General Care Discussion :: Do you really need night lights for turtles?

[doglovin]

Hi everyone. I have a combo light right now with a place for 2 basking bulbs, a UVB flourescent, and on the other end of the basking area, 2 night light bulbs. Do you really need to give turtles that light at night? I'm asking because I am changing their set up to be more efficient and am wondering if ridding of the night lights would be detrimental in any way. Thanks so much!

[1981camaroz28]

Here is the deal with night lighting AKA moon lighting. My light has 3 stages to emulate 24 hours. At night when they are in the wild there is moonlight which they associate with sleeping. That's the reason they designed these new lighting systems which I think are great. Hope that helps.

[Vtolds]

^right... but not needed. Most dont use night lighting, you just dont need it. As long as it is light during the day and dark at night that should be enough to keep them on a normal schedule for sleeping. Remember unless you have a wild RES or you keep them outside part of the year, your RES has probably never seen the moon or stars or the actual sun so they have no need for the fake moon light. All you need is a UVA and UVB over the basking area and you are good to go.

[Chrisbarnett]

I doubt mine would even sleep with a moonlight bulb. The second any light is on he's up.

[Bascomb]

dog-l --- I am not too sure that the night-light is not for us humans. I think if makes us feel good. I know there are stars and the moon out, but not necessary.

[1981camaroz28]

I am assuming everyone who replied has never seen them before. They are small LED light's you can hardly see them. And in the wild or not you can't change the natural instinct of Turtles just putting them in a tank. The lights were created to emulate the wild which I hope we are all trying to do so they are happy.

[Vtolds]

^if it makes you feel any better my tank is lit from the bottom 24 hours a day. It doesn't seem to affect my turtles sleeping habits.

[1981camaroz28]

OK I feel better now I can sleep

[doglovin]

Hey everyone. It's always great to get input from you guys, and I appreciate it. Guess there's nothing wrong with nixing the night lights from what I can tell, though differing opinions are all appreciated!

[TheComputerGremlin]

Ultimately they aren't necessary, but if it's something that you want, you can keep them. I don't have a night light and my turtle is perfectly happy sleeping through the night.

[marisa]

I agree. If night lighting makes you feel good and you want to spend the money, then use them. But, they're not necessary.

[doglovin]

Thanks guys. I honestly don't think it makes me feel better, and certainly don't need so spend the extra dough! It just came with the combo light, which of course figured I needed it! Which reminds me, please see my new post on the combo light dilemma! Appreciate you all! Val