General Care Discussion

Hello all,

We recently got a new Red Eared slider (Tortimer) about 2-3 months ago. He's been a great addition to the home, but one thing I've noticed that's been bothering me is that he seemingly never basks. He is currently about 5-6 inches long and swimming in a 50 gallon tank. His basking platform is a consistent 90 degrees fahrenheit, and his water is 75 degrees fahrenheit.

Currently, we use the Turtle Topper product for basking (http://www.amazon.com/Decorative-Turtle ... B002O09MYE). The product seems great because it allows us to fill the tank with more water, but the only thing he really seems to love about it is perching himself on the underwater platform it adds more than anything else.

Early in, he seemed to be having trouble with the ramp into the basking area. He'd very slowly climb up bit by bit (which is very loud by the way - early in it'd attract the family dog), but he would always slide down the ramp in a hurry before reaching the top. Later on, I began trying to create little trails of food to entice him. He would climb all the way in, scuffle about the basking area to grab food, and then dive down immediately. He will always grab food if it exists in the area, but he'll never stay there.

VERY occasionally, I will come home from work or the gym and he will dive out of the top area as soon as I open the door. In general, though, this would only happen once a week. Over the past two weeks or so, I haven't spotted any signs of him basking at all.

Is there anything we can do to help entice frequent basking, either through changing the type of basking platform or living conditions? I've never owned a RES this reluctant to bask before, so I'm just trying to make sure he's healthy. I'm not sure if the issue is the environment or the turtle, but I'd like to help him get his healthy basking time as fast as possible.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Hell if I know, I'm having a nigh identical issue. I have the same basic tank and the same topper, same light fitting (though mine is placed on the metal grate and beaming directly down) - and my turtles just don't want to bask. It's been going on all year.

Very occasionally I'll see them go up, then drop down. Sometimes they'll spend 20 minutes up there, but never longer than that. I'm starting to think the product is just bad. Have you noticed the turtle struggling to get out of the dock? That happens with mine and it seems like a design flaw.

However, I do also have a theory that for some turtles, like mine, basking is just something they're uncomfortable doing around people. Whenever they notice me near the tank when basking, they drop right down. So it might be that my turtles and your turtle really are basking, just not when people are around to see it.

Another thing I found is that they were more likely to venture up onto the dock after I put a half-log in there. I wonder if it's the feel of the plastic surface they take issue with? Either way, they've gotten far more use out of that submerged lower dock than they ever have out of the turtle-topper.

I'd try to position the light closer to the ramp... maybe even add a second light. It can take awhile for them to get used to basking around people... sometimes they're shy, sometimes they feel threatened, or sometimes they just want to beg for food.

Anyway, there is always some risk with ATBAs not being used or liked. Maybe cover the sides to add a bit more privacy?

It looks like he has two lights there actually. I already tried more direct lighting with mine. No Dice. Covering up the sides may work though.

There actually is a second light that provides only extra heat, although some days it gets so hot here that we don't use it. In general I try and monitor the temps and keep them at 90 degrees for the basking area.

I'm trying more direct lighting now, I'll also attempt to cover the sides. It's a shame I won't be able to watch him bask this way like my previous turtles, but I understand not all turtles have the same level of comfort. I've also been considering trying an Oasis brand ramp (http://www.amazon.com/OASIS-16-Inch-11- ... B0006L12HS), which seems to have decent results with a handful of owners here.

I'll be sure to let you guys know if there are any changes either way in the next few weeks.

You can try removing the cover after awhile. I had thought the other light was a UVB.

Oh yeah, forgot to clarify. The main light is a Powersun for UVB/UVA/Heat.

If its an MVB, try having it pointed straight down. Having it an angle reduces it's longevity. You might need to have a separate stand/solution for it.

I did not know about MVBs working better when positioned vertically. I'll have to work out a solution for that soon. I also own a "normal" UVB/UVA light but found that it + the heat lamp wasn't quite enough for enticing basking temperatures (around 85 degrees at the warmest).

In the meantime, I've decided to try switching out basking solutions. After almost 4 months and less interest in the Turtle Topper than ever (there's food in there from almost 2 weeks ago now), I've decided to try a non-atba platform. Attached are pictures of the Oasis platform we got. I also put up cheap poster board "walls" for privacy. For the past day he has rarely left the "privacy" section, although I'm not sure if this is because of the added security or the newfound warmth with the bulbs closer to the water.

Hoping for some success, although I know changing a turtle's environment can take a while to get used to. For you guys that have had trouble with atbas, do any of you have suggestions for good non-atba basking solutions? I'm open to just about anything to help get my guy a comfortable environment where he can get out of the water.

I think it looks better. I think the main thing about an ATBA or any BA is that it needs to be super simple to get on. Turtles will have their preferences, and some can be pretty stubborn despite our intentions. Natural looking also helps, but I think that might be secondary.

I decided to try and be sneaky and set up a webcam of Tortimer's tank to see if he'd bask while we were sleeping. Just out of pure curiosity I left the lights on overnight (not something I plan to do normally, they're usually on a 12-hour timer).

He unfortunately didn't show any interest in the ramp or grab any of the food over the night. The camera (set to take pictures whenever there's movement) caught him hanging out over on the side with the ramp, but he hasn't tried positioning himself to climb it yet. It's a brand-new ramp so I wasn't expecting much, but I'm definitely hoping he shows signs of getting out of the water soon. I'm sure minimal to zero basking won't be good for his long-term shell health

We go on vacation over this weekend, I'm considering setting up the webcam again while we're gone with the normal 12-hour timers to see if he's interested in basking while he has the house to himself (even our dog will be with a friend). Hopefully he'll have a little comfort then!

Some younger turtles just don't bask. By res 2 years old hardly ever basks but my map basks all day long. They have a huge rock that's almost even with the water surface and some of it is submerged. My basking temp is 90

I'm honestly not sure how young this guy is, he's a good 5, maybe 6 inches. All the RES I've known within my family have been regular comfortable baskers, so maybe I just have an unrealistic frame of reference.

I can't quite seem to figure out this turtle. Today, despite now having the new area for privacy, he spent the entire day in the plants on the left with very minimal movement. Haven't seen him this inactive ever, hoping he shows more action tomorrow since we leave Thursday and will only have a family member to check up on him. Tomorrow is feeding day, hopefully he'll show his usual enthusiasm again.

It's possible you'll have to try another style basking area.

On the bright side, Tortimer was lively as usual today when it came time to feed. It's just bizarre that he spends the entirety of his time still hiding within the fake plants to the left while the entire right side of the tank is covered for privacy.

I'm planning on monitoring him via webcam while we're on vacation this weekend to see if he tries this new platform at all with nobody around to bother him.

Steve, you mentioned "natural-looking" platforms to be somewhat important. Do you have any suggestions for recommended products that fit this description? Or would I be better off trying to create something on my own?

I'll be sure to update you guys if anything changes within the next few weeks.

General Care Discussion :: Red Eared Slider Not Basking - Turtle Topper

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