Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A few days ago, I set up a new aquairm for my RES. In his old aquarium, he didn't climb out all the often but it seems like he wants nothing to do with the basking area in the new setup. From what I've seen, he hasn't even attempted to climb out onto it. So what should I do? Being that he has only been in the aquarium for a few days, should I give him some more time? I've even placed him up on the basking area and he just jumps right back into the water. So what do you guys think? Thanks!

Lower the water temperature. If your water is too warm, many turtles wont feel the need to leave the water for the basking area. Setting a turtle on the basking area almost never works. They see the pickup as a threat and dive into the water for protection. Also, a lot of turtles only bask when the owner is not there. I hardly ever see my cooter basking, I learned that I had to sneak up on him to get a glimpse. Much like Ace Ventura- if I shake my keys too loudly, he will dive before I can even open the door.
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iturnrocks.com

The water temperature is around 76-78 degrees and the basking temperature is around 88 degrees. Heres one thing to think about. In his old aquarium, the water was around 70 degrees and the basking spot was a lot hotter than it should have been. I went on a business trip a few months ago and the bulb burned out while I was away. I had my brother change the bulb. Well, as it turned out, he put the wrong watt bulb in and I didn't notice till recently. I measured the temperature of the basking spot and it was about 110-115 degrees. Now, I would think that it was too hot but the turtle seemed to love it before I noticed that the bulb was the wrong watt. He would sit under it for hours. Would he have become accustomed to hotter temps? What do you think? Thanks a lot!

Do you have a uvb bulb for him as well. Sounds like you just may have a white light bulb for him.

Also 72-75 is good water temp 88 is fine for basking. As far as not using the basking platform. I am certain that if he not using behind your back then he is just adjusting to his new tank. Just give him some time.

I do have a UV bulb on him as well. Its a Reptisun 5.0. Like iturnrocks mentioned, I am going to lower the water temp a bit. The room that the turtle was in before, the water temp would be around 70 degrees without a heater. In the room he is in now, the water temp will be around 74-75 without a heater so thats about as low as I can go. Its true I might not be catching him basking but I used to occasionally. I guess I will have to have a little more patience. Thanks a lot!

I think you're on the right track with the light and water temp, but you may just have a picky RES like I do. Once in awhile I change things around with mine, and he sits in one corner and sulks for a few days, not eating much or basking. As long as I haven't made it difficult for him to get onto the basking area, he comes around eventually. I can even use my treadmill 2 feet away from the tank and he basks. So I know he's ok.