redearslider.com

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?

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!!

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

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?)

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?

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.

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