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So when I got my tank for my two baby turtles, I didn't get the top for it. My mom just went out and bought the light like this, and at first I put it behind the tank. Then I read that UVB may be blocked by glass. so I put it on top. We're planning to get a top soon, but is it fine like this right now? [img]i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx266/creeperfan12346/Mobile%20Uploads/5A3041F5-F5B6-4D42-A3B4-0F67D2ED3FFC_zps6ufrzddf.jpg[/img]

Whoops, try this.

Looks OK, but raise it higher and raise your water levels. And remove the gravel. You probably won't need a top... how big is your tank?

Added a lot more water today. For the gravel, it wouldn't matter if the gravel was too big for them to eat, would it? I made sure it wasn't sharp too. The tank is 10 gallons, but I'm probably going to get a 20-60 gallon tank once we move.

Gravel needs to be larger than their head. It also traps a lot of waste and fouls the water quicker, so you might want to rethink the substrate. If you are in the US, you can get a 55 gallon for $55 when they're on sale.

steve wrote:Gravel needs to be larger than their head. It also traps a lot of waste and fouls the water quicker, so you might want to rethink the substrate. If you are in the US, you can get a 55 gallon for $55 when they're on sale.

Yeah, it's about that big. Where can I get the 55 gallon? I live in California.

Edit: I also live pretty far from PetCo, so do I order it online? I can go to Petco, but I would prefer it being near me. Are there any at PetSmart by any chance?

PetSmart and PetSupplies Plus should have them as well (or price match), but you'll have to wait when they are on sale as it is not a regular price. Also look into the Aqueon brand tanks as they are supposedly better.

Re: gravel - your turtle is still growing, so keep an eye on the gravel too.

steve wrote:PetSmart and PetSupplies Plus should have them as well (or price match), but you'll have to wait when they are on sale as it is not a regular price. Also look into the Aqueon brand tanks as they are supposedly better.

Re: gravel - your turtle is still growing, so keep an eye on the gravel too.

When do they usually have sales?

EDIT: I'm not sure if this is a heat lamp or a UVB lamp. http://www.petsmart.com/reptile/bulbs-l ... tid-500036

I have it along with another light but I'm not sure which is which.

The sales come 3 or 4 times a year, not sure when exactly. We usually post a link on the deals section of the forum when it's on.

The lamp you linked is just heat. For heat, light, and UVA I use a halogen bulb (PAR30L) but you can also get something like the Zoo Med Turtle Tuff splashproof halogen if you're interested in their brand. You still need a UVB lamp with these options.

steve wrote:The sales come 3 or 4 times a year, not sure when exactly. We usually post a link on the deals section of the forum when it's on.

The lamp you linked is just heat. For heat, light, and UVA I use a halogen bulb (PAR30L) but you can also get something like the Zoo Med Turtle Tuff splashproof halogen if you're interested in their brand. You still need a UVB lamp with these options.

I have a second bulb, it's white. Is that it?

Does it look like a compact florescent? Then is probably is, but these need to be replaced every 4-6 months. They still light up normally but produce little or no UVB after a few months.

steve wrote:Does it look like a compact florescent? Then is probably is, but these need to be replaced every 4-6 months. They still light up normally but produce little or no UVB after a few months.

Yes, it is. How would I know when I have to replace it?

If it was used, replace it as soon as you can. If it was new, just replace it on a schedule.

steve wrote:If it was used, replace it as soon as you can. If it was new, just replace it on a schedule.

Got it about 2 months ago, new. I have a card that tells if it's low or high, but I'm not sure how to use it.

Did the card come with it? I know there are UV cards for outdoor use, never seen or heard of it for UVB lamps. There was always a question about their accuracy.