redearslider.com

When I first got my turtles a few months ago, I used a regular light bulb from a desk lamp (twisty tubish kind? 50W) to heat up the basking area of 10G tank*. I have a Reptiglo 5.0 UVB bulb in the 2nd lamp, but still felt like I was missing something (UVA maybe?).

So... I got an Exo Terra 60W Daytime Heat / Sunglo thing from PetCo (I don't know why, I've always relied on this site vs. their recc's - they tried talking me into a night light too once)... Anyway, it gets SUPER hot - I keep it far away enough that the basking area doesn't go above 96/97F but the water temp rises whenever its on, prob due to small tank size, so I only have it on while I'm getting ready in the AM, about 45 mins, IF that, then I switch back to a reg light bulb on the timer.

Is this Exo Terra deal overkill? Do I need it? What kind of bulb DO I need? Other than SOMETHING to get the temp up to about 95F to entice basking (which they had been and still are doing happily and regularly - though temp w desklamp bulb is a few degrees below 95).

Hope that makes sense...

*I know, 10G is small, upgrading in Nov. Don't judge :/ Thanks so much guys.

A twisty style bulb like a compact florescent (CFL) or an incandescent? Was the light a pale white or warm yellow?

Ummm... This kind...

steve wrote:A twisty style bulb like a compact florescent (CFL) or an incandescent? Was the light a pale white or warm yellow?

I'm googling... Maybe its a CFL and I need an incandescent for heat.

Yup, you'll need an incandescent or a halogen to provide some heat... though that sun glo should be fine. Move it further away if there is too much heat output.

Thanks so much! I got a sturdier, higher quality fixture and the bulb works perfectly now. Turtles are happy as can be... Adorable little baskers