Confused

[Emmy104]

I read the post about the different UVB lights that aren't good for reptiles and how they can hurt their eyes. Lucy has been fairly active since I've got her, but I have the Zilla Slimline Tropical 25 UVB T8 Fluorescent Fixture. Is this an approved light to have on her enclosure?

 

[Kristina]

It isn't the T8s that are dangerous - it is the coil kind, or compact florescent.

There is quite a bit of doubt however that the T8s generate enough UV to keep a tortoise from contracting MBD. Since UV lights should be changed every 6 months or so, when that time comes I would replace it with an MVB.

 

[Emmy104]

Thanks! I will definitely switch to a different kind at six months. I want her to have enough UV but not the bad kind.

 

[Kristina]

It isn't that it is bad - it just isn't strong enough.

 

[Madkins007]

UBV is necessary. It only hurts the eyes if it is too strong or concentrated, like some early coiled bulbs did- shooting a tightly focused 'beam' out the end. The trick is that you need enough of UVB in the right range- 296 nanometers- to help produce vitamin D in the skin. Many UVB bulbs do not emit a lot of this wavelength, and by the time you get enough power to offer a lot of this wavelength, you are often offering a blinding amount of light.

UVA is also useful for several biological processes, so UV lighