Red-eared slider not basking: Is Zilla cover okay? How to dry dock?

Yes, the hour or two without light won't harm her as long as it is on at other times. Don't worry about her not basking. As stated, she'll bask when she wants. Just keep the UVB light and heat lamp on for 10-12 hours daily.

-Make sure she has a good quality UV light above her no more than 12"- it should be a tube light and not a screw in kind, like a ReptiSun. Change it every 6 months. -If she won't get up to bask, make the area more inviting- put a larger platform, make sure you have a good heat light above that area, make it easy for her to get out, make sure nothing stressed her or scares her back into he water. -If it doesn't work to get her basking and then you may need to dry dock her part of the day- take her out of the water and let her bask in an empty tub or aquarium with her heat and UV lights on above her so she really dries out (make sure to leave her a cool side to go where it is not as hot so she doesn't overheat.) - You can try to soak her in dilute Betadine solution- you can purchase Betadine at the drug store and add a small amount to water to make a weak tea color and soak in water just deep enough to cover her back end 5-10 minutes once daily. This may help if their is infection under the scutes. -If these things are not working and more scutes are loose, then she needs to see a vet for an exam and possibly antibiotics.

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.

I'm not exactly sure what you are asking. Is the floating log the only way she has to get out of the water? That is not recommended. You need to make an actual basking area. The entrance to the basking area should be stationary (not floating) and a gradual incline would be best. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLKDJEGFH7k If you have a basking area and a log, I would not be worried that she hasn't gotten up on the log yet. Give her some more time to figure it out. If she never gets on it it doesn't matter. Some of them just don't like it. She does however need a way to get out of the water (basking area). Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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.

No, that is not recommended. I suggest you refer to this article and be sure you have her environment 100% correct including her diet. ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ )

This is not normal, as turtles are air breathers. Hiding under the substrate could be due to fear or if getting too cold. As stated prior, husbandry changes should be made in an attempt to provide better husbandry, a haul out site that is warm. Good luck.