General Care Discussion :: UVB Bulb & Heat Lamp?

[miszshirleeny]

I was just wondering if it is necessary to have both a UVB bulb and heat lamp for the basking area? and what is the heat lamp for? i currently only have a uvb bulb for the basking area, and my turtle doesnt seem to have any problems with that. he loves to climb onto his dock and bask! if anyone could let me know, i'd appreciate it!

[tammi]

My uvb bulbs put out very little heat. And that's why you need the heat lamp. Should have the basking area 10 degrees or so warmer than the water.

[bover907]

I've read that a heat lamp helps their shell dry out which is necessary reason for basking, besides soaking up UV. Drying out the shell helps prevent shell rot.

I've also read that the heat lamp is used to encourage the turtle to bask. Also it's for your turtle's temperature regulation.

I've read that you don't necessarily need a "Heat" lamp, but a regular household incandescent bulb (the regular kind, not a CFL) will do.

I keep typing "I've read" because I am new at this myself. My heat lamp was pretty cheap at the pet store and I just have it aiming at the spot on the basking area that is right below the UV light.

[untsmurf]

bover is correct. And I recommend the house bulb!

[dmbcskater]

what would be a good uv light to start with

[marisa]

It can depend on the ambient air temp in the room the turtle is in. When I used two lights (UVB and heat source), in the summer, when the room one of my turtles was in got quite warm, I would turn off the basking light and he would just bask under the UVB light. In cool weather and the cooler months, though, both lights are necessary (a basking area temp of 88 - 90F is good.)