General Care Discussion :: Burst UV Bulb

[Turbo&Peep]

Hi all. I'm fairly new at turtle care, I took in two turtles that needed a home about 6 months ago. I set up a 110 gallon Rubbermaid stock tank, indoors with a UV + Heat lamp. I must have set it too close to the water though because when I came home from work last Thursday, the bulb had burst and shattered into their water (thankfully, they didn't try to eat the glass). I'm pretty sure some water splashed it. I thought that getting a 160 watt self-ballasted UV + Heat bulb would allow me to set the lamp far away enough from the water while still providing enough heat but I was wrong. Their basking platform is standing strong at 77 degrees and they are not having it. I just spent $55 on this sucker so I'm REALLY hoping I can make it work but I am out of ideas. Any suggestions?

[steve]

What was the wattage of the UV lamp that burst? What's the basking temperature that it was maintaining? It's likely that it would still be sufficient if you move it further away. You can also add a second heat source rather than getting a 160.

[Turbo&Peep]

I think another heating source is a great idea, thanks!

[steve]

I've been using an outdoor-style halogen flood bulb which I think is more durable but as always there no guarantees for success.