Equipment Review and Discussion

My turtle stays in the water all the time and every time I try putting him on the basking area he jumps back into the water.

20 Gallon Tank

75W Infrared Bulb - Held By Fluker's Mini Sundome (8-9" away from basking area)

ReptiSun 5.0 UVB Bulb - Held By Fluker's Mini Sundome(11-12" away from basking area)

AquaClear 30 (150 gph)

Hydor Theo 100W Water Heater

I keep the water temperature set at 78 degrees F and my TopFin Digital Aquarium Thermometer read 80 degrees F.

Any suggestions on how far/close I should keep the heat lamp?
I just put it at 8-9" before this pic was taken. I had it at around 10-12" away from the basking area before I changed it and he wouldn't bask.

Also he just sits on the ramp like he is on the 2nd picture most of the time.

Wow, i just realized how teeny tiny he is!

First off, even when the turtle is that tiny, he/she can probably hop right over the edge of the aquarium and risk escape/injury. You can lower the water a little now, since he/she is so little. It will have plenty of swimming room.

The heat lamp distance really depends on the temp of the basking area. You want the basking area to be at least ~10 degrees warmer than the water. This will entice basking. The best way to take basking area temps is with a contact-less infrared thermometer. You may want to invest in one now (I got mine for a little over $20 and it's waterproof) because you'll be using it a whole lot throughout your turtle's life. If you don't want an infrared thermometer, then a simpler one with an external probe will do the job.

Although, the distance of your bulbs seems fine to me now, your turtle is probably just afraid to go up on the basking area. How long has it been in its tank?

@papoopeepoo I'll go out and buy a thermometer for the basking area once I get some money. He's been in his tank for about 3 days right now I think? Is he still getting used to it?

Yeah, definitely just getting settled. Give it up to a few weeks for your turtle to get used to everything. Dont worry, she'll be fine for this time, she'll begin basking when she feels comfortable.

Okay thanks for the help. And another question, can my turtle still receive vitamins etc. from the UVB bulb when he/she is sitting on the ramp in a little water?

the UV rays only penetrate water slightly, but being up to 2 inches below the surface will help a little.

Also, for your next bulb, or next hood, you should try to avoid having the bulb stick out from the hood. UV rays are not good for your eyes, and even without looking directly at the bulb the ultraviolets can damage vision over a long period of time.

Yeah I couldn't last with that bulb sticking out my eyes hate it! Try a big dome next time or a repiglow 5.0 which fits fine in the mini dome. The distance looks fine to me. But it looks like the lamps are pointing away from the basking dock how are you hanging them up?

I think your RES needs more privacy. I'd put a barrier around the basking area, one that your turtle can't climb over.

Equipment Review and Discussion :: Turtle not basking, lamp distance, suggestions?

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