Why isn't my aquatic turtle basking? He just stays in water.

Thanks for reaching out. The water temperature should be around 70-75 F, but the basking site can be in the low 90s. This needs to be measured with a thermometer to prevent burns. If the turtles are too scared they will not bask well, as feel safer in the water. Good luck.

If she seems bright and healthy I would not worry about this too much. Quite often turtles choose to spend most time in the water. Make sure there is no reason that she a is put off the dock, for example difficult to access, excessively lit or heated, cleanliness etc. If there is no husbandry reason it is simply her choice.

Hi there! Let me see if I can help you with Michelangelo. I read through this article from Reptile Magazine, and it seems to have some good advice on husbandry and diet of the species: http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Turtles-Tortoises/Turtle-Care/Golden-Thread-Turtle-Care-Tips/ I also really like Austin's Turlte Page for information about turtle husbandry: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-chinesegoldenthread.htm In addition, I would recommend you do try to encourage Michelangelo to bask, whether it be outside in the sun, or under a UVB bulb lamp (monitored of course). It is important for his metabolism to have the UVB lighting. I hope you find this answer helpful. Best of luck!

Thanks for reaching out about your aquatic turtle. Water temperature needs to be kept warm for nutrient absorption. Without pictures, it is difficult to assess the shell. Insects are important for these young animals but all worms/insects need to be gut loaded for nutrients, as otherwise are bags of fat. High calcium levels are important for shell strength. Good luck.

Blandings are semi aquatic and will spend significant amounts of time basking or out of the water. As long as she is eating regularly and behaving normally otherwise, there is likely no cause for concern.

Clean the tank and perform a partial water change. Rinse the filter media in some tank water, not tap water, to preserve beneficial bacteria. Make sure the water is warm, between 75F and 86 F, and the basking area is at proper temp ( 85 F to 90 F). Low temps can affect activity in reptiles. She may need a few days to reacclimate to you, even though you weren't gone long. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, swimming crooked, difficulty breathing or discharge from the eyes or nose. If necessary, have her examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to diagnose and treat injury or infection.

Check the water, ambient and basking spot temperatures. Low temps can affect activity in reptiles. Ideally, the turtle should be in a 10 gallon tank. Water depth should be no more than twice the shell length. Use a filter to maintain water quality and a small heater to keep it between 82F and 85F. There should also be a basking area easily reached out of the water that should range between 85F and 88F. A UVB light source, proper diet and calcium and vitamin supplementation will promote shell health. If all this is provided and the turtle is still lethargic, consider a physical exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. You can find one at the link below. The second link will provide more information regarding the care of sliders. http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661 http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html