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albino soft shell turtle - need confirmation on basking/uv requirements

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3.9K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  moonstruck  
#1 ·
I was told by the shopkeeper he does not require UV or a basking spot, we though this was a bit dubious as we'd assumed he would require both like other turtles, so we just nodded and agreed with the shopkeeper intending to give him the lighting we'd expect a turtle to need.
But after getting home and checking online, some sources say just a heated basking spot, do not provide UV as they can burn with being albino, others say UV is essential with them being soft shells.

Could somebody please confirm whether to set up a UV light for him, or just heat lamp, or both, or neither? I don't want to give him sunburn but don't want to cause shell rot or fungus through lack of UV.
 
#7 ·
thank you :notworthy:

do you supplement the d3 in a different way (extra vitamins etc?)

i'll give him an out-of-water spot anyway, and if he decides he likes to climb out then i'll set him up a basking spot, f he chooses not to come out the water then there's no point adding it! :)
 
#8 ·
The problem with that idea is that he will not come out just for the sake of it he would come out to bask but if there is no heat or light he wouldn't bother so you can't go by that.

What i would do is provide a 5% uv tube at 12 inches from the basking spot and a heat bulb at the same place,just make sure the temp is correct first.
 
#9 ·
still worried about him getting burnt by the uva with him being albino :(

erm... i'll set up an out of water heat only basking spot, if he does use it, i'll add uv, and in the meantime i'll try and find out what % is the maximum i can safely use for an albino.
 
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