Reddit reviews Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB Heat Lighting Kit

I keep my turtle tank bare because they can create a lot of waste but if you want to spruce it up a bit you can add some river rocks! Make sure to wash them a bit since they are a slightly dusty

Exo Terra Turtle Pebbles, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035HD408/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UZMODb2Y843TK

Also I dunno if Tuck has a uvb or heat bulb? He'll need those to properly shed and prevent metabolic bone disease

This is what I have for my girl

Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB Heat Lighting Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CYDEARU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_g7MODb4DVDTNA

Zoo Med Reptile Lamp Stand (Large) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255OUO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_99MODbSNSH1X9


Hygger Submersible Aquarium Heater, Adjustable Fish Tank Heater Compact Reliable Betta Heater, Heat-Resistant Milky Quartz Made, with External Temp Controller, 50W/100W/300W, 7-60 Gallon (300W) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G4BKPHB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_f.MODbB3P6Q26

I hope this helps you out!

He doesn't look too big, but some can grow really fast. This tank size may last you a couple months while you look for another. Supplies that you need ASAP are the UV light/Heater lamp and more water with filtration. When adding tap water remember to treat it with a dechlorinator that also gets rid of heavy minerals. If you're looking to save money on a tank, wait for a pet store nearby to have a dollar a gallon sale, or look locally for deals on used tanks w/ accessories on craigslist.

I recommended a thermometer for your water and basking area because particular species of turtles do better at different temperatures. I'm not sure what size that tank is but I'm guessing around 10-20g and would do well with a smaller heater. Your filtration should be rated 2-4 times the amount of water in your tank, and have 3 stages of filtration because they can be super messy.

P.S. If you know what size tank you have, and what you're planning to upgrade to I could recommend you some tank media that would work for you

Map turtles usually don't get as big as red eared sliders that you usually find in pet stores, but they do need large tanks. If he's already almost 3 inches long, I'd suggest getting a 40 gallon breeder tank. You will need a good filter, basking platform, good turtle food enriched with vitamins (I use ZooMed brand), a heater, and the correct lighting.

You are smart to wait until you have a tank set up before bringing him home, but just realize that this is a very long term commitment and the initial set-up will cost a lot more than you think!!

Turtles need both UVB and UVA light to grow healthy. The UVA will be a heat source for the turtle while the UVB will give the turtle much needed vitamins, just as if he were out in the sun. Don't trust any bulb that claims it gives off both UVA and UVB, you need two separate bulbs. I use this with my tank: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CYDEARU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Let me know if you have any other questions :)

Edit: Oh, and I wouldn't worry about the UV bulbs being bad for your skin. The rays can't penetrate through glass, so you should be fine if you're looking through the glass. Any short amount of time you do come in contact with it, I doubt it will affect you at all. You definitely won't get a sunburn from a few minutes xD

I've been in the turtle game for about a year now, recently I've upgraded my 55 gallon canister filter to 150 gallon one called Sunsun HW-304B and wow has it been an improvement. Turtles need 3x the filter so if you have 55 gallon tank you're going to need one rated for 150-200 gallons which canister filters are preferred since they can last a long time without cleaning and provide better suction.

If you do go the canister filter route I would get this media kit that has everything you need to started.

As far as chemicals go I would stick with TetraFauna Aquasafe and API Sludge Destroyer, use only a little bit since that will make your water cloudy if you use too much.

To pick up food waste and whatever else get this long pole fishnet instead of those short ones that they sell at pet stores so you can get in there really deep without shoving your arm in.

Turtles also need 2 types of light UVB and heat, I found that this combo lamp works fine.

Looks like you’ve got a real nice setup there. As far as lighting goes you’ll need the normal heat and UVB bulbs. You could probably use a 50-75w bulb for heating and similarly sized UVB bulb (13w 5.0 I believe). Something like this would give you everything in one package:


https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Aquatic-Turtle-Lighting/dp/B00CYDEARU