Are you a proud turtle owner looking for the best turtle tank light options for your pet’s tank? This is the place where you find all the information! Providing your turtle with the proper lighting is essential for its overall health and well-being.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the top 5 UVA-UVB lamp lights available in the market for your turtle tank. These lights are designed to simulate the natural sunlight that turtles need to thrive, providing them with essential UV radiation for bone growth, metabolism, and immune function. So, without wasting your time, let’s explore all the information related to turtle tank lights.
Buyer Guide:
If you’re looking to buy a turtle tank light, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure you get the best one for your pet’s needs. Here is a buying guide to help you make an informed decision:
1. UVA-UVB Lighting: Make sure the light you choose provides both UVA and UVB radiation. Turtles need both types of radiation to produce vitamin D3 and maintain their overall health.
2. Wattage: Choose a light with the appropriate wattage for your tank size. Larger tanks will require higher wattage lights, while smaller tanks can use lower wattage lights.
3. Lifespan: Consider the lifespan of the light you choose. Some particular lights can last up to a year, while others may only last a few months. Choosing a light with a longer lifespan can save you money in the long run.
4. Type of Light: There are different types of lights available, including fluorescent, mercury vapor, and LED lights. Each type has its own pros and cons, so consider which one will work best for your tank setup and budget.
5. Size and Shape: Turtle owners should choose a light that fits the size and shape of your tank. Some lights are designed to fit certain tank sizes, while others can be adjusted to fit a range of sizes.
6. Brand: Look for reputable brands with good reviews from other turtle owners. Brands like Zoo Med, Exo Terra, and Arcadia are known for producing high-quality turtle tank lights.
Top 5 Best Turtle Tank Lights in 2025
We review the top turtle tank lights on the market so we can provide a comprehensive guide to choosing the perfect product for your pet. We cover features, pros and cons, and expert opinions, as well as provide information on warranties. Whether you are on the list of those who own a turtle for the first time or are a seasoned expert, the given product review guide will help you find the perfect tank light.
1. REPTI ZOO T5 UVB Lighting (Top Pick)
One of the standout features of this turtle tank light is its high output T5 lamp with a new low-profile design. This lamp provides a strong UVB light and brighter overall illumination for your turtle tank. Additionally, the highly polished, curved reflector increases the lamp’s efficiency and provides an even distribution of light throughout the tank.
The energy-efficient T5 HO electronic ballast is another key feature of this light. This ballast allows for rapid start and maximum lamp performance, while the plastic protector cover on both ends ensures safe and easy use.
If you’re looking for a turtle tank light that is convenient and easy to use anywhere, this kit is a great choice. The removable power cable with convenient on/off switch allows for easy placement inside vivariums or over mesh with extra accessories.
This product also comes with a Desert 10.0 UVB T5 Lamp, which provides the UVB light rays required for turtles to metabolize essential calcium. The UVA radiation also stimulates appetite, activity, and reproductive behavior, making it an ideal choice for red eared turtles.
Pros
- Sleek design with low-profile T5 lamp.
- Energy-efficient T5 HO electronic ballast for rapid start.
- Highly polished, curved reflector for increased lamp efficiency.
- Comes with a Desert 10.0 UVB T5 Lamp.
- Removable power cable with convenient on/off switch for easy use.
Cons
● May not fit all types of vivariums or tanks.
2. YauldSun 125w UVB UVA Light (Best Affordable)
This bulb is ideal for a variety of pets, including bearded dragons, tortoises, turtles, snakes, lizards, chameleons, frogs, and toads.
Not only does this bulb provide a hot spot temperature for your pet’s environment, but it also simulates UVA and UVB rays in the natural light spectrum. This helps to promote your pet’s appetite, aids in digestion, and enhances their lifespan.
Installation is a breeze, as the heat lamp bulb is simple to install by screwing it into a standard E26 screw socket. However, it’s important to note that the bulb can get hot, so make sure to allow it to cool down for at least 30 minutes before removing it from the fixture. And as with any hot surface, keep it out of reach of children and avoid touching it by hand.
With an input voltage of AC 110-120V and a power of 160 watts, this bulb is sure to provide the heat and light your pet needs to thrive. Its full size of diameter 4.5 inches by height 6.1 inches makes it a great fit for a variety of enclosures.
Pros
● Simulates UVA and UVB light for better pet health.
● Suitable for various reptile and amphibian species.
● Promotes appetite, digestion, and enhances lifespan.
● Easy to install.
Cons
● Hot surface can be dangerous if not handled properly.
● Requires cooling down time before removing from fixture.
3. FIVEAGE Red Heat Light UVA Spot Lamp (Best Cheap)
This lamp is perfect for creating a basking area for thermoregulation and increasing surrounding air temperature, as required by cold-blooded animals.
