Feeding and Nutrition :: Problem with Merle

[Krystyn82]

He waited almost 10 days to eat. And usually eats quite a bit. He lays outa his shell and looks floppy. He just gets under the light. He no longer wants to play on the floor with me. What is wrong? There is a filter. Its clean, so is the water. He is just a baby 5 months old I'd say. Can anyone help?

Sad Mommy, Krystyn

[steve]

What are the water temperatures? How much water does he have?

[Krystyn82]

Tons of water is a ten gallon aquarium almost full. then He has a floating dock. The water is I don't know ranges from 72 to 80 with the lamp on.

[marisa]

That's a big temp range. A submersible heater to keep the temp constant at around 78F would be good. Basking area should be 88-90F. Check your temps with thermometers.

A turtle isn't really a pet that should be playing on the floor with you...

[Shavannah]

Definitely don't rely on the lamps to regulate the water temp. As Krystyn82 and marisa stated, the temp needs to be a constant 78, with his bask temp to be around 10 degrees warmer. The fluctuating temp will cause him to get sick, and will also decrease his appetite. Purchase a heater with the correct wattage for the size tank you have, as soon as you can. If his behavior doesn't improve after that, you can bump the temp up a couple of degrees on the heater until he's feeling better and eating well, then lower it back down to 78. Keep us updated on his progress!