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George finally has a UVA light

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:00 am
by kiwigerman
Hi guys. I finally got around to putting up a UVA light for George because the weather had turned cold the past 2 days. Have a look and tell me if my lighting looks ok. Its got a 70w normal bulb in it.


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as you can see, George likes it!

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PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:04 am
by N4784N R4613
Very nice, just make sure it is not too hot under there. It should be about 10 degrees warmer then the water in his tank. He is one happy turtle!! :D

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:12 am
by Starchick
I agree, he looks pretty content!

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:20 am
by kiwigerman
I've also decided to turn off the new light about 2 hours before the fluoro light so it cools down slower. I reckon that will simulate the sun going down slowly. Who knows... maybe I just think funny.

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 2:10 am
by SpotsMama
Very nice!

Just a technicality - that 70 watt bulb is great but it's probably not providing UVA. But that's ok because your UVB bulb is providiing UVA. UVA is on the spectrum between visible light and UVB, so any bulb that's providing UVB and visible light is also providing UVA.

It is possible to get an incandescent bulb that provides UVA. I think those bulbs in the pet store that say they are "full spectrum" are providing UVA (just not UVB). However, since your flourscent UVB bulb is already providing UVA it's not necessary to get a special bulb for UVA. All you really need is heat and the regular garden variety light bulb will do that.

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 2:18 am
by kiwigerman
spotmama, have a look at this site. It says UVA is supplied by ordinary household incandescent bulbs (although in small amounts).

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 2:23 am
by SpotsMama
Well you learn something every day!

I guess George is getting plenty of UVA these days.

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 2:28 am
by kiwigerman
oops, i forgot to add the link to the site i was talking about! lol
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/whatisuv.htm
here it is

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 4:40 am
by SpotsMama
Ah yes, the UK survey. It's excellent, isn't it. Everything you ever wanted to know about light for reptiles.

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 3:13 pm
by adam85491
I think that UVA bulbs are better though. I use the zoomed one and also have a sun-glo bulb. They are a bit more expensive, but they are worth it in my opinion.

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 3:39 pm
by DavidY
adam85491 wrote:I think that UVA bulbs are better though. I use the zoomed one and also have a sun-glo bulb. They are a bit more expensive, but they are worth it in my opinion.


Do you mean the mercury vapor bulbs? They provide all 3 types of light, UVB, UVA and visible. Plus they provide heat too. Yea, I like them a lot. I typically replace mine every 18 months (although the manufacturer recommends every 12 months), but even then they are still producing more output than a flourescent.

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 4:01 pm
by adam85491
No, just UVA basking bulbs not the MVBs-sorry for not making that more clearer.

PostPosted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 3:22 am
by kiwigerman
Yeah, I'd love a MVB, but can't afford just yet. Hey, in the couple of days I've had the new light on, George has started shedding his scutes faster! He loves it!

PostPosted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 5:51 pm
by faithin_felix
nice setup! why is george's shell that color though?

PostPosted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 5:53 pm
by camee1991
Kiwigerman! Looks like your baby George is happy and healthy! The set up is beautiful!!! Good for You!!!

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