All Turtles Message Board

KrisDog · Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 5:57 pm Post subject: New tank... no turtles yet

Hello!
I just set up a new tank. Its a 30 gallon long tank, and I'm planning on getting a turtle in a couple weeks when I come back from vacation. I'm sure I have it set up well (thanks to pictures and advice from this board), but i'm not sure how high to make the water level. I want to give him/hre as much room as possible.

How high should the water level be?

Also... I have a timer for the lights... do they both need to be turned off during the night or just one? (and which one? I have the flourescent UVB/UVA bulb and the heat lamp)

Speaking of the heat lamp, the thermometer is registering at 93 degrees on the basking area (if I have to raise it, then it'll be hotter). I read that it should be about 90 degrees... Can I remedy this by getting a smaller watt bulb? The one I have is 75 watts.

Thanks! I can't wait to get my new pet!
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Kris.

Everglades Ranger · Level 1 Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Posts: 15

I keep a 90 gallon and have it filled to the top with a large floating turtle dock for basking. The botton of the tank is covered in agronite sand with plants and dead wood to simulate a lake bottom. I also have an abundance of guppies in the water to stimulate my turtles natural hunting and foraging behaviors. I get alot of complements on my tank folks say its like the cross section of an actual lake. As for the light you may need less watts to avoid cooking you turtle while basking. Cool

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 207

I fill mine up about 3/4 of the way. Set your lights to be on for around 10-12 hours. The turtle needs nighttime for sleeping. =)

I have a 50 watt basking light. You can always figure out a way to raise the basking light higher if it's too hot.