Help needed about terrapins!!!

[lshearer01]

Ok so im not as clued up as i thought i might be on this housing malarky!!! Ive got a few questions needing answered if someone wouldnt mind sparing me a minute or two!!!

Heating and Lighting for a terrapin tank......im lost!!!! I was told that a UVA light is essential, but the more i read it seems to be a UVB that is needed?? Also i thought this was for the basking area but when i look at peoples set ups they seem to have another lamp over the basking area and a UV tube light running the length of the tank. Is the purpose of the UV light to heat the water?? If so is a heater sufficent instead of a UV light or do you need both, if you need both, can i ask why?!?!? Also the spotlight above the basking area, does it have to be anything specific???

Help would be very much appreciated, id rather get it right first time than hav a poor turt unwell due to me being clueless!!!!

Thanks!!!!!!

[angela__k__84]

You need a UV light for them to process vitamin D3 which will aid their growth and promote a healthy shell.
You need a heat light to simulate the sun to encourage them to come up to bask.
You can buy combined UV/Heat bulbs called MVB or Mercury Vapour Bulbs.
These need to be over a basking platform as UV light will not penetrate water. The basking platform must be big enough for them to get completely dry and out of the water.
You will not need a water heater for anything other than hatchlings. Ideally you want your water temp around 22*C and your basking spot around 32*C
For further reading try The Terrapin Tank - www.TerrapinTank.co.uk -
and Welcome to ATP
Obviously care varies slightly from species to species so pick one you like then do all the research you can.

[lshearer01]

That helps alot thanks!!!! Also i read somewhere that if your using tap water to fill the tank you should leave it out for 24 hours before puttin it in the tank?!!?!?!? what other water would you use?!?!?!!? lol

xxx

[angela__k__84]

I know Graham uses collected rainwater. Which is a great idea if you have access to a garden or outdoor space. If you are using tap water declorinate it. If your water is high in minerals it can lead to mineral deposits building up on the shell.