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I was thinking about this a few minutes ago, and it suddenly hit me...

A lot of forum goers like to recommend regular house bulbs, especially 75 watts, to use for heating. House bulbs are extremely bright, and when used with UVB, shouldn't we be a little worried that it might be so bright and intense that it causes eye problems for our turtles?

Just a thought.

That's why you are supposed to keep them at a certain distance.

I think turtles are smart enough to not sit there and stare into the light until they're blinded.

lol i think thats why when they bask, they close their eyes sometimes also

I think it helps a bit if the bulb is directly overhead, as opposed to the side of the basking area.
For Ralph, I've been using a halogen bulb (which I think are even brighter), and he's never had eye problems, though it is shining through egg crate. Frankie has a 60W bulb, and directly over the basking area about 8" away, and she's never had any problems.

Mine shines from the back of his basking area, because I thought it was more important to have the UV light be directly above his basking area. He loves his basking area, so I am assuming it's fine? Mine lamp is the 75 watt spot light variety, and my UV is an 18" tube going crossways.

the-b-35 The regular home light bulbs are no brighter than the sun. m.

BullDog wrote:I think it helps a bit if the bulb is directly overhead, as opposed to the side of the basking area.
For Ralph, I've been using a halogen bulb (which I think are even brighter), and he's never had eye problems, though it is shining through egg crate. Frankie has a 60W bulb, and directly over the basking area about 8" away, and she's never had any problems.

Well, that's very good to know.

I was curious because, there may be house bulbs in their future during the summer at least.

By the way, I'm having a really annoying time keeping the water at the right temperature. During the winter, it stays are room temp., because heating is always easier during the winter. So, basically, I'm just checking the temps more often, and if the house gets to hot, I shut the heat bulb off for a while, and take out some water and replace it with cooler water to down the temperature.

What temperature are you keeping the room at? That makes a huge difference. What are the temps of your water and basking area?

Household-type bulbs produce a more warmer, comfortable light than what a fluorescent would. And the brightness is not what caused eye problems, it was a particular phosphor.

untsmurf wrote:What temperature are you keeping the room at? That makes a huge difference. What are the temps of your water and basking area?

I keep the water at room temperature, which is 76. I keep their basking spot at 87.

It's been staying at a constant temperature, because of the system I've got going. It's just a little time consuming, and a little annoying.

I'll be darned if my turtles are gonna get RI.

No, I can't ask my mother to check the temps, or help keep them at a constant level. She needs to be told the same thing about six times before she gets it right. No thanks.

untsmurf wrote:That's why you are supposed to keep them at a certain distance.

I think turtles are smart enough to not sit there and stare into the light until they're blinded.

Mine does He'll sit there and stretch his neck as far as possible towards the light and just sit there staring at it for hours. Turtle needs a helmet :p

Simba wrote:

untsmurf wrote:That's why you are supposed to keep them at a certain distance.

I think turtles are smart enough to not sit there and stare into the light until they're blinded.

Mine does He'll sit there and stretch his neck as far as possible towards the light and just sit there staring at it for hours. Turtle needs a helmet :p

Maybe your turtle feels he's having a near death experience and is trying to go towards the light

He's probably just trying to soak up the most light it can get. Just make sure your temps are good and your bulbs don't need replacing, and you're fine.