Turtle + Reptisun 10

[joeg]

I noticed one of my red eared sliders is getting quite dark and i just want to make sure that everything is ok.

i have a 75 gallon tank filled to the top (basking area is on top), i have a 48" reptisun 10 on top of the tank. (i have a basking bulb over the basking spot). Theres also fish in the tank (which is why it's filled).

i see the turtles hanging out under the light fixture pretty often and i just want to make sure they're not getting hurt being right under it (albeit, in water).

 

[methos75]

UVB doesn't penetrate water very well, could be its not receiving enough

 

[mshill90]

If you get a Mercury Vapor Bulb and put it over the basking area, that will give you everything you need.

 

[Creek_stomper]

I'm not sure why you associate dark colors with their basking habits. In truth, most turtles in captivity are much paler than turtles out in natural sunlight, so if anything the dark color indicates they're getting more than enough UVB. How old are your turtles? It could be that it's turning melanistic, which is very common for RES.

Josh H

 

[joeg]

if anything the dark color indicates they're getting more than enough UVB. How old are your turtles? It could be that it's turning melanistic, which is very common for RES.

Josh H

i guess what i'm trying to ask is if there's such a thing as "too much" uvb for them... i don't know if they can get "sun burned" or not. They're babies, i've only had them a few weeks, not sure how old exactly. The one guy has gotten so much darker in those weeks which is what peaked my curiosity. I think they look happy/healthy, but i'm still very new to keeping turtles.

is melanistic the opposite of albino? it won't affect his health, right?