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I got the water temp in my tank down to 78 and raised the water level so it's as long as he is (he stands on his hind legs, streatches himself out and sticks his nose into the air). He still hides when people are in the kitchen cause I haven't gotten the mirror stuff yet, but....

I think he's bored. I want to get him some aquatic plants to munch on. I know the pet store around here sells things that look like little bamboo sticks, but other than that, I have no idea what I am looking for.

He loves hiding behind the plastic plants, so I thought this might be a nice change.

He may be shy too. Sometimes they just need a few days to settle in or get used to changes. Have you tried putting a guppy or minnow in there for him to chase around?

Did that a while back, he just watches them. One had babbies (we didn't know she was pregnant when we got there) and ever since he won't go near a fish. I think he was outnumbered 12-1 and he was about 3"

lol!

When you go to the petstore, ask for a pond plant called "anacharis." It's common, easy to get, and should only cost a coupla bucks. Most turtles love playing/shredding/eating this type of pond plant! Just toss it in the tank & watch your turtle tear it up!!!!

got some spinach greens, but I'll have to try that!

Now if only I can figure out exactly how old he is!

Spinach isn't the best thing to give him, especially if he really likes it and starts getting it on a more regular basis. It contains oxalic acid, and too much in his system will prevent him from utilizing the calcium in his diet. Try some anachris if you can get it in your state.

thanks for the warning. *whew*

I just thought of something with the gravel. I remember why I didn't get rid of it....he likes to burrow and dig around in it. Is there anything else I can use?

Don't use gravel. I have had small pebbles and stuff just groups together and gets really nasty. Your turtle can eat them and die too. I have some small river rocks, just use them. There are so many tank decorations you can buy that it should not be a problem.

Some smooth river rocks larger than his head would allow him to dig around them and push them around. As for burrowing, those plastic plants you mentioned might do the trick. One of my painteds likes to burrow in them when he sleeps at night.

yea whenever we buy anachris for our RES's,as soon as we get home theyre choppin them up, anachris plants are a good suggestion