 Proper lighting is critical to the health of a baby turtle. When turtles bask in the sunlight, they not only benefit from the heat warming them up, but from the UVB rays of the sun that stimulate the production of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is used to get the calcium from the food to a young turtles growing bones and shell. Florescent lights that produce the proper amount of UVB are available at most pet stores. Although not a heat light, one of these lights placed on a screen top just inches above the turtle in this type of set up will provide a warmer air temp and full effect of the UVB and when combined with a water heater, will keep the turtles happy and healthy. FINISHED TANK In this photo the filter is on the right side of the tank, with the heater just left of it. This moves the warmed water through the tank. Artificial plants and decorations were added to provide cover for the turtles and make the tank look natural. Normally, I keep the water level a little higher, leaving a third of the logs exposed. The tank holds two small red eared sliders, a small painted turtle and two small snapping turtles. The snapping turtles will hang out in the logs but have no problem swimming when feeding time comes. They enjoy chasing crickets, meal worms and earth worms, as well as commercial foods. |
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