how long should i keep my turtles UV light on? when should i put their heat lamp on?

Answer 1

Here is a good article on it: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articles/guidetolighting.htm

Basically, leave UV-B on all day and use heat lamps whenever needed for proper temp control.

Answer 2

Your UVB bulb should only be on for 12 hours a day. It simulates the sun and there are no UVB rays at night. Your heat lamp, depending on the color of the bulb will vary. If it is any color but red or blue/purple it is turned off at the same time. Infrared and ultraviolet bulbs can be left on 24 hours because it will not disrupt their normal sleeping patterns. If you are doing water turtles, ie red ear sliders, you also have to have a water heater to keep the water warm. If land turtles, ie Box turtles, a small bowl and a basking spot, and an under the tank heater that way you can still have an ambient temp even if your basking light is turned off. Desert turtle, properly tortoise, ie Leopards or Sulcatas need the basking light on all the time because they live in the desert. They get most of their water from the food they eat and only need to be soaked in water once a week for good measure.

Answer 3

Heat lamp with uva bulb and flourescent uvb light should be on for 12 hours a day. They need both on at the same time.