UVA / UVB lights for turtles...

Question
Tina,

I maintain fresh water fish tanks for a private school and have a good understanding of how to keep them.  Because of this however they have also asked me to take care of their 3 turtles that I know nothing about.  

I have done a pretty good job so far, but in reading up on how to properly care for them I came across an article that said I should provide them with UVA / UVB light.  The turtles are kept inside in a 20 gallon long tank with proper filtration and all, but only have an incandescent light which also provides them with some heat (it is on a timer and stays on about 10 hours a day).  There is a very small amount of 'outside' light that comes in via two glass doors, but their tank is a good 50 feet from that door.  

My question is, do I need to worry about getting them UVA/B light?  I don't want their shells to weaken or have some other issues by not having it, as the children are quite fond of them!  :)   

Thanks!

John

Answer
John,  First as long as these guys are young they are fine in that tank. They will eventually need at least a 55 gallon or more would be better. Second filtration very important. Don't spend tons on in tank turtle filters go and get a good back fish filter that is pumping about 200 gallons an hour. Feed them in a separate container and make sure the water is deep enough for them to swallow while they eat. Their tongues are fixed and they do not create saliva so without enough water they will choke. They need a basking area that is about 85 to 90 degrees and the ambient temp should be around 80. This is from your UVA. Though they both help create vitamin D-3 which helps them create calcium to keep them from getting MBD (metabolic bone disease). This will cause their bones to become very brittle and break easily. The UVB light will help them create it more easily. The windows filter out all ultra violet rays so will not help at all. You can also take them outside into natural sunlight when you feed or to excersize a half hour or so a day and that is great for them. Please send me a picture of the turtles so I can identify them. This way I can give you info on correct diet but, always keep them on a pellet supplement.  Rinse them well before you return them to their tank after they poo. It doesn't take long after they eat. Definitely invest in the lighting it is absolutely necessary. Without the basking heat they will not digest their food correctly and it will rot in their stomach and they can die. These are cold blooded creatures. I will watch for your pics and we will go from there. Until then Good Luck, Tina