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Hi all, i bought a baby Mauremys turtle last week. I have a simple setup (work in progress) with water filter, underwater heater and UVB light above the tank with a small basking area in the middle. Because i only bought the light yesterday, til then i was putting her in a plastic container (for turtles) near the window for natural light and then bank in the tank at night. Since installing the UVB light, as soon as i turn it on she hides under a rock and wont come out. At the window she is quite lively. I've looked online but haven't found any discussion/threads on this.

Is this normal?

My turtles freaked out when first introduced into my tank. They were outdoors before I got them. After a few days they started basking normally.

Can you post a picture of the tank? What kind of UVB light are you using?

Thank you for your comments. Im not at home at present but will post a photo when i get back. I have a UVA UVB Sylvania Terrarian Lamp T15w / 6500K T8 (hope this helps)

I wasn't aware that Sylvania had UVB lamps. Did you do a burn in? Do they react to the same with just a basking light?

T8 6500k bulbs are real bright and not made for basking. I use them to grow vegetables indoors.

I've never seen these bulbs before either. They do appear to be reptile UVB bulbs.

http://www.havells-sylvania.com/en/products/0000731

They sell them at menards etc 4 foot long. I just looked up grow lights when I bought mine. They have no uvb warning on them or rating.

Hmmm mind don't say any of that on the bulb or box?

After being with you for only a week, it is likely that she is just be getting used to things, which would include getting used to a new basking area (especially, if she used to live outdoors).
Give it little while and see how it goes.