Is it okay that my red ear slider turtle isn't basking?

Question

he stays in the water all the time! Can I make his basking area better. Its just a slope of rocks about the size of your plam.

Answer 1

Are you sure he can get out of the water? Sometimes the way the rocks are stacked makes it impossible for them to get out. Also, if it feels unstable, they won't get up on it. I suggest making it bigger and more sloped/easier to use.

If the water is warm, and the UV light shines into the water, he may not need to bask.

The main thing is that it's available when he needs it. They know instinctively, (like you know when you're hungry), when they need to bask.

Answer 2

No. This is not ok. Basking is really so important for many reasons. Try to increase the size and strength of the ramp and make sure the turtle can get all the way out of the water. (a completely dry area) Make it as stable as you can.
At the top, try using flat smooth rocks that soak in the heat from the lights. Make sure you have nice reptile UV (2.0 or 5.0) lighting in your tank. The right light really encourages the basking. Your RES will soak it up, stay active, look so much healthier and even SLIDE back into the water for you.
Good Luck !

Answer 3

Check your temperatures. Use a probe thermometer (found at any garden center sold as indoor/outdoor thermometers). Tape the probe to the basking platform. Measure the temp (set it to "outside"). Too cold and he won't bask. Too hot and he won't bask. Should be around 85-90F. The UVB bulb should also be over the basking area. Check out:

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm

for complete info.