Habitat - Indoor :: Basking lamp or no Basking lamp?

[weepixieni]

Ok harvey has just moved into his new 3ft tank and it mega wide as well the 3ft length. problem is i alway had 2 meduim docks in his previous tank one and each end but he never seems to go on2 the dock that is under the basking lamp even now he still wont so am just wondering because today i gave my basking lamp to my friend for her first turtle do i really need one he has a reptiglo 5.0 in the hood of his tank which is around 3inches away from him when he is streching his neck out. he will stay under the reptiglo light quite happly for around 2hrs. then go for a wee swim then back up.was thinking of putting his large dock in again and forgetting about the basking lamp.

[weepixieni]

sorry forgot to explain that he has only went onto the dock under the basking lamp a few times even in his old tank i have experimented with water level and everything he just won't take to it he is very stubborn and stuck in his ways.

[vear]

You should have 1 basking spot. Your repti glo provides the UVB, I'm assuming there's no glass between the bulb and the turtle. However you most definitely need a heat lamp, or just a regular incandescent bulb (which is what I use) for heat. This helps them dry up, increase their body temp (remember they're cold blooded), and digest their food. It's very important to have one.

Don't give him 2 basking spots with 1 light in one and another light in the other. He might just pick one spot, which it seems it's what happened and he won't be getting the benefits of both lamps - UVB and heat.

BTW, check to see how far the repti glo bulb is supposed to be from your turtle. It should tell you in the box. 3in. seems close, but I don't really know. My bulb is installed 12" away.

[weepixieni]

ok so i hav installed a regular incandescent bulb never tried one before always went for a proper basking lamp and success he's actually basking under it at long last. thanks for your help.

[vear]

That's great! No problem.