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I'm a newbie! So i searched this in the forum and I get that it always comes up with RI.
Is this always a symptom of illness?
My hatchling is 3 weeks old and he does this spontaneously for a couple hours, but then reverts to normal swimming most of the time. Other than that I don't see anything wrong, he eats all his food, is active, etc. It really doesn't seem like he's sick, just an awkward sideways swimmer?

Welcome. I'd watch for other symptoms (if you read up on RI's you must know what they are) and if you see any, boost the temp up (water 82F, basking 90-91F) and find a herp vet to take your turtle to.

scarlet begonias -- I think that your turtle may be trying to fight off RI. The higher water temp. to aroung 80 to 82 degrees is a good idea. He needs the other in the proper amounts also; lights, filter etc. Another thing to do is keep the water clean, clean, clean. b.

Hey thanks guys! I maxed out the heater, got it up to about 79 (it was 76 or 7 before), i will buy a better one first thing tomorrow to boost it all the way up. Other than that I think I've got a decent setup. I've been watching him (Koopa) like a hawk and haven't seen any other symptoms all day, and less tilted swimming. He (or she i guess!) is pretty perky. I'm crossing my fingers but I looked up the nearest herp vet just in case
this forum is great btw