How often should turtles bask?

[riley_bla41000]

I've noticed 2 days ago that my yellow bellied slider baby was basking more than usual, he basked for about 5 hours until I turned off the lamp, could he be sick? He's going through a shed right now, could that have anything to do with it? Is the lamp to close or too far? Thanks!



(Before you fuss about them being in a ten gallon, we got him from my cousin at 1200 at night and We were limited on money, they'll be moving into a bigger tank soon)

 

[Yvonne G]

Actually, for the size of the turtles, the tank is quite ok for now. What is your water temperature?

 

[riley_bla41000]

Actually, for the size of the turtles, the tank is quite ok for now. What is your water temperature?

It's 72 degrees Fahrenheit

 

[ETTB1314]

If you have a heater you might wanna increase the temps to 80F. Babies need warmer temps. And also the lamp I feel is too far away, unless you got with the high watts. Because it might be too cold for your baby and he basks longer trying to get the heat.

 

[riley_bla41000]

If you have a heater you might wanna increase the temps to 80F. Babies need warmer temps. And also the lamp I feel is too far away, unless you got with the high watts. Because it might be too cold for your baby and he basks longer trying to get the heat.

I don't have a heater but I can get one and I'll see how they do with the lamp closer.

 

[riley_bla41000]

And It's a 70 watt I think

 

[dmmj]

Sliders love to bask. If you have a heat/light source they will bask as long as it is warm. It is not uusual to see my sliders basking all day long, as long as the sun is outm of course.

 

[kathyth]

Mine bask many hours a day but you should have a heater in the water.
The tanks good! The light too low to the water could be too hot for good basking.