General Care Discussion :: Location of my aquarium

[Shavannah]

I keep coming up with questions and concerns, now that I have people in knowledge to help me (thank you all!). My aquarium is in my family room, which is where my husband and I spend our time evenings and weekends. My turtle startles easily when he is basking and dives back into his water when we come near his tank. I know this is normal, but I don't want to stress him out. Our room is about 19'x20', and his tank is on the opposite side of where we sit in the room. Is this ok, or does he need more privacy? He sometimes lets me approach slowly, but when I get too close, he dives in and swims like a madman to get away. He calms down shorltly when he realizes that I'm not a predator out to eat him. I am just concerned not to caused him stress.

[marisa]

Put something around the outside of the tank to block his view of you and give him more privacy. I've used cardboard screens, and currently have a piece of aquarium background taped around the basking area of one of my tanks.

The urge to dive into the water is pretty much instinctive (why they're called sliders---they "slide" into the water to avoid predators).

[Shavannah]

Sounds good, I'll try that. Thanks again marisa!