Baby short necked Macquarie Turtle

[k.haines2012]

We have just bought 2 baby turtles, approx 20 cent coin size. We have a water filter, water heater, UVB globe, basking dock. I was led to believe we did not require a heat lamp, but I am noticing the turtles are not getting out of the water to bask at all.
Do I need to buy a heat lamp? I have a 3ft tank.

 

[Herpetology]

How’s it going to bask on the basking dock without a heat source for it to bask in?

yes you need a heat lamp @Flaviemys purvisi coukd specify what would be the best type

 

[Flaviemys purvisi]

Turtles like all reptiles are ectotherms... ergo a heat lamp is absolutely essential for their basic daily life requirements. The Exo-Terra swamp glo range are ideal as they've been specifically designed with shatter proof glass for aquarium use. If you use an ordinary lamp and your turtle splashes cool water onto it while it's on, it will disintegrate into your tank and trip your safety switch (if installed), if not, cause a fire.