Habitat - Indoor :: My new setup is complete

[L.West]

This 55 gallon tank houses two Common Map Turtle Hatchlings. Let me know if you see something I should change. I have UVB and basking light above the basking deck and another UVB strip bulb over the opposite half of the tank with two small suction cup landing docks on that side. I recently removed the gravel due to all the suggestions that it may pose a choking hazard.

thanks

[steve]

Looks great! What did you switch the substrate to?

[L.West]

I painted the bottom of the tank on the outside of course and just put some river rocks in. Is this okay??

[steve]

River rock is fine, it just needs to to be larger than the size your turtle's head.

[L.West]

Steve, do I need UVB light on the opposite side of the tank from the basking site. I have it over the basking site and currently have it over the other side also but was concerned that the distance from the top of the water (floating dock) to the 5.0 UVB bulb is only 6-7 inches with egg crate between them. Is is okay or should I not have the UVB bulb on that side.

Thanks

[steve]

No, you would be wasting your money with a UVB light over water. Their skin is what absorbs the rays, and the best place is over the basking area. Are you saying you want a closer UVB light? If the top basking area is restricting it, you can get a stronger bulb when its time to replace. I don't use the topper, so I'm not sure how easy it is to modify.

[L.West]

No, the basking area is great - easily accommodates my UVB and basking bulb just fine. I am currently running a 5.0 UVB strip light on the left side of the tank where they have just a small floating dock - I thought they could also get a little extra UVB while on that deck. My main concern was whether the 5.0 UVB bulb above the floating deck was too close to them. I only have about 7" clearance. I didn't want to cause the "swollen eye" problem.

[steve]

If it hasn't caused it already, then I think you're fine. The tube UVBs are notably better and more reliable than the compact versions as well.

[VeipaCray]

Looks great!!