General Care Discussion :: Cermic Heater on 24/7 fine?

[Sen5es]

I just bought a Cermic Heater

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... Id=2752658

Since it doesn't emit light, can I leave it on shining the basking area 24/7?

[jozzep]

You can but why?It would only raise your electric bill.

[Sen5es]

Then I wouldn't have to buy a water heater. Because with the ceramic on, my water temperature is around 28-30 degrees already. With it off at night, it drops to around 22-23 degrees.

[BullDog]

The water temp at 28-30 is quite high, even for hatchlings. If that's water temp, what's the basking temp? It sounds like you might need to move the heater further away from the basking area. You don't want cook your turtles! For hatchlings, the water temp should be 25-26C. For adults, 22-24 is good.

[Sen5es]

So does that mean that I'll never need a water heater? Since room temperature is always around 22-24?

I thought the water heater was recommended :s

[theartbook35]

I put my ceramic heater right on the border between the basking spot and the water.

It heats the water to 75, and the basking area to about 85-87.

The ceramic I have is supposed to heat the basking spot (which it is pointed towards the most) to between 15 and 20 degrees higher than room temperature. My apartment usually stays at a constant 70-ish.

Honestly, if you can figure out a way to keep that water at the correct, constant temperature without a water heater, then you don't need one. My tank is very small. However, much, much larger tanks, like 30 gallons or more, need a water heater.

[Sen5es]

Alright, thank you very much. I am currently using a 10gal tank but it is only a 1.5inch water deep because it is still a baby turtle.

[Caphits]

There is no need to leave the ceramic heater on all the time. Turtles sleep underwater, so it doesnt really even do anything.

The warmness of the water will keep the air above it warm enough even if the room is slightly chilly (in the 60s. Any lower you should have a blanket or something on the tank)

[theartbook35]

There is no need to leave the ceramic heater on all the time. Turtles sleep underwater, so it doesnt really even do anything.

The warmness of the water will keep the air above it warm enough even if the room is slightly chilly (in the 60s. Any lower you should have a blanket or something on the tank)

I tried something similar once, by putting a wooden lid over the majority of the top of the tank, with a ace for air. The water got really frigid so I had to turn the lamp back on.

My turtles seem to really like sleeping with their heads and front feet resting on the edge of the basking dock. I don't like to mess with their routines too much, at their age I like them to have a lot of stability.

Considering where I live, besides my computer and TV, we don't really use a lot of electricity, and it's not running up the bill, so far.

[Sen5es]

theartbook35, did you end up getting a water heater? Or do you leave the ceramic bulb on all night?

[theartbook35]

theartbook35, did you end up getting a water heater? Or do you leave the ceramic bulb on all night?

Right now, I leave the bulb on all night.

When I get a bigger tank, I'm getting a water heater.

[Caphits]

Does anyone have any recommendations for an inexpensive submersible low watt heater?

[theartbook35]

Does anyone have any recommendations for an inexpensive submersible low watt heater?

I saw this recently: http://www.petdiscounters.com/Ekip-Heat ... -p257.html

I haven't bought it, so, I have no idea how good it works. It's interesting though.

[steve]

A ceramic heater should not be used to regulate or maintain water temperatures. It can not do so effectively and is not designed for that application. They are also expensive and not as reliable as other options.

A good submersible heater from a reputable brand does not cost much more that a generic heater, usually just a few dollars more. Stick to the main brands, you'll also have a warranty to go back to.