Does a red Eared Slider have to have a full spectrum light?

I am getting a baby red eared slider and i already got everything including a heat lamp. Can I just use a heat lamp instead of the full spectrum fluorescent light? I really dont want to have to spend the money.

Does a red Eared Slider have to have a full spectrum light?
It's advised to get a full spectrum light for proper calcium and nutrient absorption.





There's a lot of info that goes into full spectrum lighting. I've done a lot of searching myself for my parrot, but a lot of the same information applies to captive reptiles. Here's a link to detailed info on the subject:


http://www.naturallighting.com/articles_...





I didn't get full spectrum lighting right away, but now I have it for my parrot. I didn't have the money when I first got her, but got the lamp as soon as I could afford it. The bulb will need to be changed yearly to be effective.
Reply:The term "full spectrum" is a way for manufacturers to get money. Your turtle has to have the heat light that you have, but also needs a light that specifically says it has UVB in it. If it doesn't say UVB than you don't need it. UVB is very important for a turtle because it is needed for them to produce vitamin D3. This vitamin is necessary to process calcium. The absence of vitamin D3 will prevent the metabolism of calcium which can quickly lead to a condition known as Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).





MBD is the number one killer of captive tortoises, turtles, and lizards. It is especially a risk for egg-laying females and fast growing hatchlings since they need even more calcium than other turtles. The condition is a result of the suffering of bone density, and symptoms include lethargy, swelling, weakness, and tremors. In addition, turtles' shells may become soft and pliable.





It is important when selecting a UVB bulb for your turtle's habitat, that you are mindful that most UVB lighting begins to lose potency after about six months (despite what the package says). The exceptions are the ReptiSun 10.0 and mercury vapor bulbs; each of these produce viable UVB for up to one year.





UVB does not penetrate more than a few inches below the surface of the water, so be sure to position it directly over your turtle's basking area. If you are using an aquarium hood, remove the plastic or glass that covers the light strip, as it will filter out almost all of the useful UVB rays. The UVB rays are also blocked by fine mesh, so mesh should be at least 1/4 inch diameter.
Reply:Unless you plan on keeping it outdoors in full sunlight, then yes you absolutely need to have UV lighting in addition to the heat lamp (or use a mercury vapor UV heat bulb for use in your lamp fixture). If you don't, you'll be risking your animal's health. Metabolic bone disease is a leading cause of death in captive turtles.
Reply:If you arn't willing to spend the money then you should buy one it will die slowly with out one. You can buy uvb compact bulbs that fit into standered lamp holders look them up but a res NEEDS this light for vitamin D3 !!





please buy one good luck x
Reply:Get the full spectrum and put it over the basking area. Keep the water level low for a baby, make sure it has an easy way out of the water. They can drown. Also make sure it can get away from the lights in case it gets too hot.



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