Do red-eared sliders need special lighting?
Red-eared sliders require exposure to ultraviolet (UV)B light as an essential part of maintaining calcium balance in their bodies. UVB-producing lights, which can be purchased at your local pet store, need to be changed approximately once every 12 months.
What kind of lighting do red-eared sliders need?
UVB lighting
Using digital or smart light timers like the Kasa Smart Plug for this is VERY helpful. Red-eared sliders need high-quality UVB lighting to thrive. Zoo Med and Arcadia are the most reliable reptile UVB brands in the USA. Use a linear fluorescent UVB bulb 50-75% of the enclosure’s length.
Do red-eared slider turtles need light at night?
Many turtle owners wonder if they need to keep the light on in their turtle’s tank at night. Luckily, the answer to that is no. Your turtle will be just fine if the light is turned off during night time hours.
What is the best basking light for red-eared slider?
The best basking lamp for a red-eared slider is one that emits both UV-A and UV-B light. It needs UV-A to help regulate their metabolism and mood, and it needs UV-B for the production of Vitamin D3.
Is LED light OK for turtles?
Lamps that get hot (like incandescent, halogen, or mercury vapor lamps) should have a screen under them because they occasionally explode when they get splashed by water, and the glass can injure your turtle. Fluorescent lamps and LED lamps don’t need screens because they rarely, if ever explode or shatter.
Can I use a regular light bulb for my turtle?
Yes, all types of light bulbs emit heat, but your turtle will bask best under an incandescent bulb. They work better for heating purposes than for providing UVB light. Place one at least 12 inches above a large flat rock for your turtle to laze upon while he’s enjoying the heat.
What color light is best for a turtle?
The FWC suggests instead to use red or amber LED lights, since they give off a longer-wavelength light, which does not interfere with the turtles’ mating, nesting and migration habits.
What lighting is best for turtles?
All turtles need a basking or heating lamp in their tank to keep them healthy. UVA light is necessary for your turtle’s moods and metabolism, whereas UVB light provides your turtle with vitamin D3, which is vital for their bones and organs.
What is the best light bulb for turtles?
Mercury vapor bulbs are an excellent option for your turtle tank. They’re an all-in-one bulb as they produce heat, UVA light, and UVB light. They also tend to have a longer lifespan than fluorescent lights. The only downside with this bulb is that it can be a bit expensive.
Can LED lights hurt turtles?
How many hours of UV light do turtles need?
It’s recommended you leave the lights on for 8–10 hours a day, turning them off for 10–12 hours. The easiest way to achieve this is to use a timer. Turtles are also ectothermic (cold-blooded), so rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature.
Can I use a regular bulb for a basking light?
Any incandescent bulb can be used for daytime heating…even the bulbs you use in your own lamp fixtures. The wattage you need will depend on what it takes to do the job. The higher wattage bulbs throw out more heat and so can be used a little farther away from the animal than lower wattage bulbs.
What light is best for turtles?
Turtles need UVA and UVB light to stay healthy. There are mixed views on the importance of UVA light. Some people believe it’s not as important as UVB light, but it’s known to help with breeding and activity levels. Alongside this, turtles living in the wild would be exposed to UVA rays every day.
Are LED lights good for turtles?
Can I use a regular light bulb as a basking light?
Do Red Eared Sliders need a light source?
This is why when you are figuring out your red eared slider tank setup, you should provide a light source that has all three elements so that your red eared slider’s healthy lighting requirements are fully met. NOTE: Never look directly at a turtle light. They are extremely bright and can damage your eyes.
How long do red ear slider turtles live?
Red Ear Sliders for sale are the most common aquatic turtle for sale and can live for up to 50 years in captivity. Red Ear Sliders are very active and love to swim. While they are mostly aquatic, these diurnal turtles also enjoy a dry, warm place where they can climb out and bask under a heat light.
Where do you mount a red-eared slider’s UVB bulb?
Your red-eared slider’s UVB bulb should be 50-75% of the enclosure’s length, mounted over the basking area (overlapping with the water area isn’t bad thing, though). Use a fixture with a reflector so you don’t accidentally waste any of the UVB.
What is the best water temperature for a red ear slider?
The water in a red eared slider turtle tank should be kept at 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit (23-26 degrees Celsius), and 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit (26-27 degrees Celsius) for hatchlings. Red Ear Sliders for sale are the most common aquatic turtle for sale and can live for up to 50 years in captivity. Red Ear Sliders are very active and love to swim.