Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have two RES and I was going to put a basking area on each side of the tank (one on the left back corner and the other on the right front corner) so that they have their own space. I was wondering should one side of the tank be lighted and the other not? If so, then I can't do that. Was wondering what you all know or think. Thanks and God Bless
Deejay

I would think that there isn't much point to having a basking area if it doesn't have a light for warmth, just my opinion.

Both basking spots need a basking light above it. You will probably find that they will both try to bask on the same spot anyway, mine don't like to be apart because they are afraid that the other one will find food and he will get left out. Silly turtles.
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I know that a basking area needs a light over it, but my question was does a tank need a lighted end and a non-lighted end? Can I light both ends of my tank and now stress my turtles out? Thank you for the responses though.
God Bless
Deejay

I'm still not sure I understand the question, are you asking does part of the tank have to be dark? I would say no, it could be, but doesn't have to be. I think a lot of keepers use strip lights in the hood that span the entire length of the tank, which would not provide a dark area. You could always create a cave or something if you think the turtles might want to hide from the light. I'm sure whatever you do they will be happy and healthy.

Thank you. God Bless
Deejay

I have 2 basking areas in my tank, only one has a heat bulb, but I do have 48" fluorescents that span most of the tank. Of course, I do have that canopy hood I built and when closed, the heat and humidity really builds up in the top of it. I think my turtles spend more time on the non heat basking area than the heated one. In the photo below, the heat lamp is in the back on the driftwood.

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