Hello everyone! I don't know whether anyone knows who I am but I was the person from Dubai that couldn't find any proper equipment for my turtle's (his name is Nigel) setup. Basically I ordered a UVB online as they don't sell them in our market. The problem is, my housekeeper knocked down the lamp on the other side of the aquarium while dusting that area therefore the bulb broke and waiting for another 6-8 weeks for delivery is going to be annoying for Nigel and for myself. I would like to know what kind of bulb does somewhat a similar job to UVBs, are the florescent bulbs with high watts sufficient enough? Also, what kind of bulbs do we use for heating? I have never considered bring Nigel a heating lamp because as most of you know Dubai is HOT! Winter is getting colder though, then again there's a heater in his tank set at 74 degrees. Your help is much appreciated, thanks in advance!
Only UVB rays will provide the health benefits your turtle needs in terms of vitamin D, so you'll just have to wait the 6-8 weeks... your turtle will be fine for then, although I'm sure it is annoying to have to buy a new one again As for heat bulbs, using a regular house bulb is perfectly fine, that's what most people on here do.
The water temp is fine, but if the ambient air is too cool, your turtle won't bask so a heat lamp is a good idea.
2 RES: Leo (f) and Ezra (m)
1 Russian Tortoise: Godzilla (m)
If you can't get a uvb bulb, I suggest that you get him out in the sun a couple a days a week for about an hour each trip. Watch out for birds, cats or dogs. They may take a bite out of your turtle.
If you're in Dubai, your turtle should have no trouble getting his UVB needs met with unfiltered sunlight. Isn't the weather hot and sunny there for most of the year? How cold does it get in the winter?
If you can get your turtle outside for an hour or two several times a week, I wouldn't be particularly worried about his not having a UVB light for the 6-8 weeks it takes to arrive (or even longer for that matter).
"You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed." -Antoine de Saint Exupery-
Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:53 pm UVB Replacement Question
