Health & WellbeingIf my juvenile slider turtle tank is next to a window, is UBV lighting nessesarry? (This is a wild turtle). And if it is a must, how long can they go without a UBV? (I'm am sending pics so you can see how far the tank is from the window, if you need
This will not provide sufficient levels of UVB lighting. The window and tank glass will block a large majority of the sun's beneficial rays. A UVB light source must not be blocked by glass, plexiglass or fine mesh and should be about 12-16 inches from the surface of the basking area for maximum effect. Without UVB lighting, a turtle cannot properly synthesize adequate levels of Vitamin D3, which is necessary in the absorption and metabolism of calcium. The result will be metabolic bone disease, soft shell and/or stunted growth.
Updated on August 12th, 2025