Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My yellowbelly never, and I mean never, gets on his island. He never suns himself out of the tank at all. Is this a problem? He is an adult male in a 75 gallon tank. Any thought?

It could be the basking area or the temp of the water.

Make sure the basking area is easy to get on and affixed
for ease. One of my adult males is 2 1/2-3 lbs and I really
had to get creative as he sank everything I used.

The other thing mentioned was the water temp. If the water
temp is too warm there is no need to bask. Water temps
for adults should be around 72-74 and the basking area 85-90.
Try this and see if it helps.

Lastly, he could be very shy and if in an area where there
is alot of movement is afraid to.

Hope this helps
Linda

thanks for the info I will most certainly check all the temos and everything tonight...What did you do to affix your basking area?

I used a thick piece of wood that we cut down along the
long edges and stapled velcro to it to help with climbing
onto it (like a ramp) I then fill the tank to the level of the velcro to also assist him with getting up there. The actual
resting area is wide enough for him to spread out.

To secure this heavy wood, I used metal wreath like holders
two on each end that affix to the wood and then run up and over
the edge of the aquarium. So far it is the best thing I have
come up with. It's actually kinda funny that petstores sell
these crappy little basking areas. I got a deer in the
headlights look from one salesperson when she showed me what
types of basking areas were available and when I told her
how much my turtles weigh she didn't have any suggestions.
I guess they figure turtles never grow up!

Good luck
Linda

Do you mind terribly showing a picture?

I will try and snap one today for you

Linda