That's good Linda, but 5% really is the absolute minimum, when the UV is due for replacement after 6 months you might want to consider getting a 7%, 8%, or even a 10% one. Or if you have a big enough tank that it won't overheat it you can't do better than a Mercury Vapour lamp.

Do you have a spotlamp to provide heat in addition to the UVB lamp?

dont they have a layer if skin over there shells?

maybe this is where its being absorbed?

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No they don't have a layer of skin over their shells, maybe you're thinking of softshells, which have a thick leathery skin over the bone of the carapace?

Mine sits out in its shell sometimes, and other times has 1 leg out, or 2, or 3 etc. Sometimes its head is out a lot,sometimes half out, sometimes not at all.

I figure, it knows what it is doing more so than me. It has 10% UVB, it has basking lamp, temperatures are finally all settled and good, and its seemingly,and touch wood,a very happy turtle. It watches my every move, and its great.


It NEEDS the light and heat - its a demand,not a request.

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It's well known that most, if not all reptiles can see or otherwise sense UV light, and assuming that turts know how much is good for them it would seem reasonable for them to withdraw into their shells when they've had enough.
It could be that it's had enough UV, but still wants the warmth from the basking lamp.

yes plus under water heater and filter
linda

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I was thinking of tortoises. this is why when you touch their shell, they can feel it when you touch their because of the layer of skin over the shell.

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lol calm down, I was joking ffs.. and stop lecturing people that may have more experience than you. It is annoying, especially when it comes across as patronising (and asking if someone with 20 years experience of working with reptiles if they know what a lamp is for is patronising).

The main point here, and I have noticed this myself, is that wee turtles, like the RES, are often sold with the minimal amount of information, and ergo are kept badly.. I now have 2 that have been rescued, and although in good enough nick (which is testament to their hardiness). When pointed out (in a nice, not in your face condescending patronising manner), that they were being kept wrong, the owners have always came back that they were told differently by the seller.
i know of one shop in Belfast that is selling some turtles, but the guy who owns that is pretty adament about what is needed for them, and won't sell them unless the set up is proper. If that could be replicated, it would be great.

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Well that was impossible to tell from your post of course, I have no idea who you are or how much experience you have do I? How could I? All I can do is judge you by what you post here, and if what you post is some dumb comment like you did then what conclusion am I supposed to draw from that?

Hey if you don't want to be patronised then instead of making stupid jokes (which some newbie may not see as a joke and may take as valid advice!) how about contributing with some good advice when someone asks for it?

But you're right about the bad advice from sellers, I agree totally, virtually every new member we get on our forum who is doing stuff wrong is doing so because "that's what the man in the shop told us". It's very refreshng when you come across the odd shop that does give good advice, and even better if they insist on you buying the correct setup or proving that you already have one, I have no hesitation in recommending a handful of such shops to prospective owners, just a real shame they aren't all like that.

When speaking of Graham, ive not spoken to a single person who gives advice about turtles as often and with as much knowledge as he offers freely, and of his own will. And there are a fair few people out there that DO know what they are doing.

Im not fighting his battle, but i think your post was very unfair, and about as funny as finding a lump on your testicle, LeviathanNI.

Im all for jokes, im hardly ever serious, not online anyway - but come on, a jokes a joke, a sack of cack isnt.

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