why hibernate your turtle at all?

ive had mine for 8 yrs and never hibernated it. i did have some heater issues a cuple yrs ago and for about 3 months had my water at 55-60 degrees. he ate a couple times during that 3 months. towards the end he did seem to be showing some kind of respitory infection symptoms ( seem to be floating the back end, weak) but didnt have any of the bubbles or stuff so maybe it had something to do with the fact that he ate and didnt digest well cause of the cool water. i got the water temps back up to 80 and he has been fine ever since.

my experience, sorry i couldnt help more