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Hello!

So my RES, for the last couple months, has been swimming "into the wall", in the same space, all the time. It's like she's trying to get through it. I've tried putting plants in that spot, trying different "backgrounds" in that area, some traditional aquarium backgrounds, black paper (no reflection), white paper, etc... she continues to just swim and swim and swim into that section of the aquarium wall.

Anyone know why? Any other owners experienced this before? lol - I don't think she's hurting herself in any way... if anything I just feel bad... like she wants to see what the world has to offer!

So your turtle does not sleep anymore or bask? What about eating? All it does is just swim in that one spot?

How big is the turtle and how big is your tank?

No, no. Sorry, I didn't mean that literally.

She does eat. I don't see her bask much, but I'm also not home most of the day. I am building an ATBA right now though, so I hope she likes that one a little better. Currently I have one of those clear acrylic docks with the green stripes (mentioned on this site before). She isn't CONSTANTLY swimming into the wall. In fact, if I walk by, she instantly is distracted by me and starts swimming towards me.

She's about 4.5" maybe. Haven't measured in a bit. But otherwise healthy turtle. Haven't taken her to the vet in about a year, but the few times before, she was healthy and strong.

I have a 55 gallon (I think... maybe 50) tank. Not filled ALL the way right now, but will be when the ATBA is done. Right now it's filled about 70%

My turtle does this until i feed it. Once fed, it will go bask. He does not do it all the time, but when he does, food clams him down.

My turtle does this at times. I believe he's trying to interact with the "other turtle" (his reflection).

ataraxiamb wrote:My turtle does this at times. I believe he's trying to interact with the "other turtle" (his reflection).

That's what I thought it might be too, almost like he's consumed by this reflection and wants to get at it. It's a relatively new thing too, like in the last few months...

strange animals these guys are!

I thought I would post a little video of Gertrude swimming into the wall to show you what I mean. She doesn't do this constantly throughout the day, but she does it frequently enough. Also, I noticed if I put my finger up to the glass, she nips at it - she doesn't normally do that. Hasn't ever really been too aggressive.

I tried to give you a little closer look at Gertrude too, and also a look at the tank. I have been working on an ATBA, which is almost done. She hasn't been basking very much at all. At least not when I'm around. I worry sometimes... she seems healthy as can be otherwise. She's got some anacharis in there, and I feed her pellets every other day or 3rd day. I'll get her a few feeders from the local fish store every once in a while. She always seems to have an appetite.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap2rwdQviIQ&sns=em

oh, and Gertrude is most certainly a male. He's proven that before.

My baby turtle has been trying to flutter at himself / his reflection. I didn't believe it at first but I called The Husband over to witness it too and we both just cracked up. Silly little guy was making turtle jazz hands against the tank wall opposite us (so I know he wasn't trying to flutter at us).