All Turtles Message Board

Mizzou · Guest Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 2

Hi this is my first post here. I am going to use my 55gal 48"x12" for a turtle. I wanted to be clear on the lighting required & setup. If I got for example the 48" ReptiSun 5.0 UVB Bulb and a basking lamp would this be sufficent lighting? Does the heat lamp need to have UVB light too? I'd like to get the best kind of lights for the turtle possible. I plan to do a 75% water / 25% land with about 8 to 10 inches of water deep. Can I fit 2 HEALTHY turtles in here? I have a cichlid tank (is it ok to talk about fish lol) I'm guessing I cant use the 1" per gal of fish rule with turtles.

Thanks

deesygirl · Moderator Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 1231

If I got for example the 48" ReptiSun 5.0 UVB Bulb and a basking lamp would this be sufficent lighting?
That would be perfect.

Does the heat lamp need to have UVB light too?
You can purchase heat bulbs that are also UVB but they are pretty expensive. Most people use the two different types.
I plan to do a 75% water / 25% land with about 8 to 10 inches of water deep.
If you get hatchlings make sure there are plenty of places for them to rest. Like floating plants. Babies tire out easy and can drown. The water level would need to be deeper for an adult RES. Females get as big as 12" and should have water at least that deep if not more.
Can I fit 2 HEALTHY turtles in here?
It is going to depend on what type of turtles you plan on getting, as well as the sex of them. A healthy adult Red Ear should have a 100 gallon tank by her self. A pond area is a little different as there is room for them to escape from each other. A 55 is fine for an adult male RES. But if you plan on upgrading your tank in a couple years two RES would be fine in there.
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Mizzou · Guest Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 2

Thanks for the info! Are turtles sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels like fish?