redearslider.com

so i am real confused by all the different lighting. Currently have 1x fluorescent tube behind the tank (just so I can see in the tank as I know light doesnt pass through glass), 1 x infrared heat lamp, and 1x basking lamp http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... :IT&ih=020 is this ok ???

really you need a heat lamp (basking lamp) and a uvb. the uvb bulbs will either be a fluorescent tube, or a compact fluorescent. if it doesnt say UVB on the box than its not a uvb bulb. so that bulb will heat the basking area but it will not give off UVB.

neil20055, you should get a better understanding by reading the main site info regarding lighting here; http://www.redearslider.com/lighting.html & here; http://www.redearslider.com/light_sources.html

Basically you are missing the most important light source, UVB, which for turtles aids with the absorption of calcium. A separate heat lamp and a separate daylight lamp is not necessary but OK if you already have them. Many daylight bulbs which provide UVA also provide heat, consequently a separate infrared heat lamp is not really required for turtles. They are used mostly for other pets (such as bearded dragons) that prefer (or require) night time heat to simulate desert environments.

You need one UVB light and one heat light. Both go over the basking area. That's all you need to have for it.

PcBuilder14 wrote:You need one UVB light and one heat light. Both go over the basking area. That's all you need to have for it.

Provided that he keeps the Sun Glo (which provides daylight/UVA and heat) he just needs to replace the infrared heating lamp with a dedicated UVB lamp.

ok so have just bought a UVB light (little fluorescent tube bulb) am going to swap the basking lamp for this. Need the infrared heat lamp as am in UK so not always very warm!

Yeah as far as I know that will work.

neil20055 wrote:Need the infrared heat lamp as am in UK so not always very warm!

Your water heater should be able to maintain the water temp without an infrared heat lamp, or are you using the heat lamp instead of a water heater? If so, just check to make sure that your basking area is about 10-12 degrees warmer than the water temp so that your turtle can regulate his body temperature between the two.

Check the main site basking area info if you need more details of recommended temps, etc.