General Care Discussion :: Exo Terra Compact bulbs - which one?

[DocShay]

Well theres 3 to choose from, 2.0, 5.0 and 10.0

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/compact_fluorescent_bulbs.php

I'm setting up a new above basking area and want one of these bulbs on each end, so they both reach the middle basking area - plus the live plants on the outersides.

The 2.0 says it stimulates plant growth - which I need since theres almost no sunlight in this room. Says its perfect for all amphibians, toads and snakes - will turtles fit this catagory?

The 5.0 (which I currently use on my brown anoles) is more for tropical situations. And finally, the 10.0 which is more desert.

(more info on the link)

Would I be safe with 2 of the 2.0s?

[octpusgirl8]

You want the 5.0. The 2.0 is too weak and you risk eye irritation with the 10.0. I'm not sure if 2 2.0s would have the effect of a higher % bulb. Is there a reason you're inclined to use two of the weaker ones instead of one stronger one?

[DocShay]

Only because the 2.0 in the "features" explains how it stimulates plant growth, while the 5.0 and 10.0 do not say that. And the overall length of how far the UV reaches, I need coverage over the entire top - not just one part.

[octpusgirl8]

You don't need UVB over the water surface, just over the basking area. If you have plants in the tank that need lighting then go ahead and get a 2.0 to put over the water area, but i would stick with the tried and true 5.0 for the basking area.

[TAHNEE]

I have the 2 and 5 in mine. My turtle will actually bask under the 2 without a heat lamp.

[emma]

For my UVB bulb I have a 5.0 26 watt bulb. And just a regular house bulb for their heat.

[SpotsMama]

The best choice is a 5.0 26 watt bulb for basking. The 2.0 and the 5.0 13 watt bulb are too weak. The 10.0 may be too strong.

Be sure and position both the heat bulb and the UVB bulb over the basking are. If you need additional light for plants or just to light up the tank, that's fine as long as you're sure the basking area is properly lit.

[DocShay]

I don't need a heat light - I already have one.

I just need these lights for 1) plant growth, 2) Give turtles the proper UV rays to be healthy.

One UV light on each side of the above tank basking thing, On the edge pointing inwards towards the middle. Then the heating lamp will be overtop the basking area in the middle.