Hey, I'm new here

I just got two baby Red ear sliders, I'm keeping them in a 10 gallon tank until they get bigger and so far both turtles seem to be happy and active. I am concerned about one thing though. I purchased a UV light bulb recently but returned it because I read it's really not that great

Here's the article
Tortoise Trust Web - UNDERSTANDING REPTILE LIGHTING SYSTEMS (shows a picture of it towards the bottom and explains why)

Could somebody recommend me the best type/brand of UV light bulbs for turtles, or just let me know which one you use. I'd really appreciate it

The reptiglo 5.0 is really good.

BTW, your ten gallon tank is too small for two turtles. The general rule for turtles is 10 gallons=1 inch of shell. So if your turtles are babies they're probably about 1.5-2 inches long which means they should be in a 30-40 gallon.

You also want to watch out for sign of aggression, such as fluttering and biting. This can result in severe injury or death of one or both turtles. Turtles, RES especially, are loner animals, they do not require a companion. And more often than not, they view their 'companion' as a threat on their territory. Also, the dominant turtle can prevent the other turtle from eating until it starves to death (it happened to mine). So you'll want to feed them in separate enclosures.

Thanks, I'll look out for the bulb right after work tomorrow

I have a 50 inch tank, might move them there later because right now they seem to be fine in their 10 gallon tank

They haven't had any problems like that, they both seem to get along fine probably because they're both brothers but thanks for the tip. I'll start feeding them in separate bowls for now on, just incase

I'd have to agree that they ought to have a larger enclosure. They need as much room as you can give them, and they grow fast.

As for the lighting, I recommend nothing but mercury vapor bulbs for turtles. A self-ballasted mercury vapor bulb will provide both heat and UVB rays all in one centralized location (the basking area) and works MUCH better than having a fluorescent UVB light and a separate heat lamp. Mega-Ray makes some good ones. A fluorescent bulb has to be within 10-12 inches from the turtles in order to be effective. That can be hard to accomplish considering their habitats, and even harder to get a heat lamp to fit in there with that fluorescent in the way.

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I agree on the murcury vapor bulbs. They have a much greater UVB output than any other bulb out there, plus create heat AND last a year, instead of 6 months as other standard bulbs. You can get one here, and they are good with shipping.

Welcome To ReptileUV - Mega-Ray® UVB lamps for reptile lighting worldwide

If you have two turtles now, be prepared for a VERY large enclosure soon. This can be done on the cheap though. My friends just got a livestock watering tank for theirs from Tractor Supply Company for $65. Holds 110 gallons!

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

And the MegaRay lamp will also be powerful enough for the future when you will have to have a BIG enclosure! With the florescent tubes you would have to have multiple tubes across the enclosure. So the best lamp is also the cheapest in the long run.

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