Habitat - Indoor :: New To Turts

[missibsu]

Did you get the proper base to screw that light into? If I'm not mistaken, that is a bulb that is recommended with 55 or more gallons. Mainly because of the amount of heat that it produces...Some combo bulbs are like that. Just be sure to keep a close eye on your water and basking temps.

[ZooKeeper]

Hi...I bought that exact same bulb from Petsmart and ended up returning it because it did not put out enough heat. Check the temp of the basking area and make sure it is warm enough.

[john x jro]

ya that bulb sucks badly
not even 80 degrees...

[turtledudee]

those are pretty good filters, i had one as my first filter.

[sonyj]

The bulb you got is just a UVB bulb and it doesn't say how much UVB it emits which usually means the lowest (3% or so). If you stick with this bulb you will need to replace it more often than the UVB bulbs that are 7-10%. UVB bulbs should be replaced every 6-12 months. You will also need a regular household bulb over the basking area to produce heat since UVB bulbs do not. There are a combo mercury-vapor UVB bulb that does produce both but they are not recommended for tanks under 55 gallons.

[missibsu]

Thanks Sonja...I don't use any of the combo bulbs, and I can't keep them straight. I prefer to use two different bulbs, so that is why I never bothered to check them out.

[john x jro]

ok i have a zoomed basking light already but it only emits uva....so should i put this UVA/UVB in anonther lamp and direct it towards basking area also?

[missibsu]

yes...the uvb needs to be aimed towards the basking area and the uva aimed in such a way that the basking area is warmed to approx 10 degrees more than your water temp.

[john x jro]

ok so how do u guys measure the temp of your basking area...b/c if i put a thermometer on the floating dock the temp is like 110 but when i put my hand under light near dock it doesnt feel how it feels warm

also the bulb that is UVA and UVB i can use that as my primary UVB source,,,?

[missibsu]

I place a rock about the size of my turtle on the basking area and measure from there. If you doubt the measurement that you are getting, try a second themometer. Your body temp is different than the air temp, so what may not feel really warm to you, could be warm to your turtle. That's why you should approximate water temp by sticking your hand in the water either...some people find that to be a good method for knowing water temp.

The light is ok for your UVB light source, but as was mentioned above will need to be replaced more often than one that is listed as 7-10% UVB. Something to keep in mind in the future when buying a replacement bulb. Mine are 10% and I replace them every 6-8 months.

[john x jro]

ok sounds good i came to find out the thermometer wwasnt even working b/c i put it in my cichlid tank and it still read 110 after 30 min in there and my digital theremeter doesnt lie in the cichlid tank which is kept at 78 degrees

ive probably had my turt for a month and it has grown...when i got it it was the size of a quarter now its like 1 1/4 (just its shell) usually how long till its like 2.5 inches?

[missibsu]

Depends on genetics, environment, etc. At one year, my turts were each about 4 inches...just shy. They were kept at 78F temps, and feed pellets and veggies. At about 6 months they were switched to pellets every other day. Some people would say that they were a bit big. I'd say it won't take too long to reach 2.5 inches. Just wait and see.

[DanielRES1180]

John, I have had goldfish for about two months now and I have some questions.
1) How do you know males from females? 2) Is there anything else to get besides the filter, the lights, and the plants for the tank?

Will have more questions as soon as I catch on to what elseI was going to ask.

[john x jro]

i believe it is diffficult to but heres a link i found
http://www.bristol-aquarists.org.uk/gol ... ing-fs.htm

the equipment you stated is fine you may want a substrate though (thats up to you though) you may also want a thermometer they are like 2 bucks at any pet store

[john x jro]

also is it normal for my turt to chill half way on the dock and lower half in water or vise versa and his new favorite spot is on the filter