Best lighting for red eared sliders: UVA, UVB, and heat explained?

A proper diet for red-eared sliders includes a complete pellet, such as those made by ReptoMin, and dark leafy green vegetables. This can be fed once per day, and the amount should be based on how many pellets Cooper can eat in 5-7 minutes. This is just a guideline, and your veterinarian can help you to determine if this is appropriate based on Cooper's body condition score (i.e. whether she is overweight or not). For a heat lamp - photo 1 just looks like the dome, and there doesn't appear to be a bulb in it. The second lamp looks like it is a daytime only heat lamp - it is often beneficial to have a heat source that can be used during the day or at night, and if that is what you are looking for, I would recommend a ceramic heat bulb. If you are looking for only a daytime basking bulb, there are many brands that would be appropriate. The key words that you should look for are "daytime basking bulb." For watts - it depends on how far the bulb is away from your turtle - there are some brands that have a chart on the side of the box that will give you distances and temperatures that correlate with the distance. This information, combined with your desired temperature for the basking area will help you to decide on what wattage to get. I hope that gives you more information!

An adult slider should have at least 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length. Bigger is always better though, so if budget and space allow then try for a 75 or even 90 gallon tank. Provide a UVB light source unblocked by glass, plexiglass or fine mesh. Heat sources (for the water and for basking out of the water) are also necessary. A basking platform out of the water should be provided. Use a filter that is rated for at least twice the volume of any tank you choose. This will help maintain water quality. You can read more about keeping sliders at the links below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/

Thanks for reaching out. The water temperature should be around 70-75 F, but the basking site can be in the low 90s. This needs to be measured with a thermometer to prevent burns. If the turtles are too scared they will not bask well, as feel safer in the water. Good luck.

Sliders see very well in the dark. They are mainly active during the day and usually sleep in the water at night. A heat lamp is not necessary unless nighttime temps drop below 65 F. In these cases, you can use a CHE (ceramic heat emitter that will provide heat without visible light.

This will not provide sufficient levels of UVB lighting. The window and tank glass will block a large majority of the sun's beneficial rays. A UVB light source must not be blocked by glass, plexiglass or fine mesh and should be about 12-16 inches from the surface of the basking area for maximum effect. Without UVB lighting, a turtle cannot properly synthesize adequate levels of Vitamin D3, which is necessary in the absorption and metabolism of calcium. The result will be metabolic bone disease, soft shell and/or stunted growth.

Yes, the hour or two without light won't harm her as long as it is on at other times. Don't worry about her not basking. As stated, she'll bask when she wants. Just keep the UVB light and heat lamp on for 10-12 hours daily.

One hour of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day should be sufficient until you get the bulbs. Do not mistake a basking light (which provides heat) for a UVB light which provides beneficial (and necessary) UVB rays. Make sure the nighttime temperatures do not get too cool.