Habitat - Indoor :: How much sun is enough sun

[willlah]

Hello guys!
I have a hatchling red ear slider, i set its tank next to the window but sun doesnt shine in all the time. I'm wondering how much sun is enough sun for a hatchling red ear slider.
I have a uva bulb set up, i'm wondering if i need a uvb light and a ceremic heater set up. which is more imporant since the tank is set up right next to the window. should the heat be on 24/7?
Thanks guys!

[Starchick]

You absolutely need a uvb bulb. Window glass almost completely blocks out uvb rays, and if it has to pass through the window and the tank glass, your turtle probably isn't receiving any at all. Most people here use the reptisun 5.0.

It's also really not a good idea to have your tank near a window. Sunlight will cause rapid temperature shifts in the water, which isn't safe for your turtle. Move the tank out of direct sunlight, and use a water heater to keep the water temperature at about 78-80 degrees for a hatchling.

You don't need a ceramic heater. For the basking spot all you need is the uvb bulb for uvb rays, and a regular lightbulb for heat and light. Leave them on for 10-12 hours a day. Use a thermometer to make sure your basking spot is around 90-95 degrees.

Hope this makes sense!

[steve]

Hi, your turtle does not benefit from having the tank next to the window. Beneficial UVB rays are completely filtered out by glass, you will have much greater chances of algae problems and small tanks (I'd say 40 gallons and under) will have water temperatures fluctuate too great and too often. Open windows increase chances of cool breezes and drafts that can cause respiratory illness. Window screens also block much of the UVB.

Since you have a hatchling, its more important to have accurate and consistent temperatures. I'd recommend a water heater to keep it around 78F, a regular bulb for heat (basking area carefully measured to be around 90F) and a fluorescent UVB bulb. UV and basking lights should be off at night, the water heater should always be plugged in, it should have a thermostat so you can just leave it alone.

[willlah]

Thanks guys! I do have a water heater and I just bought a UVB light for it. I live in a small apartment and I don't really have another place for the tank, I don't open the window thats in front of it and it doesn't really get direct sunlight. I will try to keep the shades closed in the morning just in case since I'll be at work anyways.

Thanks again!