Snapping turtles, as any other turtles, need a cycle of day and night in their lives. Between an occational nap they will stay moderately active during the day, but usually wake up at night after the dark.

Anyone having a snapper will soon get acquainted with their habits - for snappers night means hunting. A light source should be supplied during the day and darkness assured at night. It can be easily achieved by switching the lights on and off, but the most convenient way to have this problem solved is buying a timer, which supply light for about 12 hours a day (adjustments made depanding on the season - longer day in summer months and shorter in winter).

As for the kind of light that should be supplied, I recommend a full spectrum fluorescent light .A full spectrum light provides UV rays necessary in producing Vitamin D3 by any kinds of turtles or tortoises. It is said that snapping turtles don't need as much light as other species, but I consider it only as it is, a speculation, and just like those wild living snappers, the captive ones should have the opportunity to catch some, if not real ones, natural reseambling rays.