Uvb light is key component in the production of vitamin d3 which is vital for a red eared slider s calcium metabolism.
Red eared slider uvb lamp.
Vitamin d3 can be naturally produced by a turtle s skin when exposed to sunlight.
Red eared slider turtles are a semi aquatic species so they will usually spend an equal amount of their time both in and out of the water.
Res and similar turtles bask to absorb warmth and vital uv rays.
The uvb rays should not have a barrier between them and your turtle.
Turtles need uvb light.
That doesn t mean you should keep a light on for him all night but it should be on for part of that time.
Since uvb is a necessary element for red ear sliders special bulbs are required to provide them.
Your tank will need to be large enough for them to swim and exercise as well as have plenty of areas where your turtle can bask and dry off.
They also need replacement every 6 10 months.
Also note that fluorescent bulbs need to be replaced about every 6 to 10 months.
However natural sunlight is always the best method.
The reptisun 10 0 bulb and the reptisun 10 0 uvb t5 ho lamp are the best uvb lights for reptiles including the red eared slider.
Red eared slider turtle uv light learn about proper uv lighting and slider turtle basking lamp options.
This is even more critical for semi aquatic species of turtles such as red eared sliders and painted turtles which live around 75 of their lives in the water.
For indoor setups most turtle keepers provide uva and uvb through special fluorescent bulbs.
Proper lighting is crucial for a captive yellow bellied slider turtle s health.
Considering the total number of turtles and tortoises traded globally this breed is the most commonly.
While most common light sources offer a usable amount of uva by design they filter or do not emit uvb.
The red eared slider also called the red eared terrapin is an american breed of turtles widely spread across the usa and is quickly becoming an invasive species in many parts of the world it is also the most popular breed of pet turtle in the us and is widely kept as pet around the world.
You can also use heat producing mercury vapor bulbs.
Staying in the water too long can also increase the chance of turtles contracting shell rot.
When paired with a basking light provides heat these combination lights satisfy your red eared slider s heat and lighting requirements.
They need it to warm up dry their shell and to soak up uv rays.
The uvb providing protion of the light bulb has a shorter lifespan and will fail before other elements of the bulb.
Uvb light bulbs need to be changed every 6 months and can be tested using these test cards.
Glass acrylic and plastic block uvb while screens with grids under 1 2 can obstruct a good portion of uvb rays.
