Habitat - Indoor :: UVB light distance and daily duration

[hiddenpassions]

Before joining the forum i wasn't aware that UVB doesn't penetrate through glass or plastic, and i've always had mine in a strip light on top of the aquarium hood. Now i'm working on getting egg crate for a new top, and a clip lamp for the UVB bulb, but in the mean time i have moved my hood over so i can place the strip light perpendicularly over her basking platform. I only intend to do this for a certain amount of time daily, while i'm supervising her. My question is how many inches away from the basking platform should the light be, and how long daily does she need to bask under it, until i can get a more permanent setup? Also, does anyone have ideas for something better i could do instead in the mean time? The acrylic on my hood is riveted on, and my husband doesn't think he can get it off without breaking plastic on the hood. Thanks in advance.

Peace,
Cherry

[untsmurf]

You want the light to be about a foot from the basking area. Of course that depends on the type of bulb you have. If you have the common reptiglo 5.0, 12'' will be just fine.

If you have the bulb in a clamp lamp over the basking area, just leave the UVB on with the basking bulb. You should have a day/night cycle ranging between 10/14-12/12.

If you can't get the UVB over your basking area, you can take your turtle out in the mid to late afternoon when it's warmest.

If you go to home depot, you can get a clamp lamp really cheap that easily attach to the tank, you can also pick up the egg crate while you're there. I know the Lowe's on 288 has both.

[hiddenpassions]

Okay, thanks. One more question. Does the reptiglo 5.0 provide enough UVA that i don't need a second light, or should i have it separate? Does it just depend on the temp. of the basking area? I'll be heading to Lowes as soon as i have a chance.

Peace,
Cherry

[untsmurf]

No it doesn't. But you can use a regular house bulb to provide heat and UVA rays.

If you don't want to have two lights, you can look into buying a Mercury Vapor Bulb (MVB). It provides everything you need. They do need to be placed vertically above the basking area though, not diagonally. They need to be replaced every six months or so I think, but they're quite effective.

Two bulbs work just as well and run a little cheap too.

[hiddenpassions]

Awesome! Thanks so much.

Peace,
Cherry

[untsmurf]

No problemo!