Habitat - Indoor :: Can I put my UVB light here?

[RedZz]

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]

[RedZz]

Whoops, try this.

[steve]

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?

[RedZz]

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.

[steve]

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.

[RedZz]

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?

[steve]

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.

[RedZz]

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.

[steve]

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.

[RedZz]

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?

[steve]

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.

[RedZz]

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?

[steve]

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

[RedZz]

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.

[steve]

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.