General Care Discussion :: O.K wow.. I am looking at to many lights here!!

[chrissy]

I have a red light

What lights do I need????

Please list them so I can get them ASAP!!

I put on one red light 8/h day

[missibsu]

I'm not sure what the red light is. I know that certain colored lights aren't good for your turtle, although off hand I can't tell you what ones or why.

For lighting, you will need a source of UVB and UVA with heat. There are many options you can use.

A fluorescent UVB can be placed in a light strip like you would see in a hood for an aquarium. They don't provide enough eat to entice basking, so it has to be supplimented with a light that does provide heat. A regular household bulb is fine. Wattage will depend on how far away the bulb is and how much heat it produces. Basking area should be 10 degrees warmer than your water temp.

You can get compact fluorescent bulbs, they fit in a normal lightbulb socket. They can go in a clamp light and can be more easily adjusted to your needs and wants. I believe these also have to be accompanied by a source of heat.

There are also mercury vapor bulbs. Since your set up is over 55 gallons, this is an option that provides the UVB, UVA, and heat. They are also more expensive, can be really hot, and have to go in a special ceramic fixture.

For ideas on what things may look like with different lighting styles, you can check out the photo gallery.

[megcornell]

you want a heat lamp (a normal light bulb will do) and a UVB light.

[chrissy]

The red light has lots of heat... the light stand I use is a metal desk lamp which is dangerous so I monitor it while it is on!!

I am in the midst of getting new things for my home and now have to get things for them.

Can't wait until they are complete..

How long did it take you to be happy with the set up?

[Hoooneylynn]

you should maybe get a more secure fixture for your light.. are you really going to be home for hours at a time to moniter that light? how many hours are you keeping it on a day? I keep my light on from 8 in the morning until like 5 at night, just like the sun...

[chrissy]

I work 9-5

I am out at 8:30-6PM (aprox) so thats how long it's on.

I plan on making a top or buying one in the next week.

I will get a lamp that they can bask on.. nothing I want more then for them to be happy!

I come home and put the lamp on until about 2 when I go to bed...

[Hoooneylynn]

I noticed in your other post you said "Basking area is always dry but I will have to re build the area to allow the rocks to remain higher and dry so I can make the wather level higher." I suggest you possibly get a zoo med floating dock, they come in all different sizes and it adjusts to the water lever. It sticks to your tank, and floats. It has a little ramp for the turtle to walk up too.. Its easy to clean. My turtle loves it. The large one is only like $30.00 I think. It's a possible option if you are worried about the rocks you have being high enough..eventually when the turtle grows 7+ inches you will need to make up your own basking area.. but those floating docks are nice

[Hoooneylynn]

Heres what it looks like:

[Hoooneylynn]

My turtle sleeps under it, and she feels secure under it Whenever we have visitors, or she gets scared, she swims under it really fast lol. Is your turtle basking yet? My turtle didn't bask for a few weeks after I got her, she was adjusting.. so don't be worried if you don't see yours basking right away.. also some turtles enjoy their privacy and they won't let you watch them bask.

[chrissy]

I bought one but it will only fit one or the 2 smaller ones
(not that much smaller)

How warm should the basking area be? Will I need a tempature gage for that or will a regular light be enough to keep that area warm with the UV light?

[missibsu]

I mentioned basking temps in my post above. About 10 degrees warmer than your water temp (assuming that your water temp is correct. Your basking temp should be around 90F. You will need a themometer to check the temps of the water and the basking area. The kind that stick on the tank are fine as long as you are double checking it, they aren't the most accurate. I use one of those and digital themometer.

[chrissy]

It must have slipped by while reading, thanks again missibsu!

[missibsu]

No problem, it's a slow day at school today...I have a full time aid and a teacher who left hardly anything for the kids to do.