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Water level

22 16:39:43

Question
I have a red eared slider that was given to me. He was living in a small container and I have put him in a 10 gallon tank but he seems to prefer just enough water to stand in and stretch his neck for breathing instead of a full tank. He will bask on a rock but spends most water time walking or with at least a foot on the bottom. Should I add more water to the tank?

Answer
Turtles raised in too-small tanks get used to no water and to not swimming. This is not a healthy condition.

Try this:
1. Prop one end of the tank up about 2-3". Replace the rough basking rock with a log, dock, or ramp. Start with enough water to have a little dry spot on the high end.

2. Every day, add a cup of water. Make sure the basking site stays accessible.

3. Once the shallow end is a few inches deep, or the weight of the water is worrying you, go ahead and level it out again but keep adding water.

Try a good care site like http://www.redearslider.com for other ideas!