General Care Discussion :: basking light

[patom1]

should i leave the light on all night, I have a water turtle and the water is heated

[flyjawn]

no you're trying to mimic nature so the light should be off at night.

[emma]

Yes, the light should be on for 12 hours, off for 12 hours.

[mikee]

pat-1 -- emma and Flyjaw are correct! I use a timer and duplicate the daylight outside. Your turtles need the dark to sleep. If you don't they will get confused and you may find them sleeping during the day and vice versa. If you want to cut on the light for an hour or two to enjoy them at night that would be okay. Just remember to cut off the light!

[industrial_girl_2000]

What kind of "water turtle" do you have? Can you post a picture?

Everyone is right: turtles like to sleep in the dark so you don't need to leave the light on all night.