Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 3:37 pm Re: New Owner here!
According to Exo-Terra, the manufacturer of your UVB bulb, its maximum effective range is 12" so I would want it placed within that range. I have the same bulb and have had mine set at 9" from the surface of the basking area for some time now and it has worked out fine.
The other bulb provides the heat that will entice your turtle to bask. You want to set its height so that the air temperature of the basking area is about 10 degrees higher than the water temperature. You'll want to get a little round thermometer that you can attach to the glass next to the basking area and raise/lower this light until you get the right air temperature. By the way, I prefer my water temperature be at about 78 degrees with the basking area at about 90. I would not want my water temperature to go below 75 degrees at any time.
-- Mike
RES: Thor - 2"
