Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im new to the forum and I am about to purchase an alli snapper. I have a good hatchling tank set up. But I was wondering If I need a uv light over the basking spot, or if it can just be incandescent.
Also Should I use sand or gravel as the substrate?

thanks for the input.
Charlie

My ally snapper setup has gravel as a substrate and a UVB light. I don't use a incadescent basking light. He doesn't leave the water to use it, so theres no point. The water temperature should be around 77-80F.

is the uvb light vital? Or could I get away with just a coil or a halogen?

I"m sure you could get away without any light, as it's not "vital" to any turtle. What's ideal for your turtle is another question. Basking species definately benefit from a full spectrum of light, in addition to overhead warmth. Alligator snappers though; it's hard to say and all a matter of opinion. As the other poster said, they don't come out of the water much, if at all. How much of that end of the spectrum will penetrate the water is hard to say; and if it does, it will affect your tortoise psychologicaly (I know I spelt that wrong!) and not physiologically.

Ian