General Care Discussion :: Some questions

[adam85491]

One bulb will emit heat. This bulb may be a regular household bulb or a special reptile bulb. It will say it emits UVA but basically it is just for heat. If you are using clamp lamps you will need another clamp lamp or a total of two. In this clamp lamp will be a special, more expensive UVB bulb. It will say it emits UVA but basically it doesn not emit much heat at all, hence the reason you need two fixtures and two compact bulbs.

The only case you will not have two bulbs is when you are using a Mercury Vapor Bulb (MVB) which is only recommended to use on tanks above 55 gallons. This special bulb emits both the proper amount of UVB but also a lot of heat and should be placed in a ceramic fixture that allows a lot of wattage and be placed about one foot away from the basking area.

[kmichael55]

Yes, you need a basking lamp for heat and your UVB lamp.

[Opus]

Hey everyone!!!!

OPUS'S PIC'S!

Link

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... 6149#96149

[kmichael55]

Opus, how deep is the water in that tank?? It looks to be about an inch or so deep, you could definitely increase the water level to make your little turtle happier and allow him to swim.

[Opus]

I have 1.9 inches of water and he loves it.But I think I need too get a bigger rock if I am going too increase it.And my tank is just 40.1 cm long and 25.5 cm on the side and it's 27 cm tall.I can't really find any good rocks.

[adam85491]

You should get a zoomed floating dock..They will raise and fall with the water level and allows you to fill it up more. Not to be offensive-but I doubt he is having any fun in less than two inches of water.

[SpotsMama]

Hi Opus,

I agree with adam about the turtles needing more water. In the wild they live in big lakes and ponds where they love to dive and swim around. They are naturally quite active and really need the space. It's also good for them to have something like a plastic plant in the water that reaches to the surface so they can rest on it when they get tired of swimming.

Here are some options where basking platforms are concerned:

http://www.redearslider.com/index_lighting_basking.html

[Opus]

So how much water should I put in then?

[N4784N R4613]

As much as you can, without giving him room to escape.

[adam85491]

Well..I agree that you want to fill it up as much as possible without giving him room to escape; but also it is important to check out the link Spotsmama provided because if you do not have a proper basking area you will have dificulty filling it up very high as your current basking area only allows a minimal amount of water. Definetly get a commercial dock or ramp and check out the photo gallery on some home made basking areas.

[Opus]

I put 7cm of water now,is it good enough?because the basking area has too be dry or should I find better rocks?and is tetras mini water heater ok?and if I put it behind 6 big rocks will I still need a cover?and I don't want too buy something where I can just go outside and find it.And I will update the aquarium once he gets too big for it ok?it's big enough for a less than two inch turtle.So next tme I would probably get a 60cm tank or 90cm tank alright?

[adam85491]

Forget the rocks. Buy one of the commercial basking areas like the zoomed basking dock that way you know it is above the water level. As long as the turtle is not tall enough to stand up and get out off the basking area you don't need a cover but keep in mind covers need 1/4 inch holes at the least. Rocks really aren't the way to go, you can make a pvc pipe one but in my opinion just fork up the eight bucks for a real zoomed floating dock and it will take your troubles away for at least a little while. I don't know about the heater..buy a visitherm stealth.

[Opus]

Adam,I want you too know one thing!I don't live in america.You have too understand that!now I went too the store!they didn't have ANY floating stuff!I bought a basking light and some repto min!here is new pics

Link:

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10108

[marisa]

Opus, you're in Japan? If so, where? I used to buy some of my RES's supplies at Tokyu Hands. For a basking area I used to use driftwood and also made one out of a little plastic shelf that worked really well.

[adam85491]

I understand that..and if you can't order online, which would still be pretty cheap then I suggest taking a look at the photo gallery and getting creative. People have made an area out of an upside down tupperware container..this may not be an option if you have a small tank but get creative-use pvc..I just don't think a large rock is a good option when you could make a better one for like three dollars. And they do make commercial basking areas that don't float and are very good by the way..it doesn't have to float-I just reccomend that kind.