Equipment Review and Discussion :: Light bulb question

[mkoby]

Is there a single bulb with both UVA and UVB. I'd prefer something that's not super expensive at the moment. I have a 10 gallon starter tank and don't have much room to add an additional lamp. I have a clamp light now.

Thanks.

[missibsu]

Mercury Vapor Bulbs (MVB) will provide you with both UVA/UVB/heat. They are expensive, but last for awhile. UVB bulbs on their own are expensive as well. Natural sunlight is the best for of UVB, but if it's cold outside, then you are going to want the bulb.

On another note, the MVB's should only be used on 55 gallons or more because of the amount of heat that they produce.

[marisa]

Your cheapest option is a regular lightbulb for heat clamped (or otherwise attached) next to a standard flourescent UVB light (like a Reptisun). A 10-gallon tank is way to small for a mercury vapor bulb but is something to be considered when you have a tank/container that's 50 or more gallons in size.

[Kallistos]

Instead of investing too much money in the 10 gallon tank, you'd save money in the long run by starting up a a large aquarium right now. At least that what I would've have done if I could turn back time and not listen to the 20 year old pet store employee....

[marisa]

That's a very good point!

[Muirner]

I agree with RES! When my ex-g/f brought these turtles down, they were in the tiny container. We went out ASAP and bought a 10 gal tank, rocks, and thermomiters. All and all the original investment for the tank was $60. After finding out the 10gal per inch rule, i went out and bought a 55 gal tank for my under 2" RES's. This will save me from going out and having to get increasingly larger tanks. Also the tank came with a stand, that i sanded, reprimed, and painted... for 75$ tank and stand, i figure not a bad deal

I got an XP3 (rated for 175 gal), and a 300 watt (100gal) water heater. This way i'll be ready for future upgrades.

[SpotsMama]

I went through a 10 gallon tank setup, a 20 gallon tank setup, a 55 gallon tank setup and 100 gallon tank setup, which I truly hope will be the last!

I can't bear to think of the money spent on all those setups in a three year period!

If I were going to do it again I'd probably go straight for the big tank from the get-go.

[Kallistos]

Although, going out and buying a 100 gallon tank would be the best for your turtles, I completely understand if that's not a part of your budget right now! Marisa's suggestion is very cost-effective and will provide the necessary UVB rays. I'd reccomend you keep your eyes peeled over Christmas so you can snag some cheap equipment.

[mkoby]

Thanks for all the advise. I am already planning on a larger tank in the near future. Like a lot of you, I was not expecting all the work that goes into raising a turtle. He was purchased at a flea market. Squirt is really tiny, only 1 inch! The first amount of info I found online stated that I only needed enough water for the turt to roll over. Then I found all of you!!!!!!! Talk about sending me into a panic! I currently have a complete set up for my 10 gallon tank. I know that it won't last long at all, but now at least I can take my time and search craigslist and try to find a good deal. I'm planning on upgrading only once now that I know what I can expect. Hmmm, I'm seeing at least a 100 gallon in my future. Thank goodness I own a house! My guest room will soon be Squirts room!

[xsavingsaturdayx]

sounds awesome! what a lucky turtle!

[Muirner]

mkoby - one thing you need to remember is the weight of water. Just about 9lbs a gal. At 100gal your at 900lbs plus tank and stand weight almost 1/2 a ton. Just make sure that you wont have issues supporting it... (which you shouldnt)..

That does sound nice. I wish my parents would give me the guest room to custom build somthing like a 300gal breeder tank. That'd be nice.

[Kallistos]

My dad freaked out when I told him that I was going to fill the 110 gallon almost all the way full. We had to buy "floor jacks" for $20 each and put them under the tank (in the basement) I think he over-reacted though. I'd check in the basement where the tank is going to be. If it's on a steel beam, then you won't have a problem.

[Muirner]

speaking of bulbs, yesterday, i was working with my friends dad and he had a 400watt MVB light. Ya i know WAY WAY to big, but someone could use it... maybe. I wonder what that bulb would cost to buy.

[Kallistos]

I doubt those are for reptiles. Even our zoo, the Milwaukee Public Zoo uses a 275 watt T-Rex bulb and they have a huge turtle exibit. You should ask if it's a work light or what it's main purpose is.

[Muirner]

Well the light is broken now, and thrown away. There was that and a HPS light as well. They were used to illuminate a shop area. And 400 Watts should be good for something in the range of 1000+ gal or more i'd say. sense 100 is used on 60+ gal. Dont even know if you'd wanna use this with out some <1/2 screen to filter some UVB