choosing the right UV bulb

[gazdkw82]

Hi, im looking to replace the current UV strip we have in our viv.

the one we have is an ARCADIA desert 10% 24" 18watt

is this still suitable for a 3ft viv with 2 tortoise?

 

[wellington]

What kind of tortoises do you have? Also how big are your torts?

 

[gazdkw82]

What kind of tortoises do you have? Also how big are your torts?

They are russian horsefield tortoise

They are about 5inch long and 4inch wide

Any help would be great

 

[tortadise]

That should be just fine. You could even go down a percentage. The 10.0 are rated for much higher UV more like desert tortoises and equatorial found specimens. But it will work just fine indeed. You can just turn it off a few hours earlier if you stick with the 10.0

 

[mikeh]

Rating is as important as a distance the tube is mounted above the animal. The distance will dictate ideal UVB rating.

 

[gazdkw82]

Rating is as important as a distance the tube is mounted above the animal. The distance will dictate ideal UVB rating.

From the inside top of the vivarium (where the tube is situated) it's 18inches to the floor

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

That seems like a great bulb, but if you but a new one, avoid coils because they hurt the tortoises eyes can stress them out!

 

[mikeh]

From the inside top of the vivarium (where the tube is situated) it's 18inches to the floor

I am assuming your fixture is T8 type. At that distance you can go with Arcadia T8 12% D3+.
18" distance is little too high for 10%.

 

[mikeh]

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