Habitat - Indoor :: Turtle biting cork bark

[Ambecerra]

I've been using cork bark for my turtle's platform without any problems for past two years. Now, for whatever reason, he keeps biting chunks off. Which clogs the filter and causes bits to float around. I can deal with that but I'm worried he's going to start eating the floaty bits.

Has anyone had this happen to them? What did you do, other than change the platform? I want to do that but can't figure what to rig up. My turtle is very heavy and tends to try to stand on his platform a lot.

[dumbork14]

Welcome to the forum!
I've read some threads that they use cuttlebone and let them floating around the tank, so that the turtle could nibble on it instead of the cork bark (I think the cuttlebone also curbs the urge to gnaw and bite). I will try to find some helpful threads.
If you're a DIY kind of gal, maybe you could try to do an above tank basking area; it gives them plenty of basking space and swimming space, and it will be more sturdy than the usual cork bark. Post some pictures of your set-up and your turtle.

[steve]

My male RES likes to nibble on everything, including his bark. Fortunately I've got a thick piece and only lost a golf-ball size so far. If it's mostly small parts, it shouldn't be a problem though it might make his poop break apart easily and buoyant.

[jgreerberube]

I second what dumbork said. I think you should just make a ATBA. if you do a search here on the forums, or even just on Google, you will find lots. All you need is your choice of material (my personal favorite is acrylic, or plexi glass), and aquarium-safe (buy at pet store) silicone. Good luck!

[josephkr]

My turtle used to bite his own shell and bite electrical cords in the tank. Once I put some cuttle bone in there the biting behaviors stopped.