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Post by rugby128 on Apr 8, 2011 20:16:29 GMT
Hi,
I was just wondering how long it was advisable to keep each light on for. I tend to keep the heating light, which is attached to the hood on from 0700 - 1900 so 12 hours a day. And the basking lamp from 1000 - 1600 so 8 hours a day.
I was just wondering what everyone else does and what the general consensus was for the timings.
Also would it be better/cheaper to get a submersable tank heater instead of using the heating lamp on the hood??
Thanks in advance.
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Post by turtlegirl on Apr 8, 2011 21:26:10 GMT
I'm not an expert on lamps but I think there is no need to leave a basking lamp on for 8 hours/day. However you DO need to get an unbreakable water heater as well, no matter how long the lamp is left on for as turtles need warm water to live and swim in.
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Post by wayne020668 on Apr 8, 2011 23:52:47 GMT
sorry just to add to this which is quite true... we recommend that you stimulate the natural sunshine of the year, based on you having the tank set up next to a window then when the sun goes down then its time to turn the light off, its what would happen in the wild.... the water heater is a very good idea no matter where the tank is, this will enable the water temp to be at the right temp no matter where it is helping these animals to eat at will, aid digestion and keep them active but in the summer months this will hardly come on, the lighting if away from any natural light should be at least 8hrs reguardless... hope this helps you, regards Wayne..  |
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Post by rugby128 on Apr 14, 2011 19:21:44 GMT
ok just got a water heater, what is the ideal temp to set?
I have looked at lots of different websites and they all seem to say a different thing.
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Post by wayne020668 on Apr 14, 2011 19:47:10 GMT
hi ruby could i ask what type of turtle or terrapin you have please... so i can advise properly.... regards wayne...  |
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Post by rugby128 on Apr 15, 2011 8:33:22 GMT
2 yellow bellied sliders 1 male 1 female, the female is about twice the size the of the male, dont know if thats relevant or not but figured I would put it in anyway! haha
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Post by wayne020668 on Apr 15, 2011 13:45:32 GMT
hi ruby, we would set ours anywhere between 23 and 27c for these sliders... hope this helps you...
regards wayne.
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Post by turtlegirl on Apr 15, 2011 21:38:13 GMT
Is that the same for all sliders -red ear, yellow ear, yellow belly and hybrids?
What temp would you advise for maps?
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Post by wayne020668 on Apr 16, 2011 9:13:32 GMT
hi yeh most of these will like it at around 23 to 27c maps seem to thrieve on temps of anywhere from 23 to 28c... please bare in mind if you have your heat basking lamp on a lot then use the lower temps and if you have it on just a couple of hours here and there then use the higher temps... if your using lights and heat lamps most of the time and using the higher temps this can cause heat stress...  regards wayne.. |
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Post by rugby128 on Apr 27, 2011 21:03:22 GMT
the heater has arrived, is there any particular places in the tank i should put it?? At the moment I have it just in front of teh water coming from teh filter, but hte turtles can still get access to it. Is it better to have it hidden away. I'm not sure what the likliehood of a burn injury is!! It is set up at 23C if that helps.
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Post by wayne020668 on Apr 28, 2011 17:54:34 GMT
where you have this heater is fine, as the water comes out of the filter it will pick up the heat from the heater and circulate it around the tank, providing it is submerged fully under the water this will not harm or burn you terrapins, the only time you should take care is when cleaning it or your tank... please make sure you turn it off at the mains when you do this, when i very first started keeping these animals 23yrs ago now, i made this mistake and burnt my fingers...  hay you live and learn don't ya... regards Wayne.. |
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