What UVB aquarium lights do you use?

Moozillion

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I can no longer get the UVB light fixtures that I had previously used for my turtle tanks. All I can find is the compact fluorescents, but I"m aware that there is controversy about the intensity of the compact fluorescents causing irritation to turtles' eyes. So I'm stuck.
What UVB aquarium lights do you use????
Thanks!:)
 

Markw84

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I really don't like the MVB for turtle hatchlings. The intense IR seems to contribute to some early retained scutes and a tendency for some upward curling of the carapace edge. I use fluorescent tubes hung over the tank especially with mud and musks, who tend to be floating/hanging in water baskers. Often they get their UVB from simply being in the water where the UVB is shining in so I like a UVB basking area to include some of the water area. UVB penetrates water very well, so they can get their UVB under water as well. I do also use compact fluorescents in some of the tanks with turtles that like to use the basking dock. For example my spotted tank uses compact fluorescent. It does create a smaller UVB zone but that works fine for a basking dock area.

I also am of the opinion that turtles get most of their D3 from diet. I always ensure a good pellet is a main part of their diet as soon as I can get them accepting pellets. I have raised 100s of hatchlings with what i found out later was way outdated bulbs that were not producing UVB when finally checked!
 

Michael231

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I use the ReptiSun 5.0 by ZooMed for most of my basking tanks. For larger tanks I might double up on this lamp.
 

Moozillion

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I really don't like the MVB for turtle hatchlings. The intense IR seems to contribute to some early retained scutes and a tendency for some upward curling of the carapace edge. I use fluorescent tubes hung over the tank especially with mud and musks, who tend to be floating/hanging in water baskers. Often they get their UVB from simply being in the water where the UVB is shining in so I like a UVB basking area to include some of the water area. UVB penetrates water very well, so they can get their UVB under water as well. I do also use compact fluorescents in some of the tanks with turtles that like to use the basking dock. For example my spotted tank uses compact fluorescent. It does create a smaller UVB zone but that works fine for a basking dock area.

I also am of the opinion that turtles get most of their D3 from diet. I always ensure a good pellet is a main part of their diet as soon as I can get them accepting pellets. I have raised 100s of hatchlings with what i found out later was way outdated bulbs that were not producing UVB when finally checked!

Thanks, Markw84![emoji2][emoji173]️
 

Moozillion

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If can't find locally buy online.
Getting the bulbs is not the problem.
I can't find the FIXTURES. I used to use 24-inch fluorescent light fixtures from Lowes or Home Depot that were just plug-in fixtures and had an on/off switch. I would just put in a UVB tube bulb and another regular bulb and plug it into the timer. But the only long fluorescent fixtures I can find anywhere are for wiring in to house current which involves grounding wires etc. THAT'S a no-go...:confused:
I can also find the tank-top HOODS, but these cover the whole top of the tank, which I don't want.
(Yes, I'm picky...:rolleyes: )
 

Markw84

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Getting the bulbs is not the problem.
I can't find the FIXTURES. I used to use 24-inch fluorescent light fixtures from Lowes or Home Depot that were just plug-in fixtures and had an on/off switch. I would just put in a UVB tube bulb and another regular bulb and plug it into the timer. But the only long fluorescent fixtures I can find anywhere are for wiring in to house current which involves grounding wires etc. THAT'S a no-go...:confused:
I can also find the tank-top HOODS, but these cover the whole top of the tank, which I don't want.
(Yes, I'm picky...:rolleyes: )

Go to Amazon and look up grow light fixtures. Here is one that would work great for you. IT is a T5 22" and holds 2 bulbs. It comes with grow light bulbs, so simply replace one with a 22" T5 UVB and you will love the light it gives off for your tank. It even comes with an outlet on the other end of the hood (pictured) that you can plug another fixture into like a basking bulb.

Grow light fixt.jpg
Here's a 4 foot (46") version from another supplier... Lots of choices.
T5 Grow light hood.jpg
 

Moozillion

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Go to Amazon and look up grow light fixtures. Here is one that would work great for you. IT is a T5 22" and holds 2 bulbs. It comes with grow light bulbs, so simply replace one with a 22" T5 UVB and you will love the light it gives off for your tank. It even comes with an outlet on the other end of the hood (pictured) that you can plug another fixture into like a basking bulb.

View attachment 276142
Here's a 4 foot (46") version from another supplier... Lots of choices.
View attachment 276141

WOO HOO!!![emoji2]
Thanks, Mark!!!! You da MAN!!! [emoji2][emoji173]️
 

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