I was wondering if snapping turtles require a UV light? I have one on my tank, but im curious if they benefit from the lighting. Snappers aren't really baskers, mine never does even though i have a basking spot set up for him. Can the UV rays penetrate the water? Thanks.
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Do snappers need a UV light?
turtlequest
Apr 08, 2004 01:25 PM
Replies (6)
HerpHelmz
Apr 08, 2004 01:52 PM
They don't need UV light, some lights are strong enough to heat up the water a bit, but snappers don't require it.
Michael
Michael's Place
CanidMan
Apr 08, 2004 04:24 PM
You'd be surprised how much snappers actually do bask. When my girl was smaller, she would bask for hours like any other water turtle. And, i've seen wild snappers of various sizes basking together on mud flats.
They are more wary than most turtles, and thats why not many have seen them basking in the wild.
Buddy25
Apr 08, 2004 08:48 PM
Hello there,
I too keep a UV light over my snappers tank. It can't be all that bad, and I'm sure it is somewhat benificial.
The main purpose of my lamp though, is to keep my live water plants alive...
Here's my bright light...!
ch23119
Apr 08, 2004 10:10 PM
they are technically nocturnal and hunt mostly at night, so they don't really need the UV light. But, it doesn't hurt and it will help him out anyway with MBD and shell growth, etc. I recommend it and I use it. I have seen plenty of snappers (wild and my own) bask, even at larger sizes. It does take a huge log to support some of those bigger snappers though.
MartinWhalin1
Apr 09, 2004 12:10 AM
I don't have a light on my tank but I do take my snapper outside for some sun occasionally. I've seen wild snappers "basking" just by floating their shell out of the water.
-----
Martin Whalin
My Email
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packardm
Apr 11, 2004 11:56 AM
allthough snapping turtles do not require a uv light source, it is beneficial to their psychological wellbeing. It also replicates their natural living contitions better that a standard incandescent fixture does.
