Habitat - Indoor :: Proper wattage for basking setup

[turteywordy]

I have a 20 gal tank 3/4 filled. I'm not using the heater right now because its not needed in the summer. Her water is at temp 77-80 right now and
I worry about the H2O over heating as well as my turtle with wattage that is too high. Her lamp is about 9-12 inches from the basking area. Any suggestions?

[JnK Acopan]

we were looking to get a aquarium water chiller, but the cheapest one we could find (outside of Ebay) is almost $400. Some people suggested putting the filter in a styrofoam cooler with ice surrounding it...
link to our topic.
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=379

hope that helps!!

[Oldturtle72]

Why are you guys guessing and worrying about temps. A cheap metal thermometer that pet stores sell will tell you all you need to know. A couple of ice cubes in the filter will drop the H2o temp and 90 degrees on top of the basking platform is easy to maintain. George

[turteywordy]

My question was in reference to the bulb wattage as I would not want my turtle to get over toasted. That was my main concern. My regular pet store basking bulb had gone out and I was hoping that I could pop in a regular household bulb w/out roasting her. But it just may be that this question was way too complicated and lame. (Jenearo, where are you?)

[jenaero]

try a regular 50 watt bulb and check the temp after it heats up (about an hour) up it if necessary. What's the current basking temp? Do you have a uvb bulb also?

[marisa]

Don't just go by the wattage--go by what bulb it takes to get the basking area 88-90F. Get a thermometer and check the temp (the only way to really be sure). Or, if you can, raise the basking area/lower the distance between the bulb and basking area to get in the temp range. A regular lightbulb is fine for the heat, along with a UVB light.

[turteywordy]

50 watts, thank you so much. And yes I do have both uvb and uva bulbs.