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I've had this log for a couple of years and I really like it a lot, but Franklin started eating it last year and now Speck has taken up the hobby also, either eating or scratching at it. It's weird, because it's only at night, but it's getting louder and keeps me awake for a while. There's now a big chunk out of it, I mean probably a 3"x4" is gone and no where to be found. Also I noticed a couple of months ago that there's this strange sort of film on the water surface, the whole surface glows like a rainbow from a certain angle, and it does not get sucked in by my filter or my siphon. Last week I took everything out and dumped the tank in the bathtub and cleaned it thoroughly. It was so clean and the water so clear, but guess what? The next day that ridiculous junk is on the surface again.
I like the log, a lot. I don't really want to get rid of it, but I may have to if it's the cause of the rainbow film mess and if he'll stop eating it. So that's the question. . . If I get rid of it and get a new one, will he stop eating the basking platform or will he chew on the new one? And will the rainbow film go away? If I get a new one, which one do you reccommed? I have a 40 galllon breeder but it's only filled a little above halfway because the filter I have is the Tetra Decorative Fountain one, so I can't have an over-the-tank. I was looking at the Penn-Plax Turtle Pier. It automatically adjusts to the water level, which I love, and it has much better reviews than the Zoo-Med floating one that comes in, maybe four sizes? The Penn-Plax one comes in two sizes, 9.5"x11.5" triangle and an 11"x16" rectangle. Speck is exactly 3" right now, but I don't want to buy another basking platform for at least a few years, because I don't want to spend too much money. I measured 16" to the glass of my tank and it looks like it would be a monster, although it does have room underneath.
So, any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

Do your turtles actually use the log for basking? I have a floating log in my tank and the only time Tinky goes up there is at night to sleep on it. And he's really too heavy for the log, so it sinks some in the water when he's on top of it, so I wouldn't think a floating log would be an ideal basking platform for a heavier turtle, becuase they aren't getting conpletely out of the water. Not to mention untill the log is tied in one spot, it would float around the tank and away from the basking lights.

I'm no expect, but I would say get rid of the log. Especially with them chewing on it.

I agree, get rid of it. I used to have a resin basking area and my turtle took to biting it all the time. There would be small pieces everywhere and he even chipped his beak. I currently use cork bark and he bites that as well but it's harmless.

Tinky'sMom wrote:Do your turtles actually use the log for basking? I have a floating log in my tank and the only time Tinky goes up there is at night to sleep on it. And he's really too heavy for the log, so it sinks some in the water when he's on top of it, so I wouldn't think a floating log would be an ideal basking platform for a heavier turtle, becuase they aren't getting conpletely out of the water. Not to mention untill the log is tied in one spot, it would float around the tank and away from the basking lights.

I'm no expert, but I would say get rid of the log. Especially with them chewing on it.

Yes, mine does use it -- a lot. He loves it. He basks half the day on it, at least. Right, mine sinks, but I figured out to prop it on two rocks, a small one at one end and a large one at the other end. There isn't too much of an incline but there is a little, but Speck obviously has no problem climbing up.

Thanks for the input.

steve wrote:I agree, get rid of it. I used to have a resin basking area and my turtle took to biting it all the time. There would be small pieces everywhere and he even chipped his beak. I currently use cork bark and he bites that as well but it's harmless.

Alright. I thought about cork bark, but I think I'd rather have a stationary basking platform.

What do ya'll think about the Penn-Plax pier? Or do you reccomend another brand?

You wedge the cord between the glass, it'll serve as his basking area.

steve wrote:You wedge the cord between the glass, it'll serve as his basking area.

. . . The filter cord? :S

Cork.. sorry

steve wrote:Cork.. sorry

Oh, right!

I've thought about using cork, but I'm not sure. How does it compare with others as far as size and price? Also I've read it turns the water dark?

If you pre-soak, it doesn't change the color much. Sizes varies, you just need to get a piece slightly longer than what you need. It's completely natural.

steve wrote:If you pre-soak, it doesn't change the color much. Size varies, you just need to get a piece slightly longer than what you need. It's completely natural.

Interesting. How about price in comparison? Do they sell it in pet stores? And do turtles eat it?

I think only Zoo Med sells prepacked cork bark. Usually independent stores and sellers would have larger sizes and more variety. A few people have recently bought from https://www.joshsfrogs.com/

Alright, I'll look into cork bark. Thanks.