All Turtles Message Board

axepoodle · Level 2 Joined: 09 Jan 2002 Posts: 60

Can anyone give me any suggestion about basking lamps, what brand, wattage, placement, and how long should I keep it on? Is a 60W desk lamp good enough, or should I get a real "reptile basking lamp" from a pet shop?

Billy nyc

2turtles · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:26 pm Post subject:

Wow... this was the oldest unresponded to post!

IMO, a 'reptile basking lamp' is more beneficial than a standard desk lamp due to the construction of the bulb. Many claim to have UVA output as well as the desired heat output. Indoor kept Turts have a general lack of UVA/UVB lighting which is necessary (claimed, I am not a doctor, so I am only passing along the typical info available on the web) for the general wellbeing of the turt by inducing the desired (normal) behavior such as swimming, climbing, eating (think of 'cabin fever' in humans who don't get enough direct sunlight) and synthesis of vitamin D3 which allows reptiles to process calcium in their system.

The basking lamp should be placed above the basking area, and capable of sustaining a temperature in the 90's. If the turt climbs up but only basks for a few minutes, it could be due to the temp being too high. If they don't bask, it could be because the temp is too low, or the water temp is too high.

The lamp should be on for a full day's cycle. I have all my lamps on timers, and the UVA/UVB and basking lamps all come on in the morning, and shut off at night.

So, yes - you should get a specific basking lamp from a pet store..
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