firefish Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 I've decided that i'm going to get one RES turtle. My plan is to get a 4x2x2foot tank. But with the basking lamp, What type of light bulb do i need to get? I've had a look around and saw some $70 ones. Is there anything that still does the right job but costs less? I realise i might have to get the $70 ones but just checking if i can do it cheaper. Also, i'm going to have a light over the rest of the tank. Does this one need to be a UVA/UVB ? As my turtle won't be going outside much (only in summer, while supervised) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insect Direct Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 yep just go to bunnings buy a clip on desk lamp (about $10-20) and use that for the basking light, they take upto 60watt standard houshold bulb. reptile fluro will set you back a bit more but a must have really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonnaM Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 yep just go to bunnings buy a clip on desk lamp (about $10-20) and use that for the basking light, they take upto 60watt standard houshold bulb. reptile fluro will set you back a bit more but a must have really. Yep completely agree with Mincie. Initial cost of light a bit expensive, but suss out a local 'electrical /supply /warehouse' type place and get bulbs way cheaper. Even get a plain fleuro light, then get the UVA/UVB bulb from a wholesaler. I use "lamp specialists" here in CHCH and pay $25.00 each for most of my bulbs. (was $20, but gone up recently). really important...I've seen way too many turtles with 'white shell disease' or soft shell disease with out correct lighting. :-? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 A heatlamp over the basking area is good as well for the first couple of years. Keep the top open so they can dry their shell. A tank with a lid will create 100% humidity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonnaM Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 A heatlamp over the basking area is good as well for the first couple of years. Keep the top open so they can dry their shell. A tank with a lid will create 100% humidity. ...and the humidity can cause the 'skin' over the 'bone' (which is what their shell is) to rot off leaving the bone exposed. (Check out photo of BOY 2 in sick turtle thread....sorry I cant post photos on the forum yet :roll: ) Also leads to respiratory problems like pneumonia. So a tank with no lids or minimal lid over a small area is needed along with the lights And lights must be direct on turtle, not filtered thru glass, perspex or anything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
broms2 Posted May 6, 2009 Report Share Posted May 6, 2009 I would use a 4 foot fluro with reptile tube and a heat lamp with ceramic fitting, a bit more expensive than the bunning lamps but well worth it, for basking spot I use 100w spots that cost $1.00 at bunnings Also if you get the tank made you should have a look at the baskingspots that stick on, I used to have the glass ramps built in and they can damage their shells on them, now I use either driftwood or the floating ramps for all my turtle tanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefish Posted May 6, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2009 So a tank with no lids or minimal lid over a small area is needed along with the lights If i used no lid at all, could the turtle get out? Other problem is cats getting in... Would this be good for basking? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Home-living/Pe ... 763347.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted May 6, 2009 Report Share Posted May 6, 2009 you could make a ply frame with mesh in top to keep the cats out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefish Posted May 6, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2009 Thats a good idea! Can i shine the lights throught mesh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PuffaDragonNZ Posted May 6, 2009 Report Share Posted May 6, 2009 Thats a good idea! Can i shine the lights throught mesh? Sure can it works well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted May 6, 2009 Report Share Posted May 6, 2009 i find the 19mm square mesh the best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.