the lamp i have gets very warm so i think it would work but i want to ask people that know more about the other lamps and turtles.
2007-06-08 07:41:25 · 6 answers · asked by sabercat700 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
i did not buy the turtle we took it from someone so it does not die, it came from a lake and until it can go back i want to keep it alive.
2007-06-08 11:06:47 · update #1
No, they need both UVA and UVB lighting with neither is produced from a regular lamp. UVA/heat lamps made specifically for reptiles are needed to help stimulate activity and heat the basking area. UVB bulbs are crucial because the turtle can't metabolize calcium and can't create or metabolize vitamin D3 without it which prevents metabolic bone disease which is deadly. These are spendy but last 6 months each. Without the UVB you are basically poisoning your turtle as it can't use any of the nutrients in it's food.
2007-06-08 10:57:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The basking spot needs to be 90 F, so you will probably need a proper heating lamp. If you're worried about cost, most hardware stores will sell lamp fixtures for about $10-15, which work just as well as the more expensive ones you buy at the pet store. Heat bulbs only cost about $5-10.
2007-06-08 15:16:25 · answer #2 · answered by nymphetamine1978 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to keep the water up to about 75-80F. If a lamp works, that is OK- but it probably won't really do the job.
I suspect your water space is too small as well. Even if it is a baby turtle, it should be in at least a 10 gallon tank- usually a 20L is better.
For a lot of good care info, try http://www.austinsturtlepage.com
2007-06-08 22:55:54 · answer #3 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could work, but the fact that you are asking tells me that you are unwilling to spend the extra money for your turtles. keep in mind that buying the turtles is taking on a responsibility and if you are unwilling to take proper care of them maybe you shouldn't have them. monitor the temperatures of the desk lamp but still use the heating lamp until you are sure that the desk lamp will work and give off enough heat, because they were not designed to provide heat.
2007-06-08 15:58:21 · answer #4 · answered by Marie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the lamp makes the basking spot warm enough that's fine. But turtles also need UV light to process certain vitamins that it needs to survive. A desk lamp will not give you these essential UV rays. You need a special UV bulb made for reptiles.
2007-06-08 17:15:16 · answer #5 · answered by Boober Fraggle 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, im not a expert about turtle, but maybe you should go to the store you bought he/she from and ask someone what type of lamp your should use because you dont want it to be too cold or too warm for he/she.
2007-06-08 14:46:25 · answer #6 · answered by strawberry 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