General Care Discussion :: UV lights/Basking lamp, how many inches MINIMUM recommended?

[dhtang]

Designing a new ATBA, I would like to know the minimum distance to work with, can anyone drop by and tell me? I've read 8", some said 12" for the basking spot light, varies with wattage apparently.

Can someone please confirm with me about that; preferably for both the UVA basking spot light (75W or 100 W) as well as the UVB fluorescent lamp (15W).

Your advice is much appreciated!

[dhtang]

Mostly using:

Repti glo 5.0 13W linear tube
Repti glo 5.0 26W light bulb
Repti glo 2.0 15W linear tube
Sun glo 75W / 100W spot lamp

[marisa]

For the basking light, put it at a distance where the basking area will be warmed in the range of 88 - 90F.

I do not have Repti Glo tube flourescents, so someone else who does can tell you what they do. I do use Reptisun flourescents, however, and the 5.0's are 6 - 8 inches from the basking turtle. If your turtles have no problems with the bulbs you use, I imagine the distance would be similar.

[TheComputerGremlin]

I believe I have the Repti Glo 5.0 26W compact fluorescent, and yeah, the box doesn't have a minimum distance listed, but their website says that the 5.0 is effective up to 12".

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/co ... _bulbs.php

For the linear bulbs, Exo Terra lists the same requirements: up to 12" for the 5.0 and 20" for the 10.0. While we don't recommend using the 10.0 for turtles, if it's kept at a further distance, you can get away with it. So if you need to have the bulb at 20-28" away, you could probably use a 10.0 for the tank.

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/li ... _bulbs.php

Basking bulb wattage and distance is entirely dependent on getting the right temperature for your turtle. For instance, my bulb is probably 6-8" from the basking area, it's a 60W, and it's maintaining the low 90s where my turtle likes it. However, when I was using a different brand of 60W, it was a lower temp and she wouldn't bask. So, first, find the right temp for your turtle, and then find a good height for the bulb, and then find the right wattage to get to that temp. Oh, and never let the basking bulb be too close to the water, otherwise, a splash can short-circuit it and cause it to break/electrocute/etc.

[dhtang]

Thank you kindly for your reply.

Here's what I've finalized. I've setup my ATBA and positioned the linear 5.0 ~11" from the turtle's shell. Yea I don't think I'm going to go 10.0, don't want any excessive UVB to be exposed for him. Then I have the clamped compact 5.0 positioned at ~14" from the basking area, basically its purpose is for my plants rather, I think I will use 2.0 full spec instead in the near future. And for the basking lamp, I experimented and now his favorite basking rock is ~low 90s and some other parts of the platform varies from mid 80s and up. Just curious, what bulb (brand) do you use for your basking light? Thanks in advance!

I believe I have the Repti Glo 5.0 26W compact fluorescent, and yeah, the box doesn't have a minimum distance listed, but their website says that the 5.0 is effective up to 12".

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/co ... _bulbs.php

For the linear bulbs, Exo Terra lists the same requirements: up to 12" for the 5.0 and 20" for the 10.0. While we don't recommend using the 10.0 for turtles, if it's kept at a further distance, you can get away with it. So if you need to have the bulb at 20-28" away, you could probably use a 10.0 for the tank.

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/li ... _bulbs.php

Basking bulb wattage and distance is entirely dependent on getting the right temperature for your turtle. For instance, my bulb is probably 6-8" from the basking area, it's a 60W, and it's maintaining the low 90s where my turtle likes it. However, when I was using a different brand of 60W, it was a lower temp and she wouldn't bask. So, first, find the right temp for your turtle, and then find a good height for the bulb, and then find the right wattage to get to that temp. Oh, and never let the basking bulb be too close to the water, otherwise, a splash can short-circuit it and cause it to break/electrocute/etc.

[marisa]

I use 10.0 Reptisun tubes and have never had a problem with them.

A 2.0 is insufficent as a UVB bulb for basking turtles.

Full spectrum does not necessarily mean a bulb gives out UVB rays.

You can use a regular incandescent bulb to provide heat; you don't need a special "basking light."

[dhtang]

I use 10.0 Reptisun tubes and have never had a problem with them.

A 2.0 is insufficent as a UVB bulb for basking turtles.

Full spectrum does not necessarily mean a bulb gives out UVB rays.

You can use a regular incandescent bulb to provide heat; you don't need a special "basking light."

Alright cool thank you.

umm, have u ever used a basking light with a Neodymium layer, any noticeable difference compared to normal household incandescent lightbulbs?

[marisa]

No, I never have. I never saw any reason to spend the extra money.

[TartarugaVerde]

Hi,

I use
. Repti Glo 5.0 26W UVB
. ZOOMED Repti Basking Spot Lamp 75W Light Bulb

8inches from water/basking area

have not measured temp yet...