Equipment Review and Discussion :: uvb?

[louie&rascal01]

what is uvb?

[Toadzilla]

UVB is Ultra violet light. A certain wavelenth of light that is in natural sunlight. Your turtle need this light like most reptiles to make vitamin D.
There are two types of UV light A and B. UVA will make the heat you feele when your in the sun. UVB will be the one that gives your sunburn.

Read this sticky about lighting.

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10

Does your Setup have UVB light? and basking heat?

[bradhart]

UVA aids in psychological well being of reptiles, and UVB aids in healthy shell and bone growth. UVB is necessary

[Vivi]

what if you put the turtles in the sun?? well they get the whole package??

[bradhart]

The sun is good for them, but unless they're in an outside pond, they probably won't get enough exposure. And if you put them outside, there;s a chance of preditors getting them. I suggest a bulb over the tank. Its easier, they get unlimited exposure, and the bulbs are only 20-25 bucks.

[marisa]

Sunlight is the best source of UVB light;artificial UVB lights give out only a fraction of what the sun does. If you were able to put a turtle out in the sun for a few hours at a time several times a week, his UVB needs would be met. The problem is being able to do it consistently, and in the fall/winter months if it's cool/cold where your are it can't be done at all. A UVB light ensures that a turtle is getting some UVB rays consistently.