What kind of turtle is this?

[Laki]

I'm a little outdated on my turtle care but I thought for the sake of being cold-blooded and for their shell they needed the sun's natural benefits ie. uva/uvb. Hmm. Maybe that's semi-aquatics. What kind of water does your turtle live in? terrarium? or aquarium. nvm. you said underwater heater... I'm not sure.

[Olympia]

Yes, the guy doesn't know much. All diurnal (daytime) reptiles need a source of UV. The UVBs help them with vitamin D3, which helps their bodies process calcium, which is key. Here's a good explanation, very helpful site.
The Importance of UV Light for Turtles & Tortoises

[DoberMom]

hmm... ok so now I'm wondering if I could do a UVA//UVB light with a tank heater for the water and NO heating lamp.

[Laki]

From my understanding with sliders, the uva/uvb is absorbed directly onto their shells when they bask out of water. Sliders at least NEED to come completely out of water and bask in their lights as just having them on while they swim is not sufficient. They'll bask naturally. The heat lamp helps them warm up and regulate internal temperatures since they are cold blooded.

[Olympia]

You can try selling the water heater for some extra cash?
The waters around here where they're from are pretty chilly constantly so I don't think they need heated water, just a heated landing pad.

[DoberMom]

Thanks for all the help. I will be planning another trip to an ever better reptile store to talk to their experts. So far, Donatello has been doing well. He eats like a pig and is starting to get used to us. He'll even chop food from our hands. He still does not have a heating/UVB bulb but we are going to be upgrading him soon to a 20Long tank. He's been really active and I honestly think he appreciates the heated water, probably because it's the only source of heat he has.

[Olympia]

Wouldn't hurt to take him out for a bit every other day to get some rays until then.

[DoberMom]

Wow, never thought of that. Would be ok to roam on the grass with my supervision, do you think?

[Olympia]

Yup!! :)
Just take him to the same place everytime, too many new places will stress him.
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