Habitat - Indoor :: Is This Safe?!

[steve]

I think a picture will help. Is there such a thing as a 75 Watt UVB?

@EdieOnline - How close is the bulb? I only use a 48 W halogen. PAR 30 L

[steve]

Just a heads up, but if you are unsure about halogens, look into the Zoo Med Turtle Tuff bulbs for basking. They come in 50-75 watts and are usually cheaper than GE halogens.

[Kansasslider]

I use incandescent. Steve uses halogen so I will let him tell you what wattage might be best for what distance. If I remember correctly halogen don't get as hot as incandescent bulbs. Don't ever waste your money on pet store bulbs. As I'm sure you know they are expensive.

[courtney.janee]

Something doesn't sound right. The distances, wattages, and temps vary wildly for me to know what's going on.

Since we could be dealing with high-power equipment and your turtle, lets review what you have (please add pictures):

What size tank? How much water in there? How big is the turtle? What is the basking area made of? What are you using for thermometers? WHat basking light are you using? What uvb? What kind of fixtures? What sort or arrangement are they in?

Just sent the pictures to your email.

[courtney.janee]

Just a heads up, but if you are unsure about halogens, look into the Zoo Med Turtle Tuff bulbs for basking. They come in 50-75 watts and are usually cheaper than GE halogens.

Let me know what you think, and what changes I can make to my tank.

[steve]

[steve]

I'd try to position the heat and UVB straight down. You might want to add a something like a hook where you can hang the lights rather than clamping them. Some bulbs (like those I mentioned) have thick glass and are much heavier than a standard bulb. One of those combo fixtures would make it a *little* easier to manage.

Everything looks nice overall, but you will need to upgrade soon.

[Kansasslider]

I use incandescent. Steve uses halogen so I will let him tell you what wattage might be best for what distance. If I remember correctly halogen don't get as hot as incandescent bulbs. Don't ever waste your money on pet store bulbs. As I'm sure you know they are expensive.

Ha ha. Thats funny. I was replying to the last question on page one. Didn't realize there was already a page 2. Tank looks nice.

[EdieOnline]

Sorry @courtney.janee that I'm am biggie backing off your thread here. Nice setup. Do your best to get the lamps straight over top, if possible.

@Steve, how far off is your 48 W halogen? I haven't setup my new lighting stand yet. That's why I'm asking all the questions. I currently have a Fluker's 75w incandescent bulb that is 7 inches above, that is only reading 80° at the basking area. That particular bulb is also about 3 months old now though. Also, I was wrong about the 90w halogen, it was actually 70w par 38. My new lighting stand will allow me to keep the light from 7 inches above the basking area all the way up to 14 inches if need be.

[courtney.janee]

Sorry @courtney.janee that I'm am biggie backing off your thread here. Nice setup. Do your best to get the lamps straight over top, if possible.

@Steve, how far off is your 48 W halogen? I haven't setup my new lighting stand yet. That's why I'm asking all the questions. I currently have a Fluker's 75w incandescent bulb that is 7 inches above, that is only reading 80° at the basking area. That particular bulb is also about 3 months old now though. Also, I was wrong about the 90w halogen, it was actually 70w par 38. My new lighting stand will allow me to keep the light from 7 inches above the basking area all the way up to 14 inches if need be.

@edie--- That's okay I don't mind! Every one needs a little help right? We're all on the same page .

[courtney.janee]

I'd try to position the heat and UVB straight down. You might want to add a something like a hook where you can hang the lights rather than clamping them. Some bulbs (like those I mentioned) have thick glass and are much heavier than a standard bulb. One of those combo fixtures would make it a *little* easier to manage.

Everything looks nice overall, but you will need to upgrade soon.

Thanks for the tips Steve I will try doing that as soon as I can. Other than that, is my tank okay? Do I need to adjust anything besides the lights? I know that the water is supposed to be half way, but I wanted to make it higher so that my turtle can have more space to swim

[courtney.janee]

I use incandescent. Steve uses halogen so I will let him tell you what wattage might be best for what distance. If I remember correctly halogen don't get as hot as incandescent bulbs. Don't ever waste your money on pet store bulbs. As I'm sure you know they are expensive.

Ha ha. Thats funny. I was replying to the last question on page one. Didn't realize there was already a page 2. Tank looks nice.

Thanks!

[steve]

@EdieOnline - The bulbs are 8, and 9" away and that does not factor in the turtle size. They also have room to move under that or further away.

@courtney.janee - It's good, much better than when I started out. You could use a better filter but I'd wait if you are planning to upgrade soon.