Turtle problem!?

Question

For my turtles tank i dont have a uva/uvb light i only have a regul.ar fluorescent light!!1 what will happen to my turtle??

ps:his shell has a very pointy end i have a video of him.....follow this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYJWgZIPq1I any help??

Answer 1

I had 2 RES that didn't have a UVA/B lamp and they were just fine; just as long as you have a heat lamp.

Answer 2

The UV needs have already been aptly said by Darla G & Kimbee J. I'd just like to add that you should get rid of the gravel. I know it looks pretty but it's hard to keep clean. And turtles tend to eat it which is a major cause of intestinal impaction. Impactions are painful and often fatal. Put some rocks in there. They look just as nice and your turtle can push them around, which will keep him occupied.
BTW, loved the vid!

Answer 3

The people that are saying NO LIGHT and JUST FINE and they live 2 years...OH my.. Turtles if taking proper care of last longer then that......Maybe if these ppl had the proper light their turtles would still be around..turtles outlive ppl sometimes!!

As for the shell being pointed it is only a young turtle as they grow older that will smoothen out.....

Answer 4

if that chicks turtle lived only two years and it had the wrong lighting then that's why it probably died, turtles can live for decades. In addition to the previous mention of UVB light needs, you also may have to worry about the edges of your turtles shell curling up due to calcium deficiency. the right light and proper diet ensures their calcium needs are met and you don't have other problems like shell rot and metabolic bone disease.

Answer 5

What a cutie!!! Loved him 'waving bye"!!
UV light is to crucial to shell development. I know the bulbs are expensive, but you can use a regular plant gro bulb at about half the cost.
What will happen? He will develop soft shell and metabolic bone disease if he does not get the UV he needs, a reptile requires UV to metabolize calcium. Especially important as he is a baby.
The "pointy" part of his shell is perfectly normal, it will round out as he developes.

Answer 6

hay cool turtle you can get a black light for your aquarium at wal mart or any novelty shop like Spencer's that will fit measure the bulb or look for the size on the bulb it self i have used them in my aquarium you can use the one you got it wont hurt it a bit a black light is a UV light so you can use it as well their about 20$$ or so and they work fine

Answer 7

well, if you don't have his light, he will not get his nutrients and cannot absorb his calcium. His metabolism won't go faster and he won't live long. Also, that gravel has to go. Your turtle can swallow one and can be fatal. Hope this helps!

Answer 8

There is no substitute for direct, unfiltered sunlight. Taking your turtle to enjoy some sunlight on a warm, sunny day is highly favorable. With about 5 hours of sunlight over the course of a week, it may not be necessary to have a dedicated UVB bulb. However, having proper lighting and basking conditions inside is still recommended. At anytime during the day, your turtle may want to dry off and bask and should not be prevented from doing so.

Temporary outdoor enclosures and pools can be used to allow your turtle to get some beneficial sunlight. Be advised of the hazards of keeping turtles outside unattended and make sure shade is available to avoid hyperthermia. Putting a tank in direct sunlight will also cause a fast and deadly spike in temperature as well as block the intended UVB rays. If you choose to keep your turtle indoors and outdoors, make sure you have read the Outdoor Enclosures section.
Fluorescent Bulbs (UVA, UVB)

For indoor setups, most turtle keepers provide UVA and UVB through special fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs are specially manufactured to emit UVB rays and have special glass casings that allow the rays to pass through. They come in different sizes and strengths but produce very little heat since they are low-wattage. It is beneficial to have a bulb that produces approximately 5-10% UVB. These bulbs are generally effective for about 6-10 months and will need replacement afterwards. Fluorescent UVB bulbs do not project UVB very far, so it is necessary to have it positioned closely - 10 inches above the basking area would suffice.

Aquarium hoods, which should have any glass or plastic barrier removed, can hold tube shaped fluorescents. Certain specialized hoods can hold the compact versions as well as basking lights. Compact fluorescents, which resemble energy efficient bulbs, utilize standard sockets and can fit into most light fixtures. These bulbs have a ceramic base, are longer and heavier than an equivalent incandescent light bulb. Extra care needs to be taken to make sure they are installed correctly.

Comment: Avoid cheaply made brands and make sure a fluorescent UVB’s packaging states UVB output between 5-10%. Purchase these bulbs from reputable dealers and stores and avoid online auctions. Fluorescent UVB bulbs still provide light after they stop providing UVB. They have a limited life span and need regular replacement.
Full Spectrum Bulbs (UVA, UVB?)

Light from the Sun is full spectrum and covers the entire spectrum from low ultraviolet to visible light to infrared and above. There are several different brands of lights described as “full spectrum” or “natural daylight” bulbs and you should avoid them all. While some of the bulbs are advertised as “full spectrum”, others mention it in the product packaging. Most of these bulbs may not produce any significant (or any) amount of UVA, UVB or heat. Full spectrum bulbs are usually in the form of fluorescent varieties. Any fluorescent bulb you purchase should state that the product produces UVB of about 5-10% on its packaging.
Mercury Vapor Bulbs, UVB Heat Lamps (UVA, UVB, Heat)

An increasingly popular choice for large enclosures is a self-ballasted mercury vapor bulb (MVB); also known as a UVB heat lamp. It is the only bulb, which resemble normal floodlights and spotlights that can produce UVA, UVB and heat. Though they can be used in most standard sockets, those sockets must be able to withstand the wattage and heat generated. Lamp fixtures must state they can accept these higher wattages. They normally have sockets that are made of ceramic or porcelain.

Though they work very well, they are more expensive than other UVB lights. However, these bulbs provide light, heat and significant amounts of UVA and UVB rays – more than any available fluorescent bulb can. They last longer than those fluorescent counterparts and eliminate the need for a secondary lamp for heat. Since the strength of the output is considerable, the bulbs should be positioned further away than a fluorescent UVB fixture. Carefully follow the manufacturers' special instructions and do not look at these bulbs directly.

MVB Commentary
Reptile Lighting: A Current Perspective http://www.anapsid.org/gehrman2.html
Mercury Vapor Heat & UV Lamps http://www.anapsid.org/mercuryvapor.html
Specialty Lights

Often turtle supplies are grouped with reptile supplies that for the most part are justifiable. However, specialty lights are one area you should avoid altogether. For example, black lights produce large amounts of UVA and can be harmful. Other lights offering nighttime viewing should also be avoided since they may disturb your turtle. Your RES might not benefit from these lights and it might even cause harm to their vision.

Answer 9

u see turtles suck dats why u should have gotten a tortoise u dont need no type of light and u can feed once a week and keep it in a shoe box and ive had mine 4 2 years

Answer 10

I've had my RES for almost seven years and I never got a light for him and he's healthy. I'm not saying that you shouldn't get one but mine didn't die without one.