General Care Discussion

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:28 pm **Overhead Lighting/UVB**

I have a basking light that is Zoo Med and it is obviously for the heat and offers UVA rays. I don't have anything for UVB but I do have the lighting overhead that is the length of the tank (125 gallons). Can I change one of the fluorescent bulbs that is in there to a UVB bulb? Should I change both to UVB? If anyone could offer any suggestions that would be great! :lol:

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:39 pm

I suggest changing the one bulb that runs over the basking area to a uvb.

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:40 pm

You can buy a tube UVB bulb, that's fine. You only need one UVB bulb though... the turtles need UVA light as well, the heat from the UVA bulb is important to aid in digestion and to coax them out to bask. If you can, position the bulbs so that the basking area is exposed to both types of light.

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:43 pm

Ok, that's perfect! The light runs over the basking area where she already has a basking light for heat and UVA. I just didn't know if I could change the one light to something different. How far away from the turtle should the light be? 6-8 inches? I know I've read it hear somewhere

thanks for all your help!

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 4:24 pm

The tube flourescent bulbs should be less than 12" from the turtle for them to benefit. If you can get it 6 to 8" away that's even better.

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 4:25 pm

Oh good b/c mine is probably 5 or 6 above her basking area.....thanks!!!

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:20 pm

You can have a UVB tube light running the length of the tank, but your turtle would benefit more if as much as possible were over the basking area.

General Care Discussion :: Overhead Lighting/UVB

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