Can i use a floresent light from a aquarium for my turtle???

Question

I want to get a western painted turtle and am wondering if i can use a florescent light from my aquarium for the uva/uvb rays?

Answer 1

Everyone will tell you NO, but I say do it till you can get a real rep light. I did the same 36 years ago when I got my girls.  I had no idea what to do..I used the aquarium light for a year..My gals are now 36 yrs old. BUT all I feed them was fish and romaine lettuce...and now tubiflex worms dried cuges,,,and garden worms.

Get a rep light soon!!! Ok.Its just best for his growth and health. Make sure he has abig tank they grow fast..

For added calcim will enhance his growth is a bird cuttle bone. From the bird section of the pet store. Its all calcium and if he nibbles on it GREAT. if not it will disolve  in time in the water.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29035692@N0...

Answer 2

Does the florescent light emit UVB?  If so, how close does it need to be to the turtle to be effective?  I have no idea what kind of tube light it is.  If it's over 8 mo. old, it most likely is no longer emitting UVB.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Answer 3

You can use the fluorescent light until you get a real light. I have a fluorescent light on my toads now and they are doing very well. I would say go get a reptile light as soon as you can.

Answer 4

Only if the bulb says that it specifically produces UVB.  If the bulb doesn't say it, then you can't use it.  Even full spectrum florescent bulbs don't produce enough UVB.

You also need a basking light aimed at the basking spot.

Answer 5

If you do use it then use it short term until you source a proper reptile UVB (either a 5.0 or 10.0 dependant upon how far away it is from the basking turtle).  Aquarium UVs emit a different range of UV and no where near enough UVB for the proper processing of calcium and vitamin D3.  If they do not have the proper UVB long term then it can lead to calcium deficiency and soft shells, which if not rectified can lead to a dead turtle.

When you get your UVB ensure that it is changed every 6-7 months and is not positioned behind a glass or plastic screen as this filters out the UVB.

You can use a second tube a full spectrum (2.0) as these have been shown to increase appetite and general well being in turtles of all ages.  These can be kept until they blow.