One of the key benefits of this lamp is that it is free of hazardous and toxic substances, so you can be confident in using it for your pets. It fits a standard US socket E27 rated at 100 watts or higher, and its true red glass (not painted or coated) provides a powerful source of infrared heat emissions.
The FIVEAGE Red Heat Light is also waterproof and explosion-proof, making it safe for use in a variety of terrariums. It is especially ideal for nocturnal viewing, as it provides a strong source of heat and light for your pets.
This lamp is suitable for a wide range of reptiles and amphibians, including hermit crabs, bearded dragons, tortoises, turtles, geckos, and snakes (pythons, boas, etc.). So, whether you are a first-time turtle owner or an experienced breeder, this lamp can help provide the warmth and light your pets need to thrive.
Pros
● Provides light and heat for cold-blooded animals.
● Increases surrounding air temperature.
● Free of hazardous and toxic substances.
● Powerful source of infrared heat emissions.
● True red glass.
● Waterproof and explosion-proof.
Cons
● May not fit non-standard sockets.
● Suitable for nocturnal viewing only.
4. REPTI ZOO Turtle Tank LED Light (Best 3-Color Modes)
This 15.6-inch light hood comes with extended brackets and can be easily fixed on different sizes of tanks with mesh covers or aquariums.
One of the biggest advantages of this LED light is its 3-color mode capability, which allows you to provide natural white light for daytime and blue light for night lighting. This feature is designed to meet the different habits and needs of your pets, and it can help regulate their sleep cycles.
The touch-type light control switch also provides stepless dimming, which means you can adjust the light intensity and brightness at different levels according to your preferences.
Another advantage of the REPTI ZOO LED Light is its ultra-thin design, which makes it easy to install and doesn’t take up too much space. The LED light is also powerful and energy-efficient, providing an ultra-long life of about 20,000 hours.
Pros
● Three color modes for day and night use.
● Fits for 18 inch or larger terrariums.
● Stepless dimming.
● Long lifetime of about 20000 hours.
● Ultra-thin design with memory function.
Cons
● May not provide enough heat for certain turtles that require it.
● Not suitable for larger tanks or enclosures.
5. WACOOL Turtle Heat Lamp Light (Best UVA – UVB Rays)
This kit comes with a 75W bulb that provides the proper balance of UVB, UVA, visual light, and infrared heat. It’s designed to promote the synthesis of vitamin D3, prevent turtle MDB, enhance turtle appetite, and stimulate turtle reproduction.
One of the best features of this light is the included UVB tester card, which measures the intensity of the UVB and UVA rays of the UV fluorescent lamp. This helps ensure that your pet is getting the proper amount of UVB light, which is essential for their health.
The WACOOL Heat Lamp is also self-ballasted, so it doesn’t require an external ballast, making it easy to install in a variety of enclosures, including terrariums, habitat tanks, and pet cages. Plus, it has integrated thermal protection, which will shut it down if it overheats to prevent burns.
This light is suitable for a wide range of turtles and amphibians, including bearded dragons, tortoises, turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs, and more. However, it’s important to check the sizing to ensure that the bulb is not too large for your tank.
Pros
● All-in-one light and UVB tester kit.
● Provides a balanced spectrum of UVA, UVB, visual light, and heat.
● Designed with increased UVB penetration distance.
● Self-ballasted and has overheating protection.
● Ideal for a variety of species.
Cons
● 75 Watt bulb may not be suitable for all tanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of light does a turtle tank need?
A turtle tank needs a light that provides heat, UVA and UVB radiation, and helps regulate the temperature of the water.
How long should a turtle tank light be on?
The turtle tank light should be on for 10-12 hours a day to simulate natural daylight and nighttime cycles.
Can you use a regular bulb in a turtle tank?
No, regular bulbs do not provide the necessary UVA and UVB radiation that turtles require. A specialized turtle tank light should be used.
Can a turtle tank light be used for other reptiles?
Yes, many turtle tank lights are also suitable for other reptiles, such as bearded dragons, geckos, and snakes.
How often should a turtle tank light be replaced?
Most turtle tank lights have a lifespan of several months to a year. It is recommended to replace them every 6-12 months to ensure they are providing adequate heat and radiation.
Can I use a heat lamp as a turtle tank light?
Yes, you can use a heat lamp as a turtle tank light as long as it also provides the necessary UVA and UVB light that turtles need. However, a heat lamp alone is not sufficient for a turtle tank.
Conclusion
A turtle tank light is crucial for maintaining a healthy and happy environment for your pet turtles. Choosing the right type of light depends on the species of turtle you have and their specific needs for heat and UVB rays.
Whether you choose a heat lamp, UVA UVB light, or an all-in-one solution, be sure to provide your turtles with the proper lighting to support their growth and well-being. Remember to always check the size and compatibility of the light fixture with your turtle tank before making a purchase.
