First, a 5 gallon is way too small. The turtle

cannot thermoregulate. 2nd: 85 degrees constantly is too

warm. That is the temp that the basking area should be.

First you need to fix this.



Buy at least a 10 gallon, a 20 would be even better. Place

a basking area at one end with a bulb of about 25 watts over

that land area and check the temp. It should be 85-90 degrees.

If it is too warm, decrease the temp of the bulb, too cold, increase to 30watts and check again. Make sure you have a

UVB source like the Reptisun 5.0 over the enclosure as well.

This will not produce any heat. The water temp should be

lowered to about 74-76 degrees. If you think about, no where

in the wild is their water temp a constant temp. They must

be able to thermoregulate. If they need to warm they bask

under the light, to cool off they go into the water. You are

not allowing this to happen. Don't worry about the turtle not

finding the food, it will have no problems. Try some

Reptomin sticks soaked first until soft. Also, I would get rid

of the cave and place some fake floating plants in there. The

turtle can hide in these and it seems much more natural to them.



I raised all of my turtles (5) exactly this way and have never

had any problems with them at all. Please make these changes

right away and them try some Reptomin and different foods. I

think you will be very surprised how quickly he will begin to

eat.



Let us know how it comes out.

Linda

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