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So I'm thinking I'm going to get a mega-ray UVB to put in a socket attached to the ATBA I'm going to make once we get a bigger tank for him, but I'm not sure how high I should make the sides? Reason being, as I understand it the bulb needs to be 12-18 inches away from the top of the turtle's shell, but since he's a little dude right now I'm not sure how much "taller" hermans going to get by the time it's grown up.

So would it probably work if I made it with the bulb 15 inches or so away from the bottom and then just let grow into it? Don't want to have to make 2.

you could just suspend the light from the ceiling and raise it if u need to. and the height, id make it at least as high as ur turtle is standing on the back legs just in case u have an escape artist

My turtle is almost 6" and my ATBA walls are about 12" high. He can't get out. Once he grows bigger, if I see he can reach the top, my idea was to cover the top with some kind of mesh/eggcrate or something. He's ok for now.

the 60w Externally Ballasted and 100w Internally Ballasted Mega-Ray MVBs both have a minimum distance of 12 inches (from the top of the turtle's shell). That is a MINIMUM. Beware that MVBs are professional bulbs and you should do your research before purchasing to make sure it is right for you.

Additionally, MVB bulbs should not be used on tank with a capacity below 55 gallons.