General Care Discussion :: problem with ReptiSun flourescents?

[doglovin]

Hi guys. I just heard that the ReptiSun flourescents that everyone said were the best have been causing health problems in turtles of late? Is that true, and should I switch? I certainly don't want any issues. Please advise!!! Thanks, Val

[Daniel3507]

i havent really done any reading on it but i think that it is the 10.0 bulbs that have caused problems? dont hold me to it though.

this post talks about how some of the bulbs cause problems. might be worth reading
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11796

[SpotsMama]

Both the 10.0's and the 5.0's would cause problems but problems were more common with the 10.0's. It was only the compact fluorescents, never the tubes. Some other brands besides Reptisuns - mostly used overseas I believe - also were known to cause problems.

If your turtles are basking ok and their eyes are not irritated or swollen, then you are fine. People with problem bulbs knew pretty fast what they had.

[doglovin]

Ok thanks - good news. By compact you mean the bulb flourescent you screw into the dome fixture? Then what's the best bet if you do need such a flourescent? My guys seem to be ok otherwise. Val

[steve]

Yes. A few have been using the Exo Terra brand CFs but the ReptiSun tubes are well regarded.

[blulite]

wow this is a bit of a find. how exactly do they cause problems. i have a 10.0 uvb bulb that is at the moment filtered through glass.

however when i fit the lamps to the atba properly they will not be filtered but they will sit 22 inches above the basking spot.

will this cause any problems.

[TheComputerGremlin]

blulite - First, if you have UVB going through glass, your turtle is getting essentially NO UVB rays. Glass, even regular old household glass, removes the UVB rays, they bounce off and don't make it through. So get rid of the glass!

As for when they are in the ATBA, you want to follow the instructions as per your bulb. Most bulbs are suggested to be about 12 inches away from your turtle. 22 inches may be too far away for the UVB to be useful.

How they cause problems? Basically the turtle's eyes become swollen and they can get a sunburn, but that's usually not often. Eye swelling can be caused by other things too, though, such as chlorine in the water or your turtle being ill.

[blulite]

ok that seems fair but what you say puts me into an even greater hole.

i have read numerous threads in this forum that all say different things.

i have read that a 10.0 uvb will be too strong and i should set it further away. also that if it is filtered through glass then a 10.uvb is ok.

however i have also read that it should be placed as you also say about 12inches away.

oh and i cant get rid of the glass its a door into the atba. i only have the bulb positioned through the glass temeporarily.

[TheComputerGremlin]

As long as the ATBA will be up and working soon, I'd just stop using the UVB for the moment. A few days without UVB won't hurt a turtle. I think that typically people filter it through other types of things, like screens with small holes or maybe plastic. A 10.0 UVB may be too strong to be 12 inches, I'm just thinking that 22 inches may be too far away. You'll know pretty quickly if it's too close, though. Read up on your actual bulb, you can try contacting the manufacturer and ask about optimal conditions.

[SpotsMama]

Different brands of UVB bulbs differ in strength and the frequency of UVB emitted. Not all 10.0 bulbs are the same, for instance. Some need to be closer, some further away. And it does make a difference - too close and the turtle's eyes will be harmed but too far away and the UVB will be too weak to do any good. That's why it's important to read up on placement on the package and follow the directions carefully. Good UVB is very important for the long term health of a turtle.

[TurtleLover_S&B]

Yeah,the 5.0's and 10.0's have had recalls.They've caused eye problems for turtles.

[blulite]

mine is an, exo terra compact.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Exo-Terra-Repti-G ... 240%3A1318

one of those. it sits exactly 17 inches away from the basking area (i set them up properly today). the bulb is in an 6.5inch white reflector dome. what do you guys think?

tumble seemt to be just fine his eyes are wide and really bright and shiney. but the new one lydia her eyes are'nt as bright and shiny. and she has them closed a lot. i dont think this has anythin to do with the light seeing as shes only been with us for 2 weeks. and over that period the light has been filtered through glass.