Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all,

I just moved my 1 yr old RES from a 10 gallon tank to a 20 gallon long tank. He seems really frantic and keeps swimming hard at all of the sides and corners of the tank. It's like he's trying to swim through the glass. I'm kind of worried. Any suggestions?

Oh yeah and one more thing, it seems liek he's really clawing hard at the tank. IS there a possibility of him clawing or scratching his eyes?

I have a couple that I did the same thing with, however they did that same in the 10 gallon. hasnt hurt them but it makes me wonder, also. why do they do it!?!?!??

cover 3 sides of the tank leaving the front alone. This will
make him feel more secure until he adjusts. You can use
paper towels or newspapers for this.

Hope this helps
Linda

Use the comics... my RES loves to sit there and look at them...
-----
Coastal Carpet Python 0.1 (Lillith)
Albino Burm 0.1 (Kimba)
Columbian RedTail 0.1 (Squishy)
Kenyan Sand Boa 1.0 (Shai'hulud)
Common Snapping Turtle 1.1 (Sherman and Abrahms)
RES 1.0 (speedy)

My Female does this all the time.. this time of year.. wanting out to find a place to lay eggs.. I've tried providing for her, she refuses.. and either tries to escape out of a different container.. or if I have her out.. she just wanders off.. the Male has never ever tried to get out.. I doubt yours is trying to do the same.. to young yet.. probably just a little stressed.. what everyone else recommended should help you in your case.

Most wild aquatic turtles never see glass in their lives and so far glass recognition hasnt been passed down genetically. Covering the walls of the tank is a good idea, but your turtle may still try to swim thru the wall anyway. The best solution is to give the turtle as large a tank as possible, or get one with sloping edges like a pond. Turtles arent the only ones that have issues with glass. My bass regulary tries to attack minnows in an aquarium that sits next to his.
-----