General Care Discussion :: No UVB

[Simba]

How long can a turtle go without UVB?

My UVB just went. Not sure what happened... I got it with the turtle I adopted so no recipet or anything to get an exchange. I am in IL so I can't exactly let her out right now!

I still have her heat lamp going (of course )

I've asked my parents for a more energy efficient UVB bulb for christmas so I know that is on the way.

I havn't a penny to spare but I'd borrow the cash if I had to.

Should I buy her a new UVB, and if so, can anybody reccomend a super super cheap UVB that I can get at a chain petstore or would she be alright until Dec 28 when I come back from visiting my parents for christmas with my new bulb.

[Nin10doGC]

She should be ok, but it certainly would be best to get her one soon. I've heard like 1 month is the longest they can go before they start to deteriorate in a way. However, I dunno how reliable that is.

[BullDog]

She'll be fine. However, I believe the exo-terra bulbs are the cheapest. Here in Canada, they run about $20. In the US I believe the run $13-17?

This is the bulb I use:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... Id=2752555

[bradmeisel]

I've only had a 13W their whole life. Are they really not sufficient? I keep them very close (8 inches or less) from them. I think they look pretty healthy.

[Daniel3507]

8 inches is too close for a UVB. the 26w does alot better and you dont have to keep it that close

[bradmeisel]

is 10 inches ok?

[Daniel3507]

im not real sure. the box it comes in usually has specific instructions on how far away it should be.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Simba, how long ago did you buy the bulb? I had a bulb go out 2 months after buying it and I took it back to PetSmart and they replaced it for me.

[SpotsMama]

The Exo Terra Repti Glo 26 watt 5.0 UVB compact fluorescent is the best bulb to get. If you can't find it at your local pet stores, you can get it on-line from any of several reptile supply stores. The 13 watt version is too weak to do your turtle any good.