General Care Discussion :: filter and heater question

[jbelcher08]

I just got my new baby (about the size of a 50 cent pc) and and getting a heater and filter today. my question is should the heater and filter be run 24 hours a day? or should it shut off with the lights on the timer? Thanks in advance.
Jason

[industrial_girl_2000]

Heater & filter need to run 24 hours a day. Lights should be off at night.

[marisa]

Reputable heaters have a build in thermostat and a control so that you can set the temp to what you want it to be (about 78F for a hatchling, low to mid 70's for an older turtle). When the water reaches the desired temp, the heater shuts off automatically and will go on again if the temp drops below that temp; in that way, the water is maintained at a constant temp. You just need to keep the heater plugged in. Get one that's fully submersible and keep it below the water level. Also, check the temp of the water with a thermometer and compare it with the temp you have the heater set for to see how accurate the heater is (some are more accurate than others).

Filter should be left running 24/7 to help maintain water quality and preserve beneficial bacteria (if you have a filter that has biomedia).