What is the best turtle heat lamp? If you own a pet turtle, you will have to ensure that they are provided with the right environment to meet the needs of your pet.
This means a tank that has enough space to move about as well as access to water and land as well as places to shelter, and the right amount of light and heat.
It can be difficult to know what amount of heat and light is suitable for your turtle. Many owners of turtles wonder whether they should keep the lights on in their tanks at night. Luckily, the answer to that question is not.
Your turtle will be right if the lighting is switched off during the night. It is highly advised that they are exposed to the natural light of darkness and light each day.
If you’re not familiar with the concept, lighting and heating are vital for all reptiles, particularly for turtles.
Wild, turtles bask in the sun for at least 10 hours per day in order to keep their body temperature healthy and it is essential to be capable of replicating this in your own turtle habitat.
Here are a few of the best turtle heat lamps that you can buy right now.
Let’s get deep into the specifics.
What Are Your Turtle’s Light and Temperature Needs?
Reptiles are turtles, which means that they are cold-blooded. They cannot regulate their body’s temperature.
They require heat from an outside source in order to remain warm. When your pet turtle is kept indoors like many pet turtles are you’ll need to be able to supply them warmth and light.
Although all species of turtles will have distinct lighting and temperature requirements There are some general guidelines to keep your turtles happy and healthy.
The temperature of the air must be maintained between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (F). The water temperature should be in the range of 75 and 85 degrees F.
In the evening, it is advised that you let the temperature of the aquarium of your turtle drop around 5 to 10 degrees.
They also require light sources all daytime. It is recommended to replicate the natural patterns of dark and light within your turtle’s tank. So, having around 12 hours of darkness and light each day is enough.
The light in your turtle’s tank off at night will allow them the ideal balance of temperature and light control.
What Kind of Heat Lamp is for Turtles?
Your turtle requires UV light to closely mimic the quality of light that it receives out of the sunlight in nature. They require a UV lamp specifically made for reptiles. This lamp should provide reptiles with UVA and UVB rays.
There are a Variety of Options in Light of Your Turtle Tank:
- Mercury vapor lamps – You can purchase one lamp that offers UVA as well as UVB lighting and warmth. The 3-in-1 lamps are useful since they do not necessity of several bulbs. However, they consume much more electricity than other models.
- Two Lamp System – Another option is to make use of two lamps that are separate one of which has UVA light, and the second equipped with UVB light for turtles. Most often you will find that the UVA light is taken from the basking lamp that will provide the turtle with heat and also.
- Optional Lighting – You may be interested in adding other lighting options for your aquarium for your turtle. There are two options: nightlights and viewing lights.
Lights that allow you to observe your turtle throughout the daytime if your turtle is spending a lot of hours in the ocean. Nightlights are usually either purple or red and permit you to look into the tank in the evening.
They’re too dim to be able to keep the turtle alert and they’ll not disturb their natural sleep patterns.
Best Turtle Heat Lamp Review
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What is UVA, UVB Light for Turtles?
UVA as well as UVB lighting for turtles include those which mimic sunlight to your pet turtle. They provide vitamins and stimulate activity that the sun provides to turtles in the wild.
Learn more about how they function.
UVA Light
Since turtles aren’t exposed in the same way as they would be in nature and therefore, they are less active. UVA light or Ultraviolet helps to maintain the healthy lifestyle that your turtles require, which sunlight naturally helps.
The following are the key aspects of your turtle’s lifestyle that UVA light provides for turtles:
- Activity
- Mood
- Feeding
- Breeding
UVB Light
As I’ve already mentioned turtles require vitamin D3 in order to stay healthy and active. UVB Light also called Ultraviolet B synthesizes that vitamin.
If there isn’t enough UVB light in your turtle’s environment the turtle could suffer due to metabolic bone diseases and shell issues. A prolonged absence of UVB light could cause your turtle’s death.
The best method to ensure that your turtle will live for 20 years or more is to purchase the UVB lamp for your turtle and replace it after every six months of usage.
Types of Turtle Heat Lamps
If you’ve learned the right turtle heat lamp wattage we’re going to talk about the various types that turtle lamps can provide that are suitable for your turtle’s habitat.
