots of water and have them figure it out? Add a little each month?! Im so confused . . . Even though I've had them for a good while, I still feel very new and uneducated on being their mommy!

[scripta_elegans]

If you are concerned about their ability to acclimate, I would add a few inches of water at each water change. If you add a little each time, they might get used to it more easily.

[Kallistos]

I went through the same predicament. I'm sure that they'll be able to swim in deep water, but if you're still concerned do as scripta said.

[Salmonantha]

Ok, thank you very much for the help!

Also, one more question - One of them likes to get under the corner of the dock, or whatever he can find, and then do a "wiggle" motion to bang it against the glass over and over again. Do they like the sound, or is he trying to scratch his shell? It's not a problem - just wakes me up in the mornings sometimes!

[adam85491]

I actually had a similar problem. I recently got a more proper set-up and they adapted nicely from a few inches of water to 10 gallons of it. They should be fine. I had my doubt, but with a basking light and floating dock, they will immediatly go up there and enjoy the light. As for the wiggle motion, I don't think I have ever seen any of my turtles do that.

[marisa]

They will instinctively know what to do with more water. Does the one turtle look like he's going to shed any scutes? Sometimes they will try to rub up against objects to help them off.

[industrial_girl_2000]

They'll know what to do with more water since it is in a turtle's DNA, the minute they hatch from an egg, they know how to swim. Just provide some areas under the water where they can hold on to when they get tired of swimming (where their body is submerged, but when they stretch their neck up, they can breathe). Kinda like an "underwater lounging area!"