General Care Discussion :: Turtle eating black plastic tank lining

[LostCanuck73]

We have a 3 year old RES, in a 125 gallon tank that's about 75-80% filled. Lately, he will be at the bottom of the tank...and nibbling at the black plastic edges on the inside. So much so that big chunks are gone. Is there something that can be done to get his attention elsewhere? It's like he is trying to break out!

Any advice, or suggestions welcome.

Thanks,

Dennis

[steve]

You mean silicone? They usually go at it if there is some algae on it or there is a bulge that they can grab onto. It happened to my tank too and it eventually started to leak. I haven't had any problems since I've resealed the tank.

[LostCanuck73]

Not the silicone, the actual hard plastic on the edges of the tank. I think he's doing it as he gets me to come to the tank, and lately I've been putting in pellets to distract him. I think it's his way of getting more food! I'm thinking of getting some additional rocks fort the tank to place along the edge to prevent access to the plastic to help prevent this.

[steve]

I haven't heard of that before, maybe try some cuttlebone?