Do turtles NEED a basking light?

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Samuel Berry

Samuel Berry

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 3, 2017
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Wigan, England
I have a musk turtle, had him from a hatchling since August, I bought a ‘kit’ that came with everything I need including a uvb bulb but no heat light, I was wondering if there will be any heath issues with him not having a basking light long term?
The water is heated to 30oc
 
I had a Red Eared Slider for a while befor I gave him to someone else with a bigger tank (I found him on Coney Island Beach lol) and until I found out I needed a heat lamp he just sat still and wouldn't eat. I didn't have heated water, though.
 
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Reptiles need a way to thermoregulate so heated water he can get out of if he is to warm is good. Not sure on specific info on that turtle but usually a basking light and uvb are preferred in at least 1 spot . Heated water isn't bad but not to warm and a spot to go to cool off is good also no light directed at it just ambient.
 
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Yes, they need access to both UV and a basking spot. I use powersuns with all my turtles.

As others have stated, they need to be able to thermo regulate. I don't generally heat my water(especially not to 30c) but always allow them to bask.
 
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NathanKS said:
Yes, they need access to both UV and a basking spot. I use powersuns with all my turtles.

As others have stated, they need to be able to thermo regulate. I don't generally heat my water(especially not to 30c) but always allow them to bask.
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I might get a bulb, heating the water takes a lot of power, thanks for the advice
 
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they absolutely need a UVB source and a heat source. 30C is way to hot for the water temperature. should realistically be around 24 degrees. without a proper basking light the turtle will develop shell rot and a myriad of other issues if not giving a spot to dry off and warm up. please do some research, for the turtles sake.

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-stinkpot.htm
 
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inert1a said:
they absolutely need a UVB source and a heat source. 30C is way to hot for the water temperature. should realistically be around 24 degrees. without a proper basking light the turtle will develop shell rot and a myriad of other issues if not giving a spot to dry off and warm up. please do some research, for the turtles sake.

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-stinkpot.htm
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I am doing research, the main reason this thread was created. like I said I got a kit that included everything the turtle needed and I done exactly as the aquarium shop said, he is in good health like I have also said, eating and passing food correctly, I was looking for other people’s opinions not to be spoken down to thank you
 
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