General Care Discussion :: soft shell question

[CV Cream]

I was wondering if turtles don't have a uv light, is this the cause of soft shell? if not, what is? thanks.

[CountryGirl68]

Not having UVB light can cause soft shell because turtles need the uvb rays to process the calcium in their foods, which helps develop healthy shells.

[CV Cream]

The bulb i have says UVA, does that give the same benefiets? and my lamp is about 14 inches away from the basking rock, and i feel the rock is not warm or anything, do the rays still get to the rock regardless of how far away the lamp is?

[missibsu]

UVA and UVB are not the same thing. You need to have a UVB light, or make sure that your turtle is getting outside several times a week for sunlight. There are different kinds of UVB lights, and they are recommended at different lengths from the basking area...it depends on the type you get. The heat light/UVA needs to be close enough that it heats your basking area to about 10 degrees warmer than your water temp. If you have to move it so close to the basking area that it risks being splashed, then you will want to try a higher wattage.

[CV Cream]

Ok, i'll check out the UVB lights tommorow, and try to get a higher wattage, Thanks!