Compact UVB Lamps
Small UVB bulbs or compact fluorescent lamps are ideal for smaller terrariums or “sick tanks.” Their small-size turtle heat lamps allow for intense UVB exposure, which your turtle requires.
Some people accuse UVB lamps like these of eye damage that is seen in tortoises and turtles. But, there aren’t any studies that prove this.
Additionally, it’s insufficient dark retreats, which are primarily associated with the issue. Conventional UVB lamps’ radiation could result in cloudy corneas in reptiles and even compact UVB lamps are different.
Tubular UVB Lamps
Linear or tubular bulbs are straight UVB lamps that differ in length. There’s been a debate for a long time about whether these lamps are better than smaller UVB bulbs.
Tubular UVB lamps provide a wider coverage than compact bulbs, which means they won’t provide focused lighting, but an equally diffused one. If you own several turtles or an entire aquarium linear bulbs are your ideal option.
Night Lights and Timer
Night lights or night-viewing lamps come in a purplish blue or red. They are dim light that allows you to observe your turtle in the dark without disrupting them.
They also emit heat, and it’s up to you if you’d like to keep them on all night long or only while you’re looking at them. This is when you need a timer since you don’t want to keep the lights on at night until the early morning hours.
First thing in the morning, they will require their daytime turtle heat lamps to maintain their health and activity. The light from the night will make your turtle angry and result in an increase in your electric cost.
Daytime Viewing Lights
The daytime lighting is only suitable for large artificial habitats. They do not fulfill the vital functions that turtle lamps serve, such as UVB light sources for turtles which is why they can only increase the cost of electricity.
But, if you’re looking to have an amazing glimpse of the turtles throughout the day the gentle white lights or warmer white ones are ideal. They’re not expensive, but they’ll last as long as turtles might even live.
Note that you must turn on your UVA/UVB light to prevent turtles from entering your daytime light for viewing.
Basking Lights
Basking lights are used for heating or basking portions of the aquarium. The reptiles are cold-blooded, just as turtles are, therefore they are able to regulate their temperature. surroundings affect their body temperature quite a bit.
UVB light for turtles also offers warmth, however, they are not recommended basking lights as long exposures can result in problems in the turtle’s system. Here are the suggested basking temperatures for the most popular pet turtles:
- Florida Box Turtle: 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit
- Eastern Box Turtle: 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Ornate Box Turtle: 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Red Ear Sliders Turtles: 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Map Turtles: 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Painted Turtles: 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Mud Turtles: 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit
- Musk Turtles: 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit
Combination Turtle Heat Lamps
Combination turtle heat lamps are the ideal solution for having both UVB light for turtles as well as heating all in one. It’s not about cost, but being aware that it requires an enormous amount of effort to install two different lights within your tank.
However, combination lighting is recommended for huge installations only. They create excessive heat that smaller tanks aren’t able to handle.
You could also utilize an alarm clock to operate this type of heat lamp, specifically when switching between two lights.
Another option is to put the installation of a screen under the lamps, especially if they’re halogen, incandescent, or mercury vapor lamps because they heat up and could explode when splashed by water.
To avoid all of this, choose combination turtle lamps that are either LED or fluorescent.
Ceramic Turtle Heat Lamps
Ceramic heat lamps, also known as ceramic heat emitters (CHEs) are a form of a turtle heat lamp that can provide warmth without light or a light source. CHE is a warming element made of ceramic and is typically similar to a normal heat bulb.
Another thing it shares in common with basking bulbs is the fact that CHEs cannot withstand the heat of large spaces, however, they can overheat one that is small enough.
Experts advise you to plug them into sockets made of porcelain rather than plastic ones as they will become too hot and possibly cause a fire.
Top 5 Best Turtle Heat Lamps
We’ve provided you with everything you’ll need to know about setting up the turtle lamps, and the right way to pick ones that meet your needs. It’s time to make an actual selection and here’s a comprehensive listing of the five best turtle heat lamps on the market.
OMAYKEY 2-Pack Ceramic Heat Lamp
- ✔ This 100W black infrared heat lamp is made of solid ceramics...
