General Care Discussion :: UVB Lamp & Lighting

[AV]

Hi there!

I was just wondering how long I should be leaving the UVB light on for my turtle?

Also, at night, should I leave any light on? or do they prefer darkness??

cheers!

[missibsu]

Lights should be on a day night schedule. A lot of people try to keep them on a schedule that is a lot like we experience...that means longer hours in the summer and shorter in the winter...for people in the US. Basically if you stick to 12 on and 12 off, you'll be fine.

[AV]

wow! thanks for the quick reply!

how about the UVB light???

[missibsu]

both of my lights are on the same schedule. The UVB needs to be with the heat, or your turt won't be encouraged to bask. My lights are actually on a timer so I don't have to mess with them.

[AV]

THANKS!

and should the UVB light be at a certain distance from the water? because my lamp is a clip-on (clipped on the side of the tank).... i don't want my baby to cook!

[missibsu]

UVB should be no closer to the basking area than 6 inches, although most keepers try to keep closer to 10 inches. The heat light should be adjusted accordingly so that the basking area is 10 degrees warmer.

Are there any screens or glass between the basking area and the light?

[AV]

nope, no screen or glass....

**I just measured the distance..it's 8-10 inches away from the basking area.....**