General Care Discussion :: how long in the sun

[raverqueenage]

So i put Hurley in a big rubbermade and set him outside. It's a lower one, but I cut the middle part of the lid out so the sun can shine, but since the sides tilt in, he can't climb out. I also put some egg crate over the top just incase and have a heavy enough plant pot to hold it in place. There is enough water to cover his shell and a container for him to climb on and bask.

How long can he stay out in the sun? Half the tub is slightly shaded so he can cool off and the other half is super sunny. It's also almost about 70+ degrees so it's nice and warm (no temp shock when I took him out).

With it getting warmer out and us getting full sun on the balcony I wanted to take advantage of that for him. My mother in law has two babies (sis in law got them from china town for the kids...boo at her for that, but she didnt know any different) and mom in law put them in a container in the window in the sun and they are looking FABULOUS. Seriously, for a lady never owning turts before they look great. Shells are even and smooth. Really nice.

Hurley is our little Dude and want him to be healthy and happy. He is enjoying the view of the birds eating from the feeders above him (not directly over him so no worry on the seeds falling in the water). At first he got scared but now he is just swimming and starring at them. LOL.

Thanks for any input you all can give on sun bathing. He has a mercury vapor and all, but you can't beat natural sunlight.

[SpotsMama]

I agree on the natural sun. It's the gold standard.

How long he can stay in the sun is a function of temperature. The setup you describe sounds like one that could overheat easily. Have you taken the temperature inside - water and basking temps? Take the temp very frequently and see how it goes. If it's not overheating, then there's really no limit on how long Hurley can stay out. If it's getting hot in the tub, and it may as the summer season progresses, then you must make sure and take Hurley in so he doesn't over heat.

[steve]

The sun is getting real strong on the east coast. I recommend an infrared temp gun (about $20) to quickly measure temperatures.

How many gallons is the Rubbermaid?

[imderanged]

I got one on ebay, and it was a really smart investment!

[raverqueenage]

How many gallons is the Rubbermaid?

You know, I have no idea. It's not huge but he can swim a around bit. and there was room to put another tupperware upsidedown for him to bask on (and he did use it) it has low sides on it. more surface area then hight.

I will get one of those temp guns though. don't want him over heating.

[steve]

I picked up the PE -1 Temp Gun on eBay.

It's field of view is 1:1 -- which means the tip needs to be about 1" away for an accurate reading but it gives it to you in 1 second.