You should use the UVB bulb. Softshells do need them in order to help assist in makeing Vitamin D3. I would use a 5.0 instead of the 2.0. THe feeding that was previously mentionded is great and he was also righ about keeping your water soft. A good way to do that is through plants and dead leaves. The Duetto is great as long as your tank is not real big. Once you are in a thirty you will need a second filter, and so on. He is right about needing a rock for your turtle to get out of the water on. Just make sure that it is smooth. Good luck.