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Lighting question

PostPosted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 3:20 pm
by 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?

PostPosted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 6:49 pm
by 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.

PostPosted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:42 pm
by 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.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:14 pm
by 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. :)