10.0 UVB Bulb

[Willow_Redfoot]

Hi I just picked a 10.0 UVB bulb how far do you guys have them from your enclosures? I've read that 12 inches is about right ... Wanted to ask here though

 

[BrianWI]

What type is it exactly?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Yes. Is it a compact or a tube?
I use a 5.0 for my Redfoot.
A 10.0 is better suited for a desert tortoise.
The coiled, compact florescent has eye issues attributed to them.
I use 18" tube 5.0. It is about 6" above the substrate when I have babies in there.

 

[Willow_Redfoot]

It's the 10.0 reptisun UVB , I messed up I have a 5.0 in there right now and it's not the coiled type it's a tube that goes in a dome. How far should I have the 5.0 it says on the box 9 inches..

 

[Willow_Redfoot]

Could i still use the 10.0 in the future? Also how often should i switch them on the box it says 12 months! Long time.. I don't have a UVB reader

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Nine inches sounds very reasonable.
Mine all live outdoors 24/7.
It's been a while since I've had a resident in my closed chamber.
I'm a little rusty.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Could i still use the 10.0 in the future? Also how often should i switch them on the box it says 12 months! Long time.. I don't have a UVB reader

12 months is about it.
I may have used one for a bit longer.
A reader is a couple hundred bucks.

 

[BrianWI]

You have a pic?

 

[Willow_Redfoot]

No I don't but if you look up Reptisun 10.0 UVB is should come up

 

[BrianWI]

You can use the 10.0, just move it farther away.

 

[BrianWI]

How long is it?

 

[Willow_Redfoot]

Around 6 inches it say 9 inches away from the enclosure

 

[ZEROPILOT]

You can use the 10.0, just move it farther away.

Agreed.
Nice idea.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

No I don't but if you look up Reptisun 10.0 UVB is should come up

It shows a compact, coiled florescent.
The potentially harmful type...

 

[Willow_Redfoot]

Yeah I just went on zoo meds website and they say to have the 5.0 12 inches away and to have the 10.0 9 inches away...

 

[Willow_Redfoot]

Oh no! I thought this was the unharmful type I've used This type on her for 5 months

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Oh no! I thought this was the unharmful type I've used This type on her for 5 months

Not everyone has had a bad response with this type bulb. But many have.
But I wouldn't go with the 10.0 on a Redfoot.
They do not require or need the extra UV and hate bright lights.
If you continue to use this bulb. Keep a lookout for any eye puffiness, redness rubbing at the eyes or eye watering.
If you see any of these things, stop using the light.
These should be mounted on the horizontal, and not pointed straight down, pin pointing the light.
Of course you can't mount your type of reflector like that. So watch for issues.
These lights supposedly got "fixed "and no longer blind tortoises. But how can you tell if you got a good one, or an old, but still brand new one?

 

[Willow_Redfoot]

what ones do you recommend then I wanted to be totally safe even tho her eyes look fine

 

[BrianWI]

Willow,
I work in the lighting industry. I assure you the coil types are safe, as you can see yourself. You used it for 5 months w/o issue.

You can use the 10.0. It puts out more UVB per watt, but if you move it a couple inches farther away, less uvb will reach your tort.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

The florescent strip lamps are safe. 100% as far as I know.
I used the Reptisun 5.0 18" strip florescent with the fixture it came with or you can buy the tube and then get the fixture at Walmart and save a couple of bucks.