Habitat - Indoor :: Not basking

[worldpeace]

I have recently (2 weeks ago I think) modified my setup a little so I would be able to increase the water level. It used to be about 3 inches and the basking area was basically a pile of rocks with a large flat one on top. Back then, Charlie used to bask for a few hours every day. Now I've doubled the water level and improvised a basking area from a plastic chocolate box, 4 pop cans, and some flat rocks on top (including the one he used to bask on when the water was more shallow).

I know I should give him some time to get used to the new surroundings, but how much? He is not basking at all. He uses his front legs and sometimes just hangs on the dock but doesn't come out of the water. I know for sure that he can climb up because I put food up there a few times and saw him get up and eat it.

I am worried that he will develop shell rot so I take him out every day (if the weather is nice) to get some natural UVB light and dry off.

Does anyone have an idea what I can do to entice him to go up there? The water temperature is around 77-78 and I'm not sure about the basking temperature. (yes, I have a basking light and UVB light) Should I get the water temp lower? Would that make him more likely to bask?

I am thinking to get one of those ZooMed Floating Docks that everyone is using, maybe he will like that one better than the one he has now.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zb ... directlink

[akaghettoraver]

It takes some time for a slider to bask on a new structure. If you drop the temp about 2 degrees and get a thermometer for the basking area and set that at about 90 degrees he will bask. He might already be basking but you just don't know it because he darts off it at any sound or movement he notices. Good luck

[steve]

I agree with akaghettoraver. You also need to make sure that it's easy to get up there. As they get bigger, they need more of an incline to help them to their platform.

[worldpeace]

I modified the setup a bit to make it easier for him to climb up and also lowered the water temp a little. I've seen him jump off the basking area twice in the past 2 days (he was probably basking and was disturbed by my coming into the room) so now I'm happy and not worrying so much about him getting shell rot. Hopefully he'll get used to me soon and will be comfortable enough to bask when I'm in the room...I know it's going to take some time until that happens.