Lighting advice

cpl1307

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I feel like I ask ask and keep asking, but im about to replace my uvb strip bulb and as the shop has sold me so much wrong equipment and I wanted check what would be the best. The current one that come with the Vivarium set up is ProT5 UVB Kit (12% UV Tube.
The vivarium is Dimensions (mm): Width 872, Depth 375, Height 421
 

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cpl1307

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This one isn't it?
 

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wellington

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If I remember correctly, you have to buy the length that fits into your fixture and that determines the watt.
 

jaizei

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Is the uvb bulb in the center? Ideally, you would rotate it and put it closer to the hot end so theres more coverage over the basking area. You should then add some sort of LED in the center for the ambient lighting.
 
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cpl1307

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My fitting is right in the centre and then my uva floodlight at the far end
 

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LJL1982

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I feel like I ask ask and keep asking, but im about to replace my uvb strip bulb and as the shop has sold me so much wrong equipment and I wanted check what would be the best. The current one that come with the Vivarium set up is ProT5 UVB Kit (12% UV Tube.
The vivarium is Dimensions (mm): Width 872, Depth 375, Height 421
You have the correct strip. Bear in mind most uvb bulbs last only 6-8months and need replacement. So replace just the actual bulb part. Pets at home sell replacements. 12% desert is correct.
 

LJL1982

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If I remember correctly, you have to buy the length that fits into your fixture and that determines the watt.
That's correct the smallest length is 24w and then they go up in length and wattage.
 

cpl1307

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You have the correct strip. Bear in mind most uvb bulbs last only 6-8months and need replacement. So replace just the actual bulb part. Pets at home sell replacements. 12% desert is correct.
Thank you. Its coming up to 6 months now abd I've been putting it on everyday for 10 hours before joining this forum and being told that's too much, So it's be hammered so to speak
 

cpl1307

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You have the correct strip. Bear in mind most uvb bulbs last only 6-8months and need replacement. So replace just the actual bulb part. Pets at home sell replacements. 12% desert is correct.
Thank you. Its coming up to 6 months now abd I've been putting it on everyday for 10 hours before joining this forum and being told that's too much, So it's be hammered so to speak
 

cpl1307

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If I remember correctly, you have to buy the length that fits into your fixture and that determines the watt.
Thank you again! Hopefully in 10 years time I can pass all this knowledge you have taught me to new owners. I'd be honoured! You have helped me so much, you really don't know! 😊
 

Tom

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Thank you. Its coming up to 6 months now abd I've been putting it on everyday for 10 hours before joining this forum and being told that's too much, So it's be hammered so to speak
My Arcadia bulbs last a long time. I check them with a meter. At 10 hours a day and 6 months of use, your bulb is probably still okay. Only a UV meter can tell you for sure. Does your tortoise get outside time in the summer months? If yes, I would wait to replace the bulb until fall since your tortoise can meet its UV needs with real sunshine until then. Keep using the bulb when the tortoise is indoors, as even if it has degraded some, it is still probably giving off usable UV at only 6 months old. If you want to replace the bulb in fall, your tortoise will have strong UV for the indoor months in winter when it is needed most. Personally, I would not throw away the old bulb until I checked it with a meter.
 
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