Question: Can i keep my red eared slider next to my window, where there is always sun, or should i get him a uva/b lamp?

(Posted by: on 2010-08-31 22:38:38)

My parents are saying no to getting a uva/ b lamp since my window always gets sunlight and provides natural uva/ b. I live in New Zealand so whether wise it's pretty much the same. I will still be using a heater in the tank. I also heard providing vitamin D through food can replace uva/ b, so if I do this will I still end up with a healthy turtle? Thanks, Monkey

Posted by: Ganal on 2010-08-31, 23:12:54

You need a light. Glass blocks 99.9% of UVB rays so having the turtle next to the window is doing no good. Not to mention glass tanks can easily over heat and kill the animal when placed by windows.

Posted by: lodemai_of_bukovina on 2010-08-31, 22:47:36

If your window is open, then that would be fine. However UVB doesn't filter through glass/ plastic, so if the window isn't open, regardless of how sunny it is outside, he isn't getting the UV he needs.

Posted by: oikos on 2010-09-01, 06:49:30

If the light passes through glass, the UV will be filtered out. In your case, it might be best to make a fair proportion of the turtle's food liver. It is loaded with fat-soluble vitamins, is high in protein, and is quite inexpensive. Dust it in bone meal and you have an almost perfect food for young turtles.

Posted by: Steven on 2010-09-01, 09:04:42

The UVb won't pass through the glass. Suppliments can help, but a UV source is still needed. I would get the lamp. Here is a good website. redearslider.com/ index_lighting_basking.html