Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I saw the post I have attached to this message down the bord a ways. I was just trying to figure out what the best option would be for a Mississippi (or other) map turtle. I know they require alot of UVa and UVB, but I am not farmilliar with the different bulbs. For regular socket fitting bulbs, what would you suggest? Thanks

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Did a bit more research on compact fluorescents (CF's).

The ESU product does seem to require a double pin fixture rathern than a typical screw-in fixtures. You can sort of see that here:

http://www.esuweb.com/products/602ESU_Reptile_Compact_Fluorescent_Lamps_Reptile_Compact_Fluorescent_Lamps_(Japanese_Square_Pin_Base)_DESERT_7%_UVB_COMPACT_FLUORESCENT_LAMP_55_WATT_22_INCH.htm

But now it appears that Big Apple has introduced a CF lamp that can be used in a standard incandescent fixture:

http://www.bigappleherp.com/Reptile_Supplies/Product/UVB_Mystic_Fluorescent_Light_Series_262300.html

Also, Zoo Med's CF bulbs screw into normal fixtures:

http://www.reptiledirect.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=932

Lastly, The Bean Farm carries a CF that is supposed to produce a lot of UV. It also screws into a normal socket. You can find it at the bottom of this page:

http://www.beanfarm.com/lighting/3.html

None of these bulbs are the spiral-twist or coil-type CF's. However, some of them do screw into a standard socket. So I think my information has been somewhat misleading. For all I now some of the reptile-specific coil-type bulbs may actually produce a decent amount of UV. I don't know.

Still, for tree frogs and nocturnal geckos smaller amounts of UV are probably unecessary and perhaps even slightly dangerous. I still think a regular CF from Walmart, etc. is probably fine for those herps.
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"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal ~~

>>I was just trying to figure out what the best option would be for a Mississippi (or other) map turtle. For regular socket fitting bulbs, what would you suggest? Thanks

I've only kept a single specimen of Graptemys - a False Map Turtle. I kept it outdoors for much of the year so I did not worry excessively re. artificial UV sources.

My guess is that they would benefit from pretty high amounts, so for a regular screw in bulb I'd lean toward the mercury vapors.

Yahoogroups has a UVB Owners board that might be helpful.

They are very neat turtles, one of my favorites despite only keeping one specimen. Are you getting one?
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

Thanks for the info, you are always SOOO helpful.

I am kinda getting one, it is for my mom as a late Christmas gift (will get it when I have all the supplies, being as broke as I am, it might take a little longer than I want it to) but my mom wants a display animal, and I would be the one caring for it.

I Chose the Map Trutles because I was looking for a turtle that stays on the small side and is still simple to care for, yet beautiful. I stumbled on a pic of a Mississippi Map and looked it up, found some caresheets and read my little heart out, LOL. Other than Spotteds I can't see anything better for the situation, and I can't come close to affording a spotted and all the supplies any time soon.

I have a post in the RES and other Sliders forum if you could check that out I would REALLY appreciate it, I need to know exactly what I need (I have a list and am asking people to add too and subtract from it untill it is perfect). I have never bought a turtle, but I had RES and Painteds when I was little and I rescued a couple from close calls on the road and kept them for a short time to make sure they were healthy, but I want this little turtle to have everything it needs and be as spoiled as I can afford. I want the environment to be really safe for him.

Thanks again, you always seem to come to my rescue, and fast too!
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"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal ~~

>>I Chose the Map Trutles because I was looking for a turtle that stays on the small side and is still simple to care for, yet beautiful.

Map Turtles are truely stunning. But I believe some females get pretty large. Try to get a male if you're stuck on this genus.

Also, I believe they are prone to fungal infections. Mine never had this problem, however, I'm just repeating some anecdotes.
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

Yes, I read about how big they get, I do want a male, although a female I don't think would get big enough to be a problem, I just would rather smaller. Small things are cute, and for this particular display, I think anything over a 70 Gallon would be too much, eventhough my mom is planning on a pond next summer.

I have never heard about that, can it be avoided with proper care, a good filter, water conditioners, and regular cleaning? I saw a little block you put in the water that is shaped like a little turtle that is supposed to prevent alot of deseases turtles are prone to, would that have any effect on it?

Thanks again Chris. If you would check out my post in RES and other sliders forum and tell me how my supply list looks it would be MUCH appreciated, I just want the best for the little guy.
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"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal ~~

>>I have never heard about that, can it be avoided with proper care, a good filter, water conditioners, and regular cleaning?

I believe the biggest cause of fungal infections in these turtles is shell abrasion from rock, etc.

So tell your mom to be careful when she builds that pond.

I'm really out of the loop when it comes to turtles. You'll need to go to more experiences minds on this one.
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

Yeah, I will be helping design the pond, I will watch out for any harmful things. I will make sure it is safe.

OK thanks. I was more worried about if I have the correct supplies and you seem to know so much, I just figured you could help me some. Noone is really responding to my post there.

Thanks.
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"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal ~~