Habitat - Indoor :: Proper Bulb?/To much UVB?

[Jen182]

I just bought a bulb from PetSmart that is UVA/UVB in one. It says 20 watt=75watt incandescent. I have a 10 gallon tank and my turt is about an inch or and inch and a half. Is this bulb okay?

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441780660&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030094&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023694&bmUID=1123167006506

[marisa]

It's OK, I've used it with hatchlings and they did well with it. Be aware, though, that it emits 3% UVB, which is like the minimum acceptable amount (5% and up is better). Position it 6-8 inches from your basking turtle so he can benefit from the rays--the further away it is, the less he gets and after 12 inches he won't really benefit at all.

Also, because it emits such a small percentage of UVB rays, it really should be replaced every six months, even though the package says differently. There is also an ESU Super UVB Coil Light for desert reptiles that emits 7% UVB, which you may want to consider next time if you decide to continue buying this particular bulb.

[Jen182]

I may go ahead and get a different bulb. It doesn't emit near enough heat for my turt to bask. I had a 75 watt heat bulb in there before and she loved to bask under it but I don't think this one emits enough heat for her. I'll consider the one you suggested. Does it emit heat as well?

[cam722]

you can use a regular light bulb for heat.. I currently have a 40watt about 6-8" from my basking area and it keeps it nice and warm..

[marisa]

UVB flourescents (like the ESU coil lights, Reptisuns, etc.) don't emit heat, and a second bulb for a heat source is necessary; a light bulb is fine for this. You will need to use two bulbs--the UVB light (a flourescent) and a bulb for heat.

[Jen182]

Okay I just went the the pet store and bought this one

http://petco.com/product_info.asp?familyid=13365&sku=9761234010&tab=5&dept_id=2547&c1=2541&c2=2547&c3=&ct1=Heating%2C+Lighting+%26+Accessories&ct2=Fluorescent+Light+Bulbs+%26+Fixtures&ct3=

I also got a seperate lamp so that I can have the heat bulb and the UVB bulb. I thought UVA meant that it put out heat. So I went ahead and got another lamp. Anywho! I want to ask now is this light acceptable? It puts out 10% UVB...is that to much? Is there a such thing as to much?

[marisa]

This one is good. I'm using one myself in one of my set ups. Put it in a clamp light with a reflector dome to maximize UVB output. 10% is not too much.

One note--buy it online next time--it will cost quite a bit less (like $25.00 plus shipping if you look).

[steve]

Looks MUCH better than the ESU one I'm using. I'll definitely get one this fall...

Here's it for $23 @ Big Al's

http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/pro ... ry_id=4091

and there's no such thing as too much UVB

[Jen182]

lol! I bought mine for like...$38. That sucks. Next time I'll be sure to look online! Thanks for the link!

[TexasJagsFan]

Wow Steve, I just bought that one for $40. Won't make that mistake again.

[Jen182]

I know! And I thought i was getting a good deal because the were $10 more expensive at petco than at petsmart. lol. Serves me right.

[marisa]

And I just placed a rather large order with Big Al's yesterday. Oh well, it will have to wait until next month.

[3walcks]

i just bought that same light bulb and paid 32$ at my pet shop. another good place i have found where it is cheaper is 4littlepets.com next time i am ordering online!