Is this a sufficient substitute short term for a UVB light?

[Kobeclone]

I was "gifted" a yellow bellied slider from my Dad's gf...

It is a hatchling. I have set up a 10 gallon with basking dock and heat bulb. I have also been taking him outside for 30 minutes a day to get direct sunlight because I don't have a UVB bulb. Is this an okay short term substitute for a Reptile UVB light?

I live 50 miles from the nearest Petco, Petsmart, or LFS, so will this work for 1-2 weeks until we make it to the city???

Also, I have been feeding ReptoMin as the staple diet, along with earthworms...When we get to the city, should I buy another staple food, or is ReptoMin a good staple??

I will be moving him to a 55 gallon tote when he outgrows this tank...

Please excuse my noob questions, as I have never owned a turtle or other reptile before.

 

[klmt]

yes, diurnal (however you spell that word) reptiles awake during the day, the opposite of nocturnal, they need at least 15 minutes of strong sun exposure to complete the D3 calcium break down process. 15 minutes outside in the sun is equivilent to about 8 hours under the average uv bulb. This will suffice for the time being. I know that in the summer my bearded dragons love walking around in the grass eating dandelions and clover flowers.

 

[coura]

If you are able to take your turtle outside for sun baths why dont you build her a small outdor pen ? That would give her the oportunity to enjoy sun shine at her will without the risk of over heating.Thouse large ruber made recepients for sale at hardwhere stores make great outdors habitats for small turtles. But because your turtle is small you must also provide a indor habitat. outdoors is only for sunny afternoons and late mornings. Healty baby turtles of your´s species are geat swimers so provide a water level of several inches to avoid over heating and to provide security. Put several cheap aquatic plants like elodea , a few pebbles and pieces of wood, a copple of large pieces of cork for basking and there you have it. put also a large net over the enclosure to protect your litle turtle against predators. Has for food reptomin is a good stable. Ad also bloodworms, daphnia ,small peaces of shrimp ,small strips of dark leafy vegetebles like chikory,turnip greens, mustard greens , etc. You can also ad other staples like mazuri, zoomed ,etc. Avoid freeze dried gammarus,spinach and letuce. Good luck

 

[wild caught]

honestly he would be fine for a few weeks, probly months, without it. turtles will live long lives without UVB, but they develop lots of conditions and are unhealthy and unhappy. get the light as soon as possible.

 

[elevatethis]

honestly he would be fine for a few weeks, probly months, without it. turtles will live long lives without UVB, but they develop lots of conditions and are unhealthy and unhappy. get the light as soon as possible.

I was going to say long, pathetic lives....I've seen a few fish bowl turtles here and there...very sad.