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is there any specific wattage for a uvb bulb that i should use?
and any certain percentange of uvb rays?
most of these lights i'm looking at only have like 3-5% uvb rays.

You should try for between 5-10% .. the higher the better.

In general, yes, but it also depends on where the bulb is going to be in relation to the turtle. Are you looking at tubes or compact flourescents? If you're looking at tubes, the Reptisun is a reputable brand.

yes, it is a tube. that was the one I was thinking about getting. i feel really horrible because all this time i thought I had the right bulb and I haven't. So my turtles haven't been getting the uvb rays that they need. But they will be asap.

now all i have the a uva light, unfortunately. with the reptisun, will i still need the uva light?

You will need a light for heat because the Reptisun doesn't give off enough to get your turtle to bask. The heat light can be the basking/UVA light or a regular lightbulb. Use whatever wattage that will get the basking area temp in the range of 88-90F.