- ✔ This ceramic heat lamp is simple and easy to install, just screw...
- ✔ This heat lamp bulb is ETL Listed, input voltage is AC 90-120V,...
- ✔ This ceramic heat emitter bulb is 24hr heat source, with 100%...
- ✔ This bulb‘s surface temperature is very high when working,...
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
There’s nothing more elegant than turtle lamps which do not look like bulbs and blend seamlessly with the surroundings. OMAYKEY blends style and effectiveness in this light lamp with its sleek design and long-lasting function.
It’s also easy to put in. All you have to do is connect it to an ordinary porcelain E27 screw socket, and you’re ready to go.
Here are a few more characteristics that made us fall in love with this product immediately:
- Pack of two
- The wattage of the Turtle heat lamp is 100W
- The Heating Surface’s diameter: is 8CM. Surface: 8CM
- Color: Black
- Included is a digital thermometer within the package.
As I said earlier the heat lamps for ceramic turtles aren’t able to keep their temperature down and therefore having an accurate thermometer that can monitor the temperature of the turtle’s environment can be a huge help.
Simple Deluxe 2-Pack Clamp Lamp Light
- Multifunction: can be used as a table lamp in your room, garages or...
- Material: 8.5inch aluminum reflector, 150W max phenolic plastics lamp...
- Function: the clip is firm and well fixed, 360° adjustment, the...
- Specifications: 8.5X4.25X10 inch, rated for up to a 150-Watt bulb
- Package include: 2-pack 150W 8.5inch aluminum reflector clamp on light...
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The thing we like most about this lamp is its multiple functions. It can be used to warm your turtle’s home or even to light a table for your workplace.
Here are some more locations in which this light is utilized:
- Garages
- Art studios
- A growth light for indoor plants
- Lights for photography work and workshops
From the look of it, this bulb should be the first on our list. But, what we dislike about it is the traditional bulb that doesn’t appear attractive and is more susceptible to problems.
We can’t ignore its usefulness and high-quality features that make it among the top lamp designs for turtles. These are the key attributes that earned it third place at the top of our ranking:
- 8.5-inch adjustable reflector made of aluminum
- Non-marring clamp grips to ensure an ensuring grip
- On/off button that is 6 feet long cord
- The wattage of the Turtle heat lamp is 150W
This lamp is ideal for large terrariums due to its power. We recommend this lamp to people who want to do indoor plant-growing or photography work as a side hustle so you don’t need to purchase additional equipment (we all know how expensive that can be).
AIICIO Ceramic Heat Lamp
- ✔ Perfect 24 Hours Heat Sources – Ceramic heat emitter is a...
- ✔ 100% Heat Efficiency – Reptile heat lamp the long wave infrared...
- ✔ No Light Emitted – Reptile heat bulb does not disturb normal...
- ✔ Suitable for High Humid Environments – Ceramic heat lamp was...
- ✔ Heat Lamp for Reptiles Voltage: AC 110-120V; Power: 60W; Material:...
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It was close to a tie between the earlier turtle lamp on this list and the ceramic heat lamp. The latter has a white hue that has a more refined appearance and functions the same in the same way, which is an issue of preference in hindsight.
The product from AIICIO is only 60 Watts. This is a very low emitting lamp as compared with 100 watts which means that large terrarium owners will not take advantage of this as they could with the two-pack OMAYKEY ceramic heat lamp.
Here are the attributes that will make it the ideal heater for smaller environments:
- Long-lasting
- Can handle 24-hour use
- Can withstand high humidity
- It increases the temperature of the air within the enclosure
A healthy air environment causes turtles’ metabolism, which is a good thing in keeping the metabolism well.
Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB Heat Lighting Kit
- Zoo Med's ReptiTuff Splashproof Halogen Lamps are perfect for aquatic...
- UVB is essential to the health of many reptiles and helps them...
- Deep dome extends beyond the face of the lamp preventing the lamp from...
Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
We’ve discussed the benefits of having a combination of UVB lighting for turtles as well as heating. The Zoo Medkit is the best combination of lighting available on the market. And for reasons unknown, there are no other heat lamps for turtles to have the same capabilities.
We’re sure you’re wondering about this, so let these features explain it to you.
