Reptile & Amphibian Forums

First off thanks to all the helpful info on my previous question regarding filters.

now i have a basking light and a UV light that i am going to use for the little guys. But i still have a few questions about that. in a lot of the publications i read they say a day time heating/basking lights needs to be provided, but a night time heat light isn't necessary as long as the ambient temp doesn't drop below 70 degrees. How true is that? and what is the best option?

question two, they're basking light will be about 6 to 7inches above they're basking area. what wattage/type bulb should i use to provide sufficient day time heat without over heating? Thanks in advance for all your help guys.

dave

Your regular light should be UVA and UVB. Only certain pet stores by me carry them, usually the ones that sell lots of reptiles. I use a regular bulb for the basking section, you could use a 60 or 75 watt size. You'll know if it's too hot if you can't keep your hand on the spot for more than a few seconds. And if the turtles don't stay there for very long. My big turtle can take high temps, but I doubt the little guys will. And if it's too hot you can always raise it a little. I use an underwater heater to keep my water in the 80's. So i don't use a night light for warmth.