General Care Discussion :: Basking light questions...

[turtlemaniac]

Hi guys, this is my first time posting here so please help me out! I have 2 questions...

I am not too familiar with basking light setups so can somebody please elaborate on how exactly a clamp light works? I've seen a few of them at the pet store, and wasn't sure how they clamp onto something... like do they clamp onto the tank itself or onto another object? I didn't take a very long look at it so that's why i'm asking.

I was also wondering if I buy a Zoomed Powersun, would it be too strong for a 33 gallon tank? I read in the description of the 100 watt version that it can reach up to 6 feet. If it is not suitable for my setup, would you guys have any suggestions on lighting setups?

[jenaero]

I clamp mine right onto the side of the tank but you need to make sure it's sturdy. They also sell lamp stands that the lamps clamp onto if you prefer.

I think the Powersun is rated for 50gal and up. Should say on the box.

For a smaller tank you'd probably want to go with a household bulb and a Reptisun 5.0 or 10.0 for uvb.

[CountryGirl68]

Before I got a lamp stand, I would clamp the lamp to a tall floor lamp I have next to the tank so it wouldn't be too close to the basking area. Or like Jen said, you can clamp it right onto the tank.

This is the stand I have. You can put the base under the tank.

[marisa]

If you have a smaller tank and are using two lights, clamping them to the side of the tank would be fine.

[turtlemaniac]

Thank you for all your replies

Can anyone of you recommend me a reliable uva/uvb bulb? I'm thinking of getting something that's not a typical long tube fluorescent light because those require a hood... and if im using a hood for the tank i will probably need to lower the water level so that the lights arn't blinding my turtles. I also don't really want to buy two seperate lamps and lights... so a uva/uvb combo would be nice.

[N4784N R4613]

I use the T-rex Active UV Heat Bulb( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/P ... 006+113030 ). I have only had it for a couple of mouths, but have been very happy with it. Just remember the lowest wattage bulb needs to be at least 12" away from the back of your turtles shell while he is basking. And this distance goes up as the wattage goes up.

[cam722]

You can use a regular lightbulb for the UVA (heat) for your turtles. There are a number of UVB that just screw into a regular socket like or normal lightbulbs. If I'm not mistaken a combo bulb is much more expensive than having the 2 different bulbs, although they do take up more space. Some people, sonyj being one, use a pole lamp with multiple lights for this purpose as they take up less space and don't clamp on the tank. Just another option.

[BullDog]

I use the one like this:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ct ... uvb100lamp

The uvb is in a "home made" light fixture that sits on top of his basking area, and I use a reading light (which wasn't being used anyway) for heat.
You have the liberty to be creative

[SpotsMama]

This question is off topic - sorry about that - but BullDog, do you mean BOTH of the 'L's in Ralpheal are silent?

[BullDog]

Lol! No, I mean just the first "L" is silent So I pronounce "Ralph" as "Raff" and "Ralpheal" as "Raffeal"
I named him when I was little and silent letters were "all the rage" B)
Suprisingly, my 10 year old niece spelled his name right the first time (without me telling her how it was spelt)!
Maybe when you're that age it just makes sense?

[SpotsMama]

That helps! I was scratching my head trying to figure out how to pronounce it with no "L"s!