What kinds of heat lamps are good for turtles?

Good heat lamps for turtles include incandescent, halogen, infrared, and ceramic bulb options—choose from special splash-proof reptile lamps or regular bulbs placed at a safe distance. You can also get a mercury vapor lamp that emits both heat and UVB. At a minimum, you should have a daytime heat lamp for daylight hours, but you may also want a night heat lamp for extra warmth after dark. In addition to heat lamps, turtles also need UVB lamps for good health.

Should I leave my turtle's heat lamp on 24/7?

You should not leave your turtle's heat lamp on 24/7. Most turtle heat lamps emit light that can disturb your turtle's day-night cycle if left on all the time. Turtles also need a nighttime cool-down period with temperatures around 10 degrees lower, so be sure to turn off your turtle's heat lamp after 10-14 hours, or switch to a night lamp that emits less heat and little to no visible light.

What watt light bulb should I use for my turtle?

You can use a light bulb anywhere between 50-150 watts for your turtle. The ideal wattage will vary depending on bulb type, what kind of turtle and tank setup you have, and how far away you place the bulb. Whether you choose an incandescent, halogen, or ceramic heat bulb, the important thing is that it heats the basking area to between 85-90 degrees.