General Care Discussion :: Lighting question

[stubborncuss]

so, i have a UVB? (heat lamp) and a UVA? (florescent lamp) (i get the A and B parts mixed up all the time), but anyways, is it safe to keep the Heat lamp on for 12 hours, like normal, and keep the florescent lamp on 24/7 ? Im asking because the tank is within eyesight in the bedroom, and the florescent lamp makes a perfect night light.

Am i harming the turtles by having the florescent light on always?

[grey goose]

Well, you should have "lights out" after about 12 hours. I sometimes cheat and leave the basking light on a little longer if they are still basking, but for the most part, 12 on, 12 off is the way to go, it mimics the day/night cycle.

[steve]

Since a UVA/UVB lights need to be close to the tank, it is not a good idea to have it on longer than 12hrs. You still need a water heater as a heat lamp is not an effective or reliable way to regulate water temperatures.

[marisa]

The UVB light is flourescent, the heat light is not. Turtles need to sleep in the dark like humans, at least not have a bright light on all night. They will likely be active with the light on, and their sleep cycle will be disturbed.

If you want a night light for yourself, they are quite cheap to buy.