General Care Discussion :: Urgent: Is this ok for turt tank?

[RiverChubbs]

I have been having a hard time finding a new flourescent light fixture (or what not) the one I currently have, is for a 10 or 20 gallon tank (I have a 20 gallon) and the fixture (holder) is the normal black rectangle looking one. I just set it on top of my screen. Problem is is flickers on and off as it pleases and I have to beat it back on. I have tired replacing bulbs, and batteries (or fuses, whatever those cylinder thingies are) nothing works.

I want my turtles to get adequate lighting for their shells, so I just decided to buy a new one...It cost $32.99, It is 24" long and came with the bulb, it is the instant on - no flicker start and it fits perfectly on top of my tank. It is energy efficient. The problem is; I wasn't paying attention when I bought it sinse this was my 4th attempt to replace the existing light and It says "All glass aquarium" on the box, says use with glass top only. Do not use over open water.

I have a screen on top of my turtle tank because I was told that the glass blocks uv rays...so what should I do? Can I use this over my tank? Does any one have this brand? Is it okay to place on screen. The one I bought before, was meant to sit on glass and I have not had a problem with it on the screen. Should I return this and keep looking? Please help! Thank you.

Here is a picture of it:

[grey goose]

The new fixture does not have cover over the bulb, correct? I think the reason they say not to use over open water is because the bulb is exposed and if broken, glass could fall into the water. Since yours will be on top of the screen, you'll be OK....

[RiverChubbs]

Oh ok my husband thought it might be ok too...I guess this one was supposed to replace part of a full hood...but it will work well for me...Thanks so much! I am so excited, they will have better lighting now!!!

[Jessica313]

this is not a UVB light.. aquarium lights are not the same thing. u need a light that gives off UVB rays. you could buy a UVB light bulb and put it in this fixture.

[RiverChubbs]

Oh Thank you very much. I was not even aware of that. I thought they all were....So this is basically just a light to show off like tropical fishes colors, etc. I thought fish needed light daily as well.

[RiverChubbs]

Oh yeah I just checked the actual bulb and it said 15W aquarium light. So it is not the normal (say) 10000K that I origionally purchased. I guess I'll just keep the flickering light on the top, until I can purchase a replacement bulb. It is probably better flickering 10000k then constant only 15W, hey?

[Hoooneylynn]

You need to get a special UVB light. I have the same black light fixture you bought. Thats just a regular flourencent bulb that came with it. I had to take that bulb out, and buy the special UVB bulb. I use Repti Glo 5.0 from Exo Terra. Look at the package before buying the bulb, make sure it will fit your fixture and that it gives off adequate amount of UVB. That flourescent one is just to light up the tank. I dont even use that one, its only purpose is to light up the tank. I dont think it matters what wattage the UVB light is, the important thing is that it gives off UVB rays. My wattage is 14. So either way, you need to get a different bulb. If it still flickers on and off, take it back to the store. It shouldnt do that. I have never seen that fixture sold with that uvb bulb already included. It gets expensive.. I think the bulb was $20 and the black fixture was $30...

[Muirner]

that is cheaper then the self ballasted flourcent's. I have a Reptisun 10.0 and it was $50.

[RiverChubbs]

YEAH REPTISUN IS SO EXPENSIVE but it lasts a long time...it doesn't burn out as fast

[Hoooneylynn]

ugh everything costs tooooo much... riverchubbs, did you get the new bulb yet? btw, I like that... riverchubbs lol Its your two turts names right? For some reason the chubbs reminds me of the happy gilmour movie with adam sandler ... I dont know if they say chubbs in the movie or what but thats what i think of when i read your name lol

[RiverChubbs]

Yes that is where the Chubbs came from...When my turtles were babies Chubbs was significantly bigger...My Mom came up with the name I came up with Dollar, Verde, Dakota and some other names. My friends and family did a vote and these are the names that won. I'll have to get that bulb tonight. I still have my old flickering light as of now (which ironically has not flickered off once since I bought the new one) So my Babes are good for now.

[marisa]

Reptisun tube flourescents are reputed to be very good. You can find them more cheaply on line--some places have better prices than others if you look.