Habitat - Indoor :: UVA Light or in-tank heater?

[Szuturon]

A while ago I gave up on using UVA lights since they kept burning out on me so quickly, I opted to get an underwater heater. My question is, does the heater reduce my turtles' desire to bask? is a UVA Light better?

[xsavingsaturdayx]

You realy, realy need a heat lamp (UVA, you can use a normal housebulb) in addition to a UVB light in order for your turtle to bask properly and grow a nice and healthy shell. A water heater is a must, keep it around 75 degrees (i read your turtles a bit big in your other post) and keep the basking temp at 88 - 90 degrees. No, unless you turn the water heater all the way, then it wont interfere with anything.

[DavidY]

The water heater is to maintain a consistent temperature in the water so it's not going up and down every day and night (constant temperature fluctuation can cause undue stress for captive reptiles which in turn makes them more susceptible to disease). Maintain a water temperature around 75 degrees as xsavingsaturdayx (you need a shorter name! ) said.

The light bulb is for warming up the basking area and to make the turtle feel good . The turtle needs to be able to climb all the way out of the water to dry off and warm up. This helps prevent shell rot and aids in digestion. You can use a regular household light bulb for this. Don't bother with the expensive "daylight" bulbs at the petstore as I have found that they don't last long at all. The key is to maintain a basking temp of 88-90 degrees.

So, you don't need to bother spending the extra bucks on that useless UVA bulb...BUT you DO need a special UVB bulb. This is crucial for the turtle to metabolize calcium for their shell and skeleton. The UVB bulb comes in the form of a flourescent tube (requires a strip light fixture), a compact flourescent bulb (screws into a regular clamp lamp), or a mercury vapor bulb (more expensive but provides both heat, uva and uvb). If you get one of the flourescent bulbs make sure to get one that's labeled 5.0. If you go mvb, get 100w flood, use a ceramic base lamp and place more than 12" away from turtle (these bulbs generate heat and uv very well, you don't want to burn your turtle). Make sure to use a thermometer to test the basking temp.

[Szuturon]

Hah its funny you say they must be fully out of the water... I caught them basking together this morning. Their combined weight is too much for the small platform now. So the younger one had the misfortune of having to bask half submerged cuz he/she was closer to the edge and the bigger one was right in the middle.

I'm currently using a flourescent tube, but that was because I took down the UVA light when those stupid "special" bulbs kept burning out. Right now I'm not too sure how i'll get that UVA light in there again with the UVB tube in there.
I'm currently using a ESU Reptile Slimline Light Strip. Can you recommend a reliable brand for UVB bulbs? I think it'd be easier if I just get 2 bulbs going.

[steve]

A while ago I gave up on using UVA lights since they kept burning out on me so quickly, I opted to get an underwater heater. My question is, does the heater reduce my turtles' desire to bask? is a UVA Light better?

What were you using the UVA lamp for? Any type of lamp cannot be used to maintain water temperatures. A fully submersible water heater is necessary for that. A regular household bulb can be used to provide UVA rays AND heating to entice basking.

They need to be able to completely dry off when basking, it helps them regulate their body temps and prevent potential shell infections and diseases.

[marisa]

It's not a matter of either or. Your turtle needs a water heater to maintain the water temp if the water temp fluctuates or is too cool. Your turtle needs a light to warm the basking area to encourage him to bask (for his health). If you have only the water heater to warm the water and the basking area temp isn't appreciably warmer (about 10 degrees) than the water, your turtle has little incentive to bask (which he needs to do).

[pumpkinsherbet]

both, i repeat, both! water heater for the water, uva bulb for the basking spot, like everyone here's said before me they need the basking lamp to dry up their shells, thermoregulate, digest their food... do you have a proper land spot?

what kind of bulbs are you using that burn out so quick? can you post a pic of your basking area?