How to Leave a Heat Lamp on for Turtles

Turtles rely upon proper lighting and heating conditions to regulate several metabolic processes. In the wild turtles get vitamin D3 from the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight, a process that is also assisted by the sun's heat. A turtle uses D3 to metabolize dietary calcium. Proper lighting also stimulates appetite, activity and mating behaviors. Proper lighting and heating allows turtles to self-regulate their body temperature, and provides them with a day-night cycle that encourages natural behaviors.

Things You'll Need

  • Full-spectrum UV-B lamp
  • Electric timer
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Select a full-spectrum UV-B lighting system. Ultraviolet light is divided into discrete ranges. UV-A light is in the 400-320 nm range. UV-B light is the 320-280 nm range. Turtles see in the range provided by UV-A light. A lamp that supplies sufficient UV-A helps your turtle to see its food, and gauge its own temperature needs.

    • 2

      Vary the amount of light and heat your turtle gets throughout the day. Too much light can be as damaging to a turtle as not getting enough. You can turn on a low-wattage lamp in the morning, and then turn on full-range UV-B lighting to mimic the hottest and brightest part of the day. Connect your lighting systems to an electric timer to provide automated day and night schedules.

    • 3

      Recognize that fluorescent lighting systems do not provide heat. Install a secondary mercury vapor bulb to act as a "spot bulb" providing greater heat in one area of the turtle's enclosure. The turtle can self-regulate by favoring or avoiding the area if it needs to warm or cool themselves.