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Hi there, So I just got a new tank which is a 20 gallon (long). At the moment I'm looking to buy most of my supplies at www.reptiledirect.com because it seems fairly cheaper at least than the local pet stores. At the moment on my list are ZOO MED Turtle Clean 318, ZOO MED Floating Dock 15gal, HYDOR Under water heater (shatter-proof) 100 watt, and the ESU DIGITAL THERMOMETER. So I think all I'm missing from there is the light...So I was wondering which was better a hood or a lamp? I kind of wanted a hood to put across the top of the tank, but the hood I saw was 9in and my tank is 12in across...So I was wondering if any of you had a good suggestion for a lamp on that site, but I was also recommended to just go to Home Depot to get a clamp lamp....any ideas would be much appreciated! Also if you think there are other supplies or anything beneficial for the RES I missed and would like to recommend that'd be great! Thank you so much and I know my RES would thank you as well

I use the hood for my UVB lighting, and then use the clamp light for my heat. Hoods come in different sizes, so check around and you will probably find one that fits your tank.

As for which you get, it's really your choice and what you want it to look like. Either way, UVB lights are expensive. I'd recommend browsing through the photo gallery for pictures of other set ups, then you can get ideas for yourself!

The Zoo Med Turtle Clean 318 is a submersible filter? What size tank is it meant for. If it's what I think it is, then I'd get a more powerful filter.

By hood vs. lamp are you referring to whether the UVB light should be a tube or one that fits into a clamp lamp (compact flourescent)? It was unclear to me in your other post which you preferred, and I responded as if you were going to go with a clamp lamp. The decision is yours, you're still going to have to provide a heat source (can be a regular lightbulb).

Look at the Reptisuns on RD---you can get either tubes or compact flourescents, they sell both.

Alrighty! Thank you guys for your help and All the help I've found around these forums. I've just started keeping RES as pets really, but I've finished purchasing all the supplies for my new tank! I'll be sure to post some pictures of it and my RES as soon as all my things arrive!