- A polished dome of aluminum boosts the amount of light and UV radiation by 30%
- Ceramic sockets with dual sockets (100W for each socket)
- Depp dome extends over the lamp’s face to stop the bulb from hanging
- Double fixtures
It’s how we imagine the best turtle heat lamp would look similar. It’s no wonder that this lamp is a top choice among owners of turtles.
Fluker’s 27002 Repta-Clamp Lamp
- Easily attach to the rim of all terrariums
- The perfect lamp for reptiles
- All sizes feature safety clamp
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This lamp clamp is among the most simple but most efficient Ceramic turtle lamps available on the market. We love this particular model because of its sturdy grip that is easy to connect.
The lamp is available in different sizes to accommodate different sizes of terrariums. There are three sizes available:
- 5.5″ 75 watts
- 8.5″ 150 watts
- 10″ 250 Watts
For those who own turtles and are looking for easy turtle-friendly heat lamps then this is the ideal option for you. There are many other highlights to look at about this basic lamp.
- Much lighter than most turtle heat lamps. Lighter than most turtle heat
- The product comes with an on/off button.
- Does the plug have a polarized design to minimize the risk of electric shock?
The reason this lamp’s ceramic design is at the bottom of our checklist is the fact that it looks like a conventional bulb. The greatest aspect of ceramic turtle lamps is the flat design however this one changed its look.
You’ve likely noticed how crucial adequate lighting is for your turtles. It’s more than being able to get enough light to be able to have an excellent view of the turtles.
UVB sunlight for turtles can be crucial to maintain their health. UVA light is beneficial for turtles as it aids their development, activity, and breeding. It also prompts you to consider the importance of exposure to sunlight vital to their survival.
We, humans, require sunlight to strengthen bones. The same applies to turtles too. Therefore, ensuring that your turtles are provided with adequate lighting is one of the most important things you can do following get them back in the wild.
Also, keep in mind that heating, in addition to everything else, is what keeps your cold-blooded pets healthy inside their factory. So long as you’ve got these essential elements and this complete guide in your mind We’re sure that you’ll succeed in setting the turtle’s home.
Why Does Your Turtle Need UVA and UVB Light?
Turtles require both UVA in addition to UVB light for their health. UVA light offers them warmth, as well as the comfort and warmth of sunshine. They must maintain the right body temperature in order to control their metabolic rate, reproduce, and boost their immune system.
UVB light is crucial to a turtle’s health as well as well-being. They require UVB light to create vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is essential in order for turtles to break down calcium. Without it, their bones and shells aren’t growing correctly. If they don’t get sufficient UVB radiation, turtles could be afflicted by metabolic bone diseases that can be fatal and painful.
Turtles also require UVB light to process their meals. In the absence of this light, turtles could be deficient in nutrition and eventually die.
Some UVB Light Tips
There are several important points you should be aware of when purchasing a UVB lamp for your aquarium turtle. This includes:
- Examine how much UVB light from the bulb you buy. The most effective value is between 2.5 percent and 5%. 10% is not enough for the majority of turtles. Verify the appropriate distance of the package to make sure you are putting lights in the proper spot.
- UVB bulbs must be replaced every six months. They are not much longer and the quantity of UVB is likely to decrease and put your turtle’s health in danger.
- UVB Rays are not able to penetrate plastic or glass and therefore you should not utilize UVB light with plastic or glass. UVB light using a plastic or glass tank cover. Mesh with holes that are large work best.
- UVB lights get hot! Be cautious while handling this light to ensure to avoid burning your hands. It is also possible to damage your eyes, therefore you should not stare directly at the light source at any point.
What wattage heat lamp do turtles need?
Watts don’t matter much when selecting your turtle’s heat lamp. The first thing to consider is getting at least UVA and UVB lamps for turtles.
But, wattage is also associated with heating, which your turtle’s house requires also. Here’s how to figure out the wattage of your turtle’s heat lamp you require:
50-75 Watts
- Small aquariums that are less than 55 gallons
- If you have 1 or 2 turtles
- For smaller basking areas.
