General Care Discussion :: A quick question

[viront]

Well my question is that I have a lamp thats has two separate light bulb things. I Have two regular 40 watt ligtbulbs pointing directly at my turts' basking area. My question is should I keep those, change one lightbulb to a UVB, change both to UVB, or get a new lamp with new lightbulbs(UVB)?

[xsavingsaturdayx]

You need to have a UVB bulb in addition to a normal house hold light bulb. Yes, change one 40 watt to a UVB bulb. Also, be sure to measure the temperature of the basking area, high 80's - low 90's is alright.

[viront]

Ok, thanks.

[steve]

The UVB bulb will also provide UVA. If its a fluorescent, use that in addition to a regular light bulb.

[viront]

k, thanks

[DavidY]

How close is the lamp to the basking area? Also, do you have a screen cover over the tank? Both of these factors will affect the UVB that reaches the turtle. A UVB bulb that is rated at 5.0 should be used at a distance less than 12" away and/or if there is no screen cover. If your distance is over 12" and/or you have a screen cover you might want to go with the stronger 10.0 bulb. But you should definitely check out the manufacturer's instructions for the correct bulb you will need since they can cause eye damage if not used properly. If you go with the Zoo Med Reptisuns please read the following instructions from the manufacturer before deciding which bulb to get...

Reptisun 5.0: http://www.redearslider.com/downloads/reptisun_FS-C5_instructions.pdf

Reptisun 10.0: http://www.redearslider.com/downloads/reptisun_FS-C10_instructions.pdf

[viront]

My regular light bulb distance is about 4-5 inches away, too close right? Also, I'll read the instructions, thanks.

[SpotsMama]

Too close for a compact fluorescent UVB bulb. It will have to be quite a bit further away, as per the directions.

It's also too close for the regular bulb because your turtle could splash water on it and if it does while the bulb is on, it will explode. Regular light bulbs get very hot and they can't take cold water splashing on them. Also, your turtle might be able to touch it if it's that close and get burned.

[DavidY]

You could get one of the Reptiglo bulbs which aren't as powerful I think. They also have a 2.0 bulb. Maybe someone else who has a similar setup could chime in.

[viront]

ok

[marisa]

A 2% UVB bulb is inadequate for a basking turtle. Get one that produces at least 3%---5% would be even better.