Habitat - Indoor :: UVB

[Boo018]

Hi everyone,
I just have a quick question. My two turtles are currently in a 10 gallon tank. The only thing I am missing is a UVB light. I was told by pet assistances at pet stores that my two turtles will grow out of the 10 gallon tank in about 6 months. So, I was planning to upgrade everything in about 6 months and get a UVB hood then. So, if I wait approximately 6 months before I aquire a UVB light, will my two turtles be okay? I understand that the turtles will feel uncomfortable, but will they be safe otherwise?
Thanks guys.

[steve]

the uvb bulb helps your turts metabolize calcium, something they can also get from unobstructed sunlight. since they are so young (i'm guessing they're young since you have them in a tiny tank ) i would say it is more important you have one now. unless you want your turtles to get shell and bone diseases.

[jenaero]

I understand that the turtles will feel uncomfortable, but will they be safe otherwise?
Thanks guys.

That bothers me. You should make them as comfortable as you can. If they're not comfortable, you shouldn't be ok with that.

[GouzlanTheAmerican]

You can take them outside into the sun until you get a UVB light. Natural sun is always good. But they dont get as much UVB rays if they were only outside for an hour, compared to having a UVB light on for 12 hours. heres wat i would do. get an 8.5 in. clamp lamp. buy a UVB bulb for it. And you can use it when you upgrade also. It will really help the turts to have it right now.

BTW why are you comfortable with your turt not being comfortable?

[da sAUCE!]

dude. get a UVB bulb and some cuttlebone. like, now. there's no question. your turts NEED it. ok?

[marisa]

Actually, they'll probably get more UVB rays from an hour in the sun on a bright day than 12 hours of an artificial UVB light (although the mercury vapor bulbs do give out significantly more UVB rays than regular UVB lights). The sun emits much stronger UVB rays than a bulb.

If you can take your turtles out several times a week for a few hours each time in the summer, this should suffice for their UVB needs. The problem is doing it on a consistent basis--the weather may not cooperate and you might not have the time to do it regularly (and even if you could, you won't be able to do it for 6 months unless you're in a really warm climate) . Getting a UVB light would be best.

A turtle doesn't know if the light is a UVB one or not, so the issue is not whether they'd be more comfortable with one; they'll happily bask under a light that produces no UVB rays at all as too many turtle keepers allow them to do (they're after the heat). But in time, without sufficient Vit D3 (which is what the UVB are converted into), they won't be able to absorb the calcium in their diet, and are at risk of developing metabolic bone disease (aka soft shell disease). The disease is a major killer of young aquatic turtles. It would seem to make sense (and possibly avert future health problems) to just get a UVB light to help prevent this from happening.

[bradhart]

I'm confused... should the UVB light be over the basking area? or is it okay to have it over the water? I know a small screen will filter out the UVB rays, but it's okay over the water, right?

[steve]

i like to keep mine over the basking area since water also blocks some uv waves.

[lydia_lady_fla]

hi boo
to add to what the others said may I ask if you are waiting to upgrade in 6 mths b caz of the pet store or is it more than that? the reason I ask is you do not have to wait my little baby is in a 30 gall.tank shes 1.5 in size and loves every inch and depth I can give her! I worried that she might get to far away and to tired to swim back to the safty of her basking area ha ha not a chance and the forum assured me she would not drowned either, so I have already made big plans to make her a much larger area already. I know she is ok in a 30 gall. but Im not going to wait to upgrade all at once, would kill my pocket book. starting now gives me the leasure to build slow easy and create. so get the proper bulb now and work steady on their new home as you can read the stickys and information here and in 6 mnths you will be done probably (are we ever really done with our pets home improvement projects ) any way just a suggestion and to let you know you dont have to wait for size of 2 turts to put the demand on you..... trust me that will come.

[bradhart]

lydia, that is what I'm doing. I got a 50 gal long tank, then got a uvb, then finally a basking light to replace the incandecent. I'm working on decorations now. tank, lighting and filtration are the most important, and most expensive things to worry about-- water temp too

[lydia_lady_fla]

your right bradhart and I forgot to add a themometer to the needy list thnx for the reminder. I figure ya can have fun making your pet healthy and happy or you can s-t-r-e-s-s out. I personally will never own any animal that I can not do right by,with turtles many never knew what all it involved including myself so educate yourself and work towards doing all you can (sounds like a motto to me )

[Boo018]

Everyone!

BTW why are you comfortable with your turt not being comfortable?

Just to let everyone know, I'm not comfortable with the fact that my turtles are uncomfortable. If I wasn't worried or uncomfortable with the thought of leaving my turtles without a UVB light then I wouldn't being writing this post. Furthermore, while everyone was replying to my post (thank you for all the great and helpful responses), my sister's boyfriend said that he has an extra lamp that uses UVB light. So I'll most likely be using his for the time being. Anyhow, thanks a bunch everyone for your comments. They are really helpful!

[Boo018]

Hey Lydia!
I love your idea. The only problem I have is that I'm currently laid off from work. So I'm really tight with my cash right now. I'm saving and once I get a chance... I'm upgrading everything all at once. I'm planning to upgrade to something... BIG!

[bradhart]

my 1.5 inch res is in a 50 gal long tank now, and already I want to go as big as I can... but he just doesn't need it yet.... and as I'm typing this, he's trying to get on the turt dock by climbing over the side as opposed to using the ramp... *sigh* silly turtle

[lydia_lady_fla]

yes the more you read and learn and watch the BIGGER you want to go, if your like me I dream of all kinda pretty ponds to make and decorate. wonder why we pay for the little things sometimes, I mean with the homes God has already made for em why do we have the need to capture and immate what is already soooooooo perfect for all their many needs? I guess to answer my own question is that creatures were created for the pleasures of mankind and food etc......most, absolutly love a pet of some sort or other so to do this we must learn and provide right pets even old hard shelled ones tend to bring a soft spot to a persons life