General Care Discussion :: Is there a Difference in a basking Light and a UVB light?

[MissJamieLynn]

Ok. So I am getting mixed answers from the various pet shops around here- that sell and care for RES.
Also getting confused with several posts in here.
I Have 2 RES. Sex Unknown yet. But they have a basking lamp/Light.
But somewhere I read that they also need a UVB light?
When I went to the pet shop- they told me a Basking light is a UVB lamp and thats all they need????

So I am confused and was hoping that you guys could straighten this issue out for me...

Thanks In Advance....

The basking light were are using is a Zoo Med 75 watts...and the lamp itself is a Zilla...

[penelope]

They need both.
There is lots of info to get you started here: http://www.redearslider.com/index_lighting_basking.html

[steve]

Unless the bulb is an expensive mercury vapor bulb (around $50-60), then you need both. This is what most UVBs look like: http://www.amazon.com/Repti-Glo-Compact ... B00101JI2Y

[MissJamieLynn]

Thanks guys for clearing that up for me. Going out today and grabbing one. <3 Again Thank You.

[MissJamieLynn]

Ok So Now I am shopping for one or two of them. Still very confused as to what The UVB bulb does that the basking bulb doesn't do.
Mainly due to misdirection from the local pet stores.
Called two pet shops this morning.... and both are saying the same...That the bulb I have is the only thing I need for them.
. So what Bulb would you recommend for two RES about 3 1/2 inch shells? I see the one Steve posted is a 5.0...is that a typical one?
I see they go up to 10.0? Any further info on this topic would be greatly appreciated.
I just wanna do right by my turtles- first time turtle owner. And I just adore them..just want them to be healthy and happy <3 Thanks Guys.

[MissJamieLynn]

And one more question while I am thinking of it. Do both the basking light and the UVB light go over top of the basking area...or does the UVB lighting go above the water area?

[steve]

UVB rays allow your turtle to produce vitamin d3 which allows your turtle to metabolize calcium. Not all UVB bulbs are created equal... Reptisun 10.0 are strong and can irritate your turtle's eyes but the Exo Terra are weaker, so a 5.0 or 10.0 is fine.

Keep both bulbs over the basking area.

[Gracie Turts]

unless your 100% sure the pet shop has a turtle expert, i would definitely get a second opinion.
Reptisun 10.0 works up to 24" under the light. Reptisun 5.0 works up to 12"
the UVB in the reptisun and other UVB bulbs help with shedding too.

They need both.
There is lots of info to get you started here: http://www.redearslider.com/index_lighting_basking.html

ditto

[stopgaming]

If they are using this bulb...

Repti Basking Spot Lamp by Zoo Med
Item Number: SL-75
Wattage: 75W

http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/Entry ... RpbmciO30=

FAQ:
Q: Does this lamp emit UVB?
A: These lamps are primarily a heat source. They generate UVA but not UVB.

[MissJamieLynn]

YES that is the bulb they have now. Both Pet shops told me thats all they need. But coming from he same Pet shops that have misguided me in the past.
Thats why I wanted to get in here and see what the difference was.
I want to thank you all for helping me out with this. I went with the 5.0 and they seem to be a lot more happier- and that makes me feel a TON better <3
I love this site! I am so happy that I didn't just believe them and actually looked into it myself. See them 2 pet shops told me that these Bulbs (up above that The zoo med) was all they would need.
They told me this over and over. Maybe I should go down there and give them 2 UVB bulbs for their turtles... and explain what I have learned. Again- thanks guys..thank you so much! Scratch and Sniff say Thank You as well.

[steve]

Glad you were able to get it. Most pet stores won't be able to provide reliable information on reptiles.