Lighting needs of razorback musk turtles

Question
Hi Jeannie

I have two new and very small razorback musk turtles. I have two other turtles in the tank, so I have a divider in it. The divider keeps the musk turtles from the basking light and also the uvb lighting. I have read that they do not bask,and stay underwater, but I would think there should at least be a uvb bulb on their side of the tank. What would you recommend for providing the lighting needs of this type of turtle? I will get provide one or both types of lighting depending on what you recommend. Thank you, Sarah

Answer
Hi Sarah,

You didn't say how big the tank was, but if at all possible I'd just set the musk turtles up in their own tank.  At some point you'll need a sizable tank for them anyway, with good filtration.  However, be aware that as they mature (depending on sex; I'm assuming at this point they're too small to sex) you may have some issues with aggression.  Giving them plenty of tank space and hiding areas may help with this.

Musk turtles don't bask a lot, but they do bask.  You can probably get away with just vitamin D3 supplementation for adults, but since yours are young and growing I personally would want to provide UVB as well.  I think with hatchlings and juveniles it's always better to be cautious.  You can use either a tube bulb (Reptisun 10.0) or a combination heat/UVB bulb (mercury vapor--ZooMed Powersun).  The tube bulb would need to be replaced every six months.  The MV bulb should be replaced yearly.  Costwise, they're about the same based on replacement time.  The ZooMed does provide a higher level of UVB, but not a whole lot more, so choose which would work best for you.

Here's some UVB and care information for you.  Please post back if you have more questions.

http://russiantortoise.org/uvb.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-razrbk.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-stinkpot.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/care.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/waterquality.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/housing.htm