Habitat - Indoor :: Should I use a UVB light to light my tank?

[Tinky'sMom]

I have a 75 gallon tank. One side has the basking area, with the heat and uvb lamps. The other side of the tank is "dark" and I want to light it.

Just wondering if I should bothering using a UVB light to light that side of the tank. or just use a regular bulb with a strip light fixture?

Will the UVB penatrate the water enough for it to be effective? There is nothing in the "dark" side of the tank that my turtle can use to come out of the water. It's just all water on that side, and my turtle swims and floats on the dark side. The most that comes out of the water on that side is his head.

Also, how often should I change my UVB bulb? I've had my set up for almost a year now and I do not remember ever changing the UVB bulb, because it's blown out. I've changed the heat bulb a few times, cause that blows out every fews months, but looking at the price of UVB bulbs, I don't remember ever buying one. (The turtle tank kit I brought came with bulbs).

[Stefania]

Please, may be you can make some photos with the problem? I think, it will be too much better for understanding and giving advices... Because I am not sure how big this 75 gallon tank and about light spread in. But I can be wrong and moderators can make answer more professionally.

[Tinky'sMom]

I don't have a picture with me of the tank with the lights on, but here is one of the whole tank. You an get the idea of the size of the tank.



The domes sitting on the right side are the 2 lights sitting over the basking area.

[steve]

UVB from lamps will not penetrate the water surface in any useful amount. Maybe you can use some LED or rope lighting around the tank?

[Tinky'sMom]

Thanks Steve! Then I will just use a stripe light fixture with a regular bulb to light the other half of the tank.

Do you know how often should I change my UVB bulb?

[steve]

I would change a compact UVB every 4-6 months, and UVB tube 6-9 months but that depends on the brand.

[CactusJohn5]

remember to let the new uvb bulb "burn in" for 24 hours before putting it over your tank.

[Kansasslider]

remember to let the new uvb bulb "burn in" for 24 hours before putting it over your tank.

Why? Just asking I see no reason to do that.They dont have a Burn in time?

[CactusJohn5]

the first 24-48 hours the bulb is emitting higher than rated UVB, and can damage your turtles eyes and give them sunburn .... at least that is what i have always thought, lol. Can i get conformation of correction from Steve or one of the other Mods.

[Kansasslider]

I really wasn't thinking when I said that. I use cfl bulbs and I dont think there is a burn in period .At least it says nothing on the box?

[Diamondbacks4Life]

the first 24-48 hours the bulb is emitting higher than rated UVB, and can damage your turtles eyes and give them sunburn .... at least that is what i have always thought, lol. Can i get conformation of correction from Steve or one of the other Mods.

Never heard about doing that before. Nor could I find anything about it researching quickly.

[CactusJohn5]

Yeah, i just scanned all of the info on UVB here, and couldn't find anything about it, i do not know where i read about it, something somewhere when i first started my research. Oh well, you live and learn, lol.

[Kansasslider]

Wow for once I Actually dont feel like a dumb [---]! not calling you one I just never heard of burn in time? Thanks DBFL.

[Gurgi's Mom]

I've read the same thing Cactus... I'll have to find it again. But I think it was an older study and today's bulb don't require a burn in period.

[ljapa]

I also read that. From what I recall, it was a particular brand of compact flourescent that for the first week or so was providing too much UVB until some change was occurring in the coating.

I remember being told that this site was important in noticing problems with eyes and getting info to the manufacturer. I also recall hearing, I think, that the person who runs

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/vitdpathway.htm

also played a role, but I could be wrong on that. All of this was before I had joined the site, so I only remember it from a few comments here and other resources online.