I have 2 baby RES turtles, in a ten gallon tank for now, and I went to the pet store looking for basking lights. The pet store owner told me that it was fine to get a 60 watt bulb and it also offers UVA. I'm just afraid that it might not be hot enough for my turtles.
2007-07-10 02:33:36 · 5 answers · asked by krisv 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
First I will offer advice on your lighting situation. You need two light bulbs, preferably in two light fixtures like clamp lamps. One bulb can be a regular household light bulb, as long as it can get the basking area to 90F (use a thermometer). You don't need a special reptile bulb for this. However, for UVB you do need a more expensive bulb. The Repti glo 5.0 by Exo Terra is the cheapest option ($13) I got mine at Petsmart. Another good option is the Reptisun 5.0 compact.
On a related issue, a ten gallon tank isn't big enough at all. Turtles need ten gallons per inch of shell, a water heater, a filter, a dock, thermomteres, light fixtures, two bulbs, and more. Don't use gravel as it will dirty up the tank faster and kill your turtle if eaten.
UVB is necessary to prevent Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). This UVB light is vital and with synthesize the calcium from the cuttlebone/turtlebone that you should be offering (with the hard backing removed). Otherwise you will see a soft shell and eventually damage that you can not undo.
Visit http://www.redearslider.com for a wesbite/forum that you can read so much care information and also sign up for free if you want to ask questions. It's how I got started-very helpful.
This is a picture of a good set up (90 gallons). Some people use one light bulb for both needs called a Mercury Vapor Bulb (MVB). This is only reccomended for tanks over 55 gallons and a good brand is T-Rex. It provides heat as well as UVB and are very good.
This link will help you understand their lighting needs and clear it up for you if you still have questions http://www.redearslider.com/light_sources.html
Actually, UVA is good -It is believed to stimulate good behavior-this is found in UVB bulbs. However, UVB bulbs will not heat up the basking area, hence the need for a regular houeshold bulb as well.
Good luck.
2007-07-10 04:35:02 · answer #1 · answered by Adam 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have one RES turtle in a 10 gallon tank and I was using a 60 watt bulb. I think it is fine, and if it wasn't quite warm enough I believe the turtle has adapted to it's new temp. They sure are fun to watch!!!
2007-07-10 10:37:52 · answer #2 · answered by ~Lizzy~ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Plain bulbs do NOT offer UVA, and UVA is not good for turtles- they need UVB.
The basking site should be about 90F. If your bulb does that without offering a blinding amount of light, you are OK.
More importantly, however, is the water temp- it should be around 75-80. You can learn about this and more at http://www.austinsturtlepage.com
2007-07-10 16:15:04 · answer #3 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that 60 watts for a 10 gal tank during the summer sounds adequate. Make sure to monitor the temp with thermometers.
2007-07-10 10:36:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
a 60 watt bulb is pretty hot. i'm sure it'd be enough plus it's recommended by the pet store owner, he should know better.
2007-07-10 09:39:19 · answer #5 · answered by phantomraider101 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