Can I use a florescent light for my turtles?

A florescent light doesn't generate enough heat for basking, but they do need a UV generating fluorescent light to metabolize vitamin D and absorb calcium. Here are two options.

1) Install a UV tube that runs over the majority of the cage around 12" from the turtles and use a standard light bulb in a dome fixture or a ceramic heat emitter for a basking spot. (A dome fixture for a ceramic emitter must have a porcelain socket.

2) Position a clamp/dome fixture with a mercury vapor bulb over the basking spot. It will give heat and UV.

Flourescent lights don't give off any heat. You need an incandescent bulb. A good 65 watt should be plenty. I have two 45 watts and they put out 120 degrees. Make sure it is incandescent and not led or flourescent.

plorecent lites dont give out no heat at all....try something that gives out 60-65 watts...