Habitat - Indoor :: Need turtle help...

[Turtle-Turtle]

Hello,
I am very new to this and I have researched a bit on this forum...but can't find a definite answer.

I have 2 1"-1.5" RES's in a 10 gallon tank (I know but it is just for the moment to make sure they are going to survive the trip i took back from FL to VA, and while I am searching for a larger tank)

Currently I have a 50W zoomed basking spot lamp about 8" above the basking spot and they seem to love it. I know I need a UVB lamp also but I don't exactly have much room so I can trying to consolidate as much as possible. I am thinking of getting a zoomed UVB http://www.zoomed.com/html/compacts.php light... From what it says on th e packaging in the picture it is a full spectrum light that also emits 32% UVA.

Can I use this one bulb for a basking and UVB bulb?

If Not...

Will you please suggest a good dual purpose bulb?

Thanks,
Brandon

[sonyj]

No, the bulb you linked to will not emit enough heat to entice them to bask. Many keepers have to use two bulbs - a regular household bulb for heat and a UVB bulb that produces 5-10% UVB rays. Both of these are extremely important for their health.

The dual bulbs (mercury vapor bulbs) are only recommended for tanks above 50 gallons due to the amount of heat they produce. Try placing the heat bulb on one end of the tank aimed at the basking area and the UVB bulb at the other end over the basking area. Smaller tanks are harder to keep the correct quality of care that your turtles need, so the larger the tank you can get now will help them and you as well.

[jenaero]

If you're upgrading to a 50gal or larger, the TRex Active UV heat bulb is good. That, and the Powersun. I get mine from petsmart.com

[Turtle-Turtle]

Thanks, I think I'll just get rid of the big 8.5" clamp-lamp and get two 5" ones to handle the basking light and the UVB light.

The tank will be changed out...The problem is, I am living at home right now, getting ready to go to State Police Academy in VA and my fiance lives in Ohio at the moment. We are going to move the turtles to her house in a 20 gallon tank and then after I graduate school in 8 months we will move together in Northern VA where we will get a larger tank. The room is preventing it at the exact moment, though.

P.S.- Do you all leave your lamps on all day, like when you go to work? If it get too hot will the turtles move to the water?


Brandon

[missibsu]

Welcome to the forum, and not that this has anything to do with this post, but where in Ohio? I'm from just east of Columbus!

Good luck getting everything set up. And if you are transporting them in the car, or by plane, read some of the posts on here concerning traveling with a turtle. There is a lot of good information.

[Turtle-Turtle]

Welcome to the forum, and not that this has anything to do with this post, but where in Ohio? I'm from just east of Columbus!

Good luck getting everything set up. And if you are transporting them in the car, or by plane, read some of the posts on here concerning traveling with a turtle. There is a lot of good information.

Thanks...

She lives in a little town called Newcomerstown. About 30-40 minutes south of Canton and about 20 minutes north of I70 ( i believe) where you cut over from I77 to Columbus!

[missibsu]

I've heard of it...but I also live in a small little town call Newark. The only thing we are known for is our huge oversized office building that looks like a basket aka Longaberger.

[Turtle-Turtle]

I've heard of it...but I also live in a small little town call Newark. The only thing we are known for is our huge oversized office building that looks like a basket aka Longaberger.

Oh yeah, I have been through there several times. That building is pretty cool. We actually took the tour throught he factory that is down the road a bit. It is cool how they make those baskets.


Not to change the subject again, but do you leave your bulbs burning all day? I was just kind of leary about doing that...Afraid of a fire.

[missibsu]

Make sure that they are secure. That's the best advice I can give. I leave mine go all day...usually abouy 12 hours.

[Turtle-Turtle]

Last question folks...

Sorry for such a dumb question.

Would you recommend going with two clamp lamps, one with the basking spot and one with the UVB bulb or could I use a single fixture like this one>>> http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.ph ... cts_id=875 With a reptisun 5 in one side and a light bulb in the other?

Teh single fixture would be nice but being new, I am not sure what peoples'opinions are of these.

[sonyj]

That fixture would be fine as long as it's directly over the basking area with nothing between the bulbs and basking dock (glass, plastic, screen). If you need to use a screen then be sure the holes are around 1/2 inch large as not to filter out the UVB rays.

And yes, your turtles need their lights on all day (average 12 hours). They need a day/ night cycle. Many keepers make sure they are secure and then just set them on timers to come on and go off at the same time everyday.