New Jersey Scuba Diving

Eastern Painted Turtle

Well, it's that time of year again, time to renew the web hosting. And for those of you that don't know, that has become a lot more expensive than it used to be. Fifty dollars a year is now several hundred. Not to mention the price of domain names has gone up ten-fold.

And I just found out that the nice folks at PayPal disabled all my Support buttons, and I never got a notice (although that may be my fault.) In any case, it is all working again now, so if you would like to make a small donation to help defray these costs, it would be greatly appreciated.

Painted Turtle

Chrysemys picta

Size: to 6"

Habitat: shallow water over muddy bottoms

Notes: Also known as 'Sliders'. Likes to sun itself on floating logs. Sliders are not native to New Jersey, but the descendants of released pets are quite common.

Diamondback Terrapin

Diamondback Terrapins are similar, but prefer a saltier environment, and are usually found in brackish water. This is the turtle that is most often eaten, and their numbers were once greatly reduced due to human predation, but have since recovered.



Eastern Box Turtle
Eastern Box Turtle - Terrapene carolina carolina

Box Turtle numbers are declining, so if you see one on a road or some other bad place, give it a boost to a better location before it gets killed. They are harmless and even tame.

Dive Lights

8-D-cell light with lantern grip
8-D-cell light with lantern grip
now extinct

In the murky waters off New Jersey, you are going to need a powerful dive light if it is to be of any real usefulness. There are many different types of underwater lights to choose from.

Bulb Type

Nowadays, LEDs are the only way to go. They are cheap, bright, and efficient. They throw a white light that is much better than the dingy yellow of the old incandescent technology. Incandescent lights are completely obsolete. HID lights were never reliable, and terribly expensive.

Beam pattern is probably more important than brightness, Your main light should throw a wide beam, for area illumination. Many lights throw a narrow pencil beam that appears to be brighter but is actually less useful. These are best used as backups and in special situations, such as camera strobe aimers. Some lights are adjustable.

More: Dive Lights ...

Disclaimer:

I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.

Copyright © 1996-2024 Rich Galiano
unless otherwise noted

Powered by WordPress. No, really.
Cookies blah blah whatever

This website is 100% AI-free

118 // 1105130 // 1109

Printed from njscuba.net