Basking lamps are “timed duration” heating, meaning that they are only active for specific time periods throughout the day. Generally, most Aquatic Turtles should have a minimum of 6 hours of basking time each day.  The size of the basking heat lamp and its spacing from the actual basking spot will be determined by the wattage of the heat lamp and the material of the basking platform. The higher the wattage of the basking bulb the more heat produced, the closer the bulb is to the basking spot, the hotter the basking platform is likely to be. The material and color of the basking spot can also play a part in either retaining or reflecting heat. The turtles themselves will actually tell you when you have the proper heat at the basking spot.  If the turtles climb onto the basking area and slide back into the water after a very short time, the basking area is likely too hot. It’s time to move the heat lamp farther away. If the turtles climb onto the basking area and remain for hours and do not dry off completely, the basking area is likely too cool. It’s time to move the heat lamp closer to the basking area. What to shoot for in a single basking session is when the turtles climb onto the basking area, bask for 30-45 minutes, completely dry off, and then dive back into the water to cool off. Most turtles are likely to repeat these basking sessions throughout the day. It takes a little while to get the basking temperature right, but you’ll know by the turtles behavior when your there.