Reptile & Amphibian Forums

1) Do I need a UVB lamp if the turtle is full grown?

2) Should I de chlorinate the water? When I change the water, should I replace it with warm water out of the tap? This can contain copper.

3) I have a python water changer which I use on my fish and snails. If I use it on the turtle, do I have to worry about transferring germs from my turtle tank to my other tanks?

Thanks!
Andrew

I may not be able to answer all of your questions but i will try to answer as much as i can...

first off, ALL turtles need UVB lamps, no matter what size or how old they are!

second, you 'can' dechlorinate the water, but i really dont think that is necessary unless you have REALLY HARD water. and even if you have really hard water, the turtle will still live just that it's shell might not look as vibrant as other turtles!

and about the water changer. all i can say is that i know turtles are MUCH dirtier than fish. is it not possible to wash out the changer between the fish and turtle tanks? (i wouldnt know b/c i dont have one)... i hope this helps
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~ Evie

Pets:
RIP 0.1.0 German Shepherd {Dusty}
0.1.0 German Shepherd/Collie mix {Shadoe}
0.0.2 RES turtles {Booger & Snot}
1.0.0 African Clawed Frog {Bingo}
0.0.2 Snail {Gary & Larry}

If you keep ANY turtle indoors all the time you need a UVB light such as the ZooMed Reptisun 5. However, any UVB light in not an equal substitute for direct unfiltered sunlight (not through glass). Also, UVB lights start losing their effectiveness in a few months and should be replaced about once per year even if they still light up. The light must be less than 12 inches above the basking spot. UVB doesn't penetrate the water much either.
water turtle care page

Why do they need UVB light if they are no longer growing? Also, how much do vets generally charge for turle treatments?

Thanks!
Andrew

UVB is necessary to stimulate vit. D in the skin which in turn is necessary for the absorption of calcium from the diet in the intestines. Some vit. D can be obtained from foods but you are better off having a UVB source to help with vit. D.

Not enough UVB equals not enough vit. D which equals not enough calcium absorption. Adult turtles can still develop soft and deformed shells, bones and beaks if they have calcium defiencies. Hope this helps.
water turtle care info.

Are you fostering the turtle over winter, or keeping it permanently? If you're just fostering it for a short time, then you can skip the UVB.

You don't need a declorinator unless there is a lot of chlorine in your water supply. Watch the turtle's reaction the first few days.

As for the Python, I'd be more worried about the fish giving something to the turtle. You can run a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) through your Python, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse it with fresh water between uses to disinfect it.

Katrina

I have dechlorinater and can use it. I just thougt that chlorinated water might help kill bacteria in the water.
Thanks,
Andrew