100 Watts
- For over 100-gallon aquariums
- If you own at least two turtles
- If you need/want to expand your basking space
A 100-watt turtle heater produces more energy, which means it produces more heat. This means that it also is broader and can cover a wider basking area.
Small aquariums that have basking spaces that span 2-3 lengths of your turtle or if you have one or two turtles, 50 watts is enough. A higher power level of 75 watts could only be needed for a bigger basking area.
How Far Away Should You Place Your Turtle Heat Lamps?
It is as simple as that the smaller the watts, the more closely they will be placed. It is important to maintain the temperature between 85 and 90 degrees within your turtle’s range and distance dependent on the wattage is your only method of achieving the temperature.
In general, the distance of illumination from the artificial environment should be between 8 and 15 inches. Here are the precise dimensions based on the wattage:
- 50 Watts: 5-7 inches away
- 75 Watts: 7-9 inches apart
- 100 Watts: 10-12 inches away
- 150 Watts: 12 or more inches away
Setting up Your UVA/UVB Light for Turtles
There are plenty of things to consider when making arrangements for UV light for your turtle’s home. To make it simple to keep in mind, we’ve narrowed them down here for you:
- UVB Rays aren’t able to damage plastic or glass surfaces. If you’d like to cover your bulb, leave its surface unprotected or opt for an open mesh cover instead.
- Don’t use mesh that is fine because it blocks a lot part of UVB light.
- Follow the distance guidelines that we’ve given above since they’ll ensure the safety and efficacy of your UV lamps.
- Replace bulbs every two years, even if the lamp making light. There is a decrease in UVB diminishes with time and your turtle will not get the advantages it requires from an older UVB light source for turtles.
- Mercury vapor lamps produce both UV and heat. However, they’re susceptible to water splashes and can get hot, therefore you should reconsider buying an item for the turtle’s environment.
FAQs
What is The Best Basking Light for a Turtle?
Best All-Rounder: LUCKY HERP 100 Watt UVA+UVB Mercury Vapor Bulb.
Best on a Budget: Exo Terra Swamp Glo Basking Spot Light.
Editor’s Choice: Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB Lighting Kit.
Is a Heat Lamp Good for Turtles?
The benefits of heat lamps for turtles as they aid your turtle in regulating the body temperature. Turtles are cold-blooded species, which means that they cannot generate the body’s heat. Instead, they depend on the external environment for warmth.
Can You Leave a Heat Lamp On All Night For Turtles?
It will depend on the setup you have. I keep my heater on all the time, but it only heats one area of my tank. There’s an area on the opposite side, which they are able to climb out of the tank and not feel the heat should they so decide to. In your configuration, if there is only one ground space underneath the heating unit, you may decide to turn off the heater at night.
How Many Hours a Day Does a Turtle Need a Heat Lamp?
It is recommended to leave your lights running for between 8 and 10 hours per day. Then, turn off the lights for between 10 and 12 hours. The most effective way to do this is by using an alarm clock. Turtles are ectothermic (cold-blooded) which means they depend on their environment in order to control their body’s temperature.
How Long Can Turtles Go Without Heat?
Pet turtles are able to live for about a week without the use of a heater. However, once that time is over the turtle can begin experiencing health issues. One of the most frequent issues that turtles have to face is cold.
Best Heat Lamp For Turtles (Final Thought)
Do Turtles Need a Heat Lamp All Day and At Night? There are plenty of issues to be concerned about when you own your own pet turtle, but keeping the heater on during the night isn’t one of them.
They’ll get plenty of warmth and light in the day if you have the right bulbs and lights in the tank.
Based on our research We believe we can say that Zoo Med UVB & Heat Lighting Kit is the most effective and best heat lamp for turtles.
It blends visible light, heat as well and beneficial UVB within a compact double-fixture.
Do you want to get the best value for your money?
You should consider the OMAYKEY 100W 2-Pack Ceramic Heating Lamp.
The robust construction of ceramic produces an incredible amount of heat.
If you’re in search of the least expensive or most efficient light source then you’ve got it high in the sky!
We recommend giving your turtles to take a sunbath of at least one hour every week. This will keep them in good health.
A turtle can’t exist without shells, so be sure to maintain it using the finest products that you can afford.
