Habitat - Indoor :: Operation Humane

[Kallistos]

Well, I've been keeping my two male turtles in a 20 gallon "turtle tank" which as I realize now is very inhumane. Don't trust the employees at your local pet shop is what I learned.

Now I plan on putting these two turtles in a 125 gallon glass aquarium, 72x18. Use 2 XP3 filters. A stainless steel heater and I'll provide places for them to get out of the water and a basking spot. I'll use a 125 gallon ESU tank mesh.

What I'm confused about is the lighting. I want to be able to do the lighting without using tube lights. Would I be able to use a Repti-Basking Spot Lamp for the basking light? If so, what wattage? I can hang it from any distance above the tank. But, what about for the rest of the tank area? I know they need UVB light. Can I use the Repti-Sun 5.0 Compact for the rest of the tank area? It can be found HERE

I'll continue posting questions I have in this thread. Any help is extremely appreciated.

[marisa]

With a 125-gallon tank, I think you'd (and your turtles) would be better off with a combination UVB/UVA mercury vapor bulb. I have one hanging over the basking area of my RES's 110-gallon stock tank. These lights provide everything---UVB rays, UVA rays and heat. For added light, I have an adjustable floor lamp on the opposite end of the stock tank. Probably the most well-known of the MVBs are the Powersun (by Zoo-Med) and the Active UVHeat bulb (by T-Rex). Of the two, I prefer the latter.

[Kallistos]

I trust Zoo-Med, so what wattage of the Powersun should I get? Also, is that the ONLY bulb I need in my tank? How far away is the bulb from your tank, meaning what's the distance between your tank mesh and the bulb? Do you just keep it sitting on the mesh or is it elevated? Finally, for the rest of the tank what kind of light should I provide?

[Kallistos]

I understand now. I plan on gettin the 160 watt Powersun floob bulb and put it over my basking area. I'll adjust the distance from the tank until I get the correct temperature. For the rest of the tank if the flood lamp isn't gettin all of the tank i'll just put one of my regular yellow lamps near it. Does this sound good? Will my turtles be getting enough UVA and UVB?

Thanks again for the help!

[Kallistos]

Another question, will the light cause the top of the water to become extremely hot? Is this a good set-up, someone please answer. sorry for being so impatient



What's wrong with the Rept-sun basking lamp above the basking area, and the repti-sun 5.0 compact over the rest of the tank so they get their UVB? I'm just curious..

[marisa]

You said you didn't want to use tubes (the Reptisun UVB tubes are reputed to be quite good, btw). The UVB output diminishes drastically with distance (a conventional UVB light like the Reptisum 5.0 compact should be 6-8 inches from your basking turtle)---how many UVB rays do you think you're turtles are going to get if you use a Reptisun 5.0 compact flourescent over the tank as general lighting? (hint: almost 0)

If you want to don't want to use a combination UVB mercury vapor light and go with clamp lamps, both the basking light (a regular lightbulb is fine) and the UVB light should be clamped over the basking area.

I suggested the combination MVB because it does it all (and I like minimal wiring). The water will around the basking area will be warmer than it would be further away from it. You need to follow the directions for distance (should come with the light) and check the temp with a thermometer to be sure they're OK. Good luck if you get a Powersun (the T-Rex bulb has a better reputation and uses state-of-the-art technology). Save your receipt just in case...

[Kallistos]

What wattage flood of the T-rex should I get? Also, yet another question..how far away from the basking area do you have your MVB lamp? I'll pinpoint mine but I'd like to start with a general starting point.

Thanks, I don't mind getting the T-rex MVB if it's better

[marisa]

The wattage will determine how far away the bulb should be, and instructions should come with the T-Rex that will give you wattages and recommended distances. Also check the basking area temp with a thermometer to make sure the temp is OK. I have used both 100-watt and 160-watt bulbs. When I had the 100-watt, my RES was in a 55-gallon Rubbermaid. I remember I had to increase the distance of the bulb from the basking area a few inches because my RES wouldn't bask (too warm--he likes the temp at around 88F).

I have to tell you these types of bulbs are fragile, so keep your receipt if you get the T-Rex one as well. The Powersun seems to have longevity issues, at least according to a number of people who have had them. My first Active UVHeat bulb lasted about two months, but was replaced by the mfgr. The replacement lasted well, though, and was still working when I replaced it after a year (the recommended length of time for replacing). They also can overheat and go out. If this happens, turn the bulb off and let it sit for about 10 minutes to cool, then turn it on. If it doesn't go on, you know you have a problem. To minimize problems, use a ceramic fixture with a larger dome (I use 10-inch ones) that has holes around the top to allow the heat to escape (most do).

[Kallistos]

Thanks so much, I don't have any more lighting questions! I'll try the 100 watt flood and I can increase the distance as much as I want. Thanks a ton marisa!

[marisa]

Forgot to mention that you should try to buy the bulb on-line or at least try to price match. If you buy from an on-line retailer, it will be significantly cheaper.