By nature, and like all other plants and animals, turtles require sunlight for their optimum growth and development. Aside from adequate food and water, the heat of the sun is another major factor that significantly contributes to the overall health of these silent and gentle creatures.
Sunlight supplies vitamins and other essential nutrients crucial to your pets’ calcium reserves. These include Vitamins A, B, C and Vitamin D3, which is considered most vital in calcium absorption.
If you are to take care of turtles but do not have the facility to somehow mimic their natural habitat, make sure to install lighting systems in their tanks. This is required for them to obtain the necessary vitamins they would normally get outdoors. Here’s how to use turtle tank lighting systems. Read on.
Before anything else, talk to a veterinarian
Different turtles require different amounts of lighting. Some turtles need more lighting compared to other species of turtles. And there are even turtles that need no lighting at all. Ignorance and lack of knowledge is detrimental to your shelled friends. The best way to keep your pets happy and healthy is to inquire from a veterinarian regarding this sensitive matter.
For turtles that do require lighting, use the General Lighting type of system, which is for the overall tank lighting plan.
Consider the type of bulb or fluorescent you are to use
One good suggestion is to put tube fluorescent bulbs to make an even distribution of light and heat for the whole tank. You may also consider the use of ‘full spectrum’ bulbs to produce a more natural shade. If you could mimic nature, then it is much better.
You may do this by installing a lighting system that can be changed every now and then. This way, you can use a nocturnal-type of bulb every once in a while, and then easily switch back to a clear bright bulb to get the effect of a cloudy to sunny weather.
Be aware and conscious of the intensity of the lighting system you plan to install
A strong, penetrating light and heat are not at all very healthy for your turtles. Sunlight may be far more intense than any other artificial lighting system but, in their natural home, turtles can freely find a spot where sunlight is not so unbearable.
To avoid any unnecessary casualties, it is imperative that you be well-informed of the correct intensity of light to place in your turtle tank. Make sure to inquire from a hardware assistant about this matter. 2 watts is moderate and suitable for aquatic plants. 3 watts is considered as strong lighting, so choose your bulb carefully.
Know how to use heat lamps
Keep the heat for only 85-95° Fahrenheit. Exceeding this limit will produce a harmful effect on your turtles’ health, resulting in rapid aging and ultimately death. For a successful installation of heat lamps, opt for a proven and dependable vapor bulb that produces just the right amount of heat, light, and Ultraviolet-A and B.
Caring for your pet turtles does not stray far from how you would take care of other pet animals and plants. In order to keep them relatively healthy and satisfied, you must supply them with their specific needs, plus lots of love and care.