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Setup

PostPosted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 10:58 pm
by SlidersRCool
How am I lookin?

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Submerged Heater

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Logs for the turts to hide in

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Hey, there they are!

PostPosted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 11:48 pm
by daredevilgirl013
whoa ok first off change your avatar, it's WAY too big! But the setup looks good.

PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 12:28 am
by sonyj
I only see one light above the basking platform. Is it a heat light or UVB bulb? They need both kinds over their basking area to absorb the unfiltered rays. The heat light (can be a regular household bulb) to provide enough heat for them to bask and regulate their body temperature and a UVB to help with them with absorbing the calcium in their diet to prevent bone and shell diseases. :)

PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 1:44 am
by steve
Hi, just in case you haven't read, you shouldn't let direct sunlight into the tank for several reasons. I wasn't sure if those shades are always down. I've also noticed that it may also keep the tank cooler that necessary (if you have winter seasons where you are).

When you get a UVB light, you will notice that they are heaver than normal light bulbs, so make sure they are well supported.

Everything else is looking good...

PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:06 am
by SlidersRCool
steve wrote:Hi, just in case you haven't read, you shouldn't let direct sunlight into the tank for several reasons. I wasn't sure if those shades are always down. I've also noticed that it may also keep the tank cooler that necessary (if you have winter seasons where you are).

When you get a UVB light, you will notice that they are heaver than normal light bulbs, so make sure they are well supported.

Everything else is looking good...


Yeah the shades are always down, I know that the sunlight can screw things up, so I always keep 'em up... and I'm in Southern Florida, so the winters aren't too bad.

So I need a second light? They seem fine with just the one, it's just a 50 watt household light... I keep it about 6-12 inches away from the basking area.

PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 12:34 pm
by sonyj
The UVB bulb that you need provides UVB rays to insure that they have healthy bones and shells. Without it they can become ill or develop disease.

If it's warm (above 70 degree) where you are and you are able to take them outside for several hours a week for direct sun then they will get the UVB rays they need. (always supervise them when they are outside) It won't hurt to supplement their outdoor time with an indoor UVB bulb as well, even if you take them outside on a regular basis. Both lights are a very important part of their habitat to insure they stay healthy and happy. :)

PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 9:31 pm
by reptilegrrl
I concur with the calls for a UVB light. Their physuicl and psychological health is dependent on UVA and UVB. So please get them an appropriate light.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 10:44 am
by SlidersRCool
Well, I think I'm just going to construct a little something so they can chill outside. I have a nice back porch where they can get a good amount of sunlight, and we'll let 'em get a few hours a week.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 11:06 am
by buffyfan9005
The set-up looks amazing.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 3:42 pm
by steve
SlidersRCool wrote:Well, I think I'm just going to construct a little something so they can chill outside. I have a nice back porch where they can get a good amount of sunlight, and we'll let 'em get a few hours a week.


They don't always like to be in sunlight... make sure they get some shade as well - maybe something simple like a box.