redearslider.com

i read that nothing was better than the sun so i put him in a cardboard box and sit outside with frankie for 1 hour in the sun...is that good enough...if i do it each sunny day.....untill winter when i have more money i'll buy a uvb 5.0 bulb

If you aren't forcing the basking then it is ok. Just watch for signs of dehydration. You should place the box in an area where the turt also has access to shade. It isn't good for the turt to be placed in the sun and have a way to cool off. Browse for other posts on this topic.

How big is the box? A box is OK to use, but part of it still needs a shade and he can't be left unattended. He could flip over in which he wouldn't be able to flip himself over. If the box is too small, it will still get too warm inside.

how could you not force it if your lifting out of the tank and intoa box outside in to the sun

My turts have a kiddie pool with some vegetation around it. This provides them with water and an area to bask as well while providing shade in the enclosure. The water is deep enough that if they get flipped over, they can right themselves and they absoultely love going outside.

By forcing I meant placing them in a box and sitting it in direct sunlight. If they don't have the option of getting shade or water, then you are forcing to do something....like bask. Don't get me wrong, you are right that sun is the best for them, I just don't want you to cook your turtle.

I have a very large area fenced off with cardboard for outside use. Plus they have shade, a "cave", grass underneath and someone sitting next to them watching. They are not forced to sit under direct sunlight.

The sun for UVB rays is good, but I'd make a temporary set-up with some water, shade and a basking area for him to be in while he's outside, and continue to supervise him while he's in that.