Basking platform is an integral part of slider turtles’ captive habitat. Installed above tank-water with partially submerged edges and ramps, the basking area is where your RES turtle will climb on to rest, enjoy the heat and digest its meals. There are specific requirements for each reptile basking platform concerning temperatures, lighting supplies, and materials used. Failure to meet these requirements may lead to intoxication and avoidance of basking which is very dangerous to red-eared slider turtles’ health.
Why is Basking Important for Red-Eared Sliders?
The basking area is one of turtles’ favorite hang-outs – it allows their immunological as well as digestive systems increase their activity, as well as process mineral substances and vitamins necessary for turtles. In fact, red-eared sliders bask shortly after feeding and may choose to stay on the platform for up to several hours each day. Additionally, UVB lighting induces the production of vitamin D-3 which, in turn, allows turtles digest calcium necessary to avoid beak, shell and bone fractures. The presence of UVB light also helps to keep your turtle’s shell free from bacterial and fungal infections.
Red-Eared Slider Basking Requirements
Whether you choose one of the purchasable, commercial platforms or create one on your own, basking requirements will be the same:
- The basking platform should be big enough to accommodate all tankmates at a time without them having to climb on each other’s backs. Sometimes too little space in the basking spot may cause aggression among turtles and lead to bullying and fighting;
- Light and heat sources are a must – Red-eared Slider recommends 90-95 F degrees (or 32-35 C degrees), and to ensure proper temperatures tank-wide, you can choose one of the specialized lamps for reptiles;
- The temperature should be around 10 F higher than that of water;
- The basking platform should be partially submerged in water in order to be easy to climb on, and also to let turtles trim their claws as they mount it;
- The platform itself should be dry and relatively smooth, but not entirely flat;
- Avoid placing tank decorations right under the edge of the basking area - turtles tend to suddenly jump into the water if they become frightened and can hurt themselves if there’s a rock or some other tank object nearby;
- The basking platform should be placed either in the middle of the tank or supported on its walls; leaving small holes between the edges of the basking and tank walls may lead your turtle to wedge itself and become injured;
- The basking area may be surrounded by aquatic plants to give your turtle some privacy during basking and avoid scaring it off;
- For DIY platforms, choose only non-toxic materials so as to not alter the chemical composition of tank water; natural materials such as wood, rocks and stones will work best;
- Situate the basking light above the platform and make sure it doesn’t get wet accidentally;
- The temperature should be constantly monitored with a thermometer or a similar device.
How to Choose a Basking Platform for a Turtle Aquarium
There’s a large variety of basking platforms and whether you choose to build it yourself or purchase one online, the requirements will be just as those outlined above. Since many aquariums come with in-built basking platforms and ramps, you may consider buying those for the sake of simplicity. Building your own basking spot may be slightly daunting for beginners, so it’s better to stick with ready products until you’ve learned more about red-eared sliders and turtle care in general.
Daria Przybyla - Daria Przybyla is a multilingual SEO consultant fluent in 4 languages as well as an avid SEO, pet care and travel blogger with educational ...
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