question about lighting

Question
Hi, I really appriciate this site, it's answered a lot of questions Ive had about my new turtle, Andre. He is a RES, only 3 inches long, I have all the proper things for him a very large tank (thank God someone gave me I didn't have to purchase), a basking lamp, a uvb light, a basking/floating rock which he loves, a large filter and he's been eating very well for me (pellets). But my question is how long do I keep the lights/lamps on for? The breader that I bought him from said for now since I do not have a/c in my room said I don't need a heater for the water so Ive been afraid to shut off the lamps so it may get too cold in there for him. I was planning on getting the heater in a month or so (in the fall). Please help me out here. All I want is Andre to stay happy and healthy. Oh and also when do you think he'll be big enough to start with feeder fish and stuff?

Answer
Hi Heather,

The lights should be on 12 hours a day.

You do need a heater in the water to keep it a constistant temperature. Be sure your submersible heater has a "No burn" safety feature. Many of them sold for turtles have plastic cases that go around the heater. If you just get a fish heater be sure it will not burn the turtle.

You can offer him a feeder fish at any time but try and get small ones. They are easier to eat if they are the same size or smaller then the turtle's head.

Good luck
Yexalen