Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I have a 20 gallon tank with one RES, two years old. The water is filled about one third of the tank. So the rock sits about half way up in the tank. I have a double lamp which rests on the top of the tank (one side is a heat light, the other side is a basking light). The rock sits under the basking light. Do you think this light is too close to the turtle when he basks? It's a UVA Day Glo Bulb. I have seen pictures where the basking light has a stand and sits much higher off the tank. Is that better? One of these days I will take a photo and upload it with my digital camera.

Also, is this enough water for the tank for him? The tank also has a gradual slope built with rocks that lead to the basking rock.

Please advise. Thanks again!!

The important part of that is what the basking temperature is. As long as the turtle cannot touch the heat lamp and get burned, the lamp can be as close as is necessary to get the desired temp (between 85 and 90 in my tank). As far as the water goes, most people will tell you the more water the better. You can fill your tank as high as possible without allowing your turtle to escape out the top. Doing so would more than double your turtles living space. Also the more water you have, the better your water quality. Small amounts of water become dirty much more quickly.

Hope that helps.

Yes, that definitely helps. If I put more water into the tank, the rock on which he rests will now be about 4" away from his shell vs. about 7" away while he basks. I just don't want him to get burned. I'm really concerned about that. I will place the rock NOT directly under the bulb, but more to the side...this way he will still get the light, but not directly on his shell.

I will attempt to take a photo soon and upload it.

Thank you!