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Best lighting for red eared sliders: UVA, UVB, and heat explained?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

What kind of lighting does a red eared slider need, I tried to look it up online but I get confused with all the types of lights... Please help!!!!!!!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 17th, 2016

A RES requires full spectrum lighting (UVA and UVB) and lighting that provides heat. The dry dock, or basking area, should be completely out of the water. Basking temps should range between 90F and 95F (32-35C). You should place the UVA/UVB bulb as close to the heat lamp as possible. It should be no more than 12" away from your RES and should not have a barrier between it and your turtle. Glass, acrylic and plastic block UVB while screens with grids under 1/2" can obstruct a good portion of UVB rays negating the health benefits. Lighting should be on for around 12 hours a day, depending on the time of year. Full UVA/UVB bulbs need replacing every 6 months. The simplest combination for adequate lighting is a UVA/UVB fluorescent bulb and an incandescent light bulb (for heat). Incandescent light bulbs are standard household lights easily purchased at stores such as Home Depot or Lowes. Make sure your RES cannot splash water on it or come into contact with it. You can also consider halogen lights and red heat bulbs for supplemental heat. You can buy the UVA/UVB bulbs at most pet stores. Search in the Reptile section. They can also be purchased online for around $30-$40. ReptiSun 10.0 (by ZooMed) or ReptiGlo lights are quality full spectrum bulbs.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on June 14th, 2018

    Yes, that is what drydocking is, keeping a turtle completely out of the water for a certain period of time. A heat lamp is needed to maintain a basking spot of about 85F to 90F. Reptiles need heat and UVb lighting. Review the website below. It will give you everything you need to know about setting up a tank and keeping a slider. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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