Habitat - Indoor :: Newbie setting up tank

[talal]

Hi,

I just bought a 55 gallon tank and I am planning on keeping 3 baby red ear sliders in it. I am going to order a rena xp3 filter, exo terra turtle pebbles and a large exo terra bank for basking ( Although I am open to suggestions if something better is out there within similar price range I would totally go for it please let me know )I am a little confused with the lighting. I am trying to spend less but not compromise too much on the quality. I have a big tube light on the top of my tank, I don't know what kind it is since the person I bought it from had it on from before but would it be okay if I just replaced that light with a uvb/uva light? or do I have to get something that would go directly over the basking area, I believe the tube light does go over the whole tank but I am not sure if It would focus as required for basking. Secondly if this is possible then where would I get a light that would fit the tube section and would be a dual uvb and uva? IF not then what are other good economic options for lighting ( lamps and bulbs ).

All replies will be appreciated. Thank you very much!

[devilduck]

No problem if you can get 48" UVA/UVB bulbs at a decent price. You will also need a lamp for heat. Cheapest way is to use a plain old clamp light from the hardware store. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-E ... /100354513 and a basking bulb.

For a 55G tank I suggest getting only one turtle, with three turtles you are looking at a 200G+ tank or a pond down the line when they get bigger.

[talal]

Thanks for the reply. I just realised that now im going to get only two turtles. How long until they outgrow the 55 gal tank? One more thing they say 10 gal per inch so per inch for each turtle seperately like two turtles 2 inches would be 4 together so thats 40 galons I believe

[steve]

The 55 will probably last for a year or two.

[talal]

Thank you steve! I was wondering should I get a 200 or a 250 watt heater? there isn't much difference in the price but I am afraid that a 250 watt heater might overheat or something of that nature?

[steve]

I'd go for the 200 W. It'll also be a couple of inches sorter... a Jager would be about 15".