Habitat - Indoor :: newbie setup question

[njdevs]

i have two tiny red ear sliders and trying to put together a nice habitat for them. So far I have a 15 gallon tank, heater set at 76 degrees, small turtle dock, and a in tank filter. My confusion now revolves around the proper lighting for this size tank. Right now I have a Zoo Med Daylight Blue (100w) bulb in a dome over the basking site. After all the reading I realize that I will need a UVB source and was curious if what do you guys recommend for this size tank. I liked the Exo-Terra 5.0 (26w) compact bulb and fixure but not sure if that is too much? Also, is my basking choice appropiate as well.....

[megcornell]

Welcome, it sounds like you're getting off to a good start on getting the essentials.

You may want to boost the water to 78, hatchlings like things a little warmer than 76.

For the lighting, you can get either a tube UVB or a compact. I use the compact 5.0 by zoomed, and I've had great results regardless of the tank size. The important issue is how far away you have the UVB bulb. The directions should be on the box, but a compact should be about 11-12 inches from the basking area so it doesn't affect your turtles' eyes.

[njdevs]

Since I have a 15 gallon tank that is half filled - 10-12" would mean I would need to suspend the UVB compact approx 4-6" off the top of the tank. Would I be better off getting a tube? I would have to think my room will be lit up like times square with the fixure up that high??

[megcornell]

Well, first off, I'd fill the tank up more. That tank is already a little tiny for two turtles, so the more water and swimming space you can offer them, the better.
Once that's done, and you've made sure they can't escape out of the top of the tank, I'd go with the compact. They are easier to aim at the basking area, where they are most effective. If you have a strip that mostly over the water, you're not exposing your turtles to UVB while they are swimming, so most of that light is going to waste. Plus, it can add to algae issues.
As for your concerns over the amount of light, if your dome light is large enough, the bulb should be completely covered, and it shouldn't really be an issue. UVB light is harsh on the eyes (at least in my opinion), so you want to make sure its not at an angle where you'll be looking at it- whether it's a strip bulb or a compact.

[chrisinva]

They do put off strong light...I have a 5.0 26watt and when I make the mistake of looking into it it gives me a headache...

This is how I have my 10 gallon setup

[njdevs]

ok, I will go with the compact 5.0 bulb. now concidering the size of the tank do I still need a basking lamp? seems to be alot of light over that small turtle dock as far as the size of the critters - they are only about 1.5"

[chrisinva]

UVB bulbs produce very very little heat...so yes you do need both

[njdevs]

has anyone had any experience with the Zilla - Halogen/Fluorescent Combo Dome? this looks like a nice little setup for small tanks and includes both a halogen (heat) lamp and a T5 circular fluorescent lamp for UVB.

[TupacTheTurle]

haven't used one, but i saw it at petsmart the other night...looked pricey.

[lahondamama]

I know this is an old thread, but my question is the same. my husband just bought a zilla combo T5 fluorescent/ceramic heat lamp/blue daylight lamp. it's a 20 inch even though we have a 45 gallon tank. the basking area is about 12 inches from the light fixture. Is this going to work for basking?