So I have all the fancy lighting for my red eared slider turtle, and I turn them both on at the same time, and they're always on if someones home. I was wondering if that was too much, I don't wanna cook the little guy. also, he has a small rock in the corner he can climb on thats above the water, but he never goes on it, i put him up there and he jumps off, the water is deep enough for him to stand and stick his head out with all 4 feet on the bottom. Do I need to make it deeper and get a better basking area? will that make him climb out on his own?
experienced turtle people only, with lots of details and maybe some extra info!
He's not going to bask if the basking spot temperature is too high or too low. It needs to be about 95F. The only way to measure this is with a digital probe thermometer (indoor/outdoor thermometer) or a temp gun. It is vitally important that he basks so he can be exposed to the UVB lamp. Put both lamps on timers so they are on for 10-12 hours a day and off at night. This allows for a natural photo-period or day/night cycle. Water depth needs to be at least 1.5 times the length of the shell. Good site for additional info:
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/ca ...
hey there. the water shhould be 3 of he is the rule of thumb translation .. if it is 4 inches multiple by 3 so he will need 12 inches of water. I prefer the mercury vapor bulbs for useage. heat is provided along with the necessary rays
The basking area should be about 90 ° F. I would suggest deep water, with a slab of wood wedged in at a slight angle, the basking light above the dry end. Wood is safer than stones.
