Baby Russian Staying Burried

MoonchildDave · Nov 21, 2018

Minority2 said:
Yes this is a common problem with mercury vapor bulbs. Some of these bulbs can and will stop producing enough UV(B) rays in as little as a month of use.

Arcadia and Reptisun linear florescent UV(B) bulbs are some of the more reliable brands. The fixtures linked below look similar in quality to Sunblaster T5 fixtures. They're also slightly cheaper:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/t5-light-fixtures/
http://www.reptilebasics.com/arcadia-desert-12-uvb/

Make sure to cut a new section of the mesh top to allow the new linear florescent fixture UV(B) bulb to fully shine through.

Replace your mercury vapor bulb with a incandescent flood bulb. If height adjustments are not possible, wattage will largely depend on height from the substrate and the ambient temperature level inside the room of the enclosure.

Ok, got the new bulb and fixture - and man it really puts out! Right now I have it along the top front of the enclosure near the glass. Directly under the bulb, it's reading about 5.0 - but on the basking spot it's reading about 3.3 (just about right from what I've read. Do you think this is ok or should I raise and move it so that the highest point is 3.3? I went with the 24" fixture, so it only covers half of the enclosure (with the other half (as well as his hide) just regular lighting so he can get away from the UV if he chooses.

Minority2 · Nov 21, 2018

1. Is the 5.0 reading from directly under the UV(B) linear florescent bulb at the substrate level?

Personally I don't see this being a huge issue. In the wild, UV index ratings can rise and fall depending on the positioning of the sun. Tortoises are I believe under zone 3/4 which has a average UV index rating of around 2.9-7.4. The length of the UV(B) and shape of it's output shown on the charts in the article linked below will also give you a better idea on how UV(B) rays are produced through UV(B) bulbs and how much area it will able to reach past the length of the bulb.

http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/An-In-Depth-Look-At-UV-Light-And-Its-Proper-Use-With-Reptiles/

MoonchildDave · Jan 3, 2019

Just wanted to come back and share an update on Digger. It took a little over a month of digging him out every day or so to feed and soak, but after having him for 3 months total now and the added UVB light, he's now not only coming out on his own, he's eating well, exploring ALL over his enclosure (we've even caught him drinking and soaking himself), and he's pretty much staying active (well, except for when he's basking) the entire time the lights are on. The only issue now that he's become so bold and active, he's managed to flip himself like 3 times now. Turns out having a camera in the cage was a good idea, as there is almost always someone at home who can right him when he has flipped himself. He's also gained some weight as well, and looks to be a bit bigger. Just took these shots this morning. Thanks to all for all the great info. We are starting to understand why many don't make it past the first year - but we're hopeful that he is on the winning side of the odds!

JoesMum · Jan 3, 2019

MoonchildDave said:
Just wanted to come back and share an update on Digger. It took a little over a month of digging him out every day or so to feed and soak, but after having him for 3 months total now and the added UVB light, he's now not only coming out on his own, he's eating well, exploring ALL over his enclosure (we've even caught him drinking and soaking himself), and he's pretty much staying active (well, except for when he's basking) the entire time the lights are on. The only issue now that he's become so bold and active, he's managed to flip himself like 3 times now. Turns out having a camera in the cage was a good idea, as there is almost always someone at home who can right him when he has flipped himself. He's also gained some weight as well, and looks to be a bit bigger. Just took these shots this morning. Thanks to all for all the great info. We are starting to understand why many don't make it past the first year - but we're hopeful that he is on the winning side of the odds!

View attachment 261282

View attachment 261283 View attachment 261284

He is looking great

Maro2Bear · Jan 3, 2019

Looking good up there in Baltimore - nice job.

Baby Russian Staying Burried

MoonchildDave

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Minority2

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MoonchildDave

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JoesMum

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Maro2Bear

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