Equipment Review and Discussion :: I NEED HELP WITH LIGHTING QUICK!!

[hilgennr24]

SO my baby red eared slider is arriving today..
I have the tank pretty much set up and everything..
but i think i bought the wrong kind of lightbulb..
all i bought was a zoo med halogen bulb..
is that all the lighting i need??
i thought i needed UVA/UVB.. is that in a halogen bulb??
i really need anyones help!
thanks!!!

[seanwb]

From the Zoo Med web site

FAQ:

Q: Does this lamp emit UVB?
A: These lamps are primarily a heat source. They generate UVA but not UVB.

You need a UVA light (like you already have as a heat source for basking area) and a UVB light. So the bulb you have is the right sort, but you need a UVB as well. UVB is needed long term, so no problem if you have the RES in for a few days whilst you sort out extra light.

[hilgennr24]

ok thanks so much.. so i would need to get a UVB light bulb then.. and would i stick that over the spot where my turtle sits out and basks'?

[zoologist]

yes, both the UVA and UVB lamps should be pointed over the basking area. the UVB will do nothing over the water.

[seanwb]

You need both over basking area

[hilgennr24]

ok thanks a ton!!!

[TurtleLover_S&B]

You need both over the basking area,not the water,because it's not going to help when it's over the water.Oh,and with the UVB,you want to try to get a good bulb,but a low wattage.BEcause you don't want the tank to get too hot.Like my UVB bulb is 26 watts.

[Chrisbarnett]

nobody recommended a bulb to get?

exo terra reptiglo 5.0% 26watt.

Also, UVB bulbs don't produce heat.

[Caphits]

They DO produce heat, BUT it isnt enough to bask with.

[Chrisbarnett]

yeah that's what I meant. not a significant source.