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Heating bulb

PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 2:33 pm
by Darkdream
So i am wondering i am currently using a 50 watt basking bulb with the tight beam..... But i find it still to hot for a 20 Gallon my bulb is on one side and my dock is on the other.....

I am thinking would those ceramic heaters bulb work better??? or would they not supply the necessary uva rays......

Also what kind of themometers do you guys use.... I am using a normal standard thermometer you leave inside you house to measure the temperature or outside the house

PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 6:58 pm
by marisa
Your turtle needs a basking light for heat and ALSO a UVB light--this is very important for his shell and bones. I have no idea why the bulb you describe is too hot for a 20-tank. Personally, I'd just use a regular lightbulb for heat along with a UVB light (I do use this combination in two set-ups I have. I prefer not using a spot beam because with a flood/regular lightbulb, the heat is more "gentle" and the light is diffused over a wider area. I haven't yet used a ceramic heater, and maybe someone who does can give you their opinion on it.

I use a regular thermometer to check the basking area temp and have an aquarium thermometer in the tank to monitor the water temp.

PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 3:46 pm
by pretty.rock.machine
I'm up in college now and my Mom just told me that Sid's heat bulb burnt out so they are using a regular bulb. What wattage would be good for a ten gallon tank?

PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 5:44 pm
by marisa
For the heat/basking light, whatever wattage that will warm the basking area to 88-90F (and not be so close that the turtle could get burned on it). A UVB light is also necessary.

PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 6:08 pm
by pretty.rock.machine
Yes, I've got the UVB. My mom said that it said 60 watt inside the lamp hood, so that is what she put in there. She says he seems to be doing fine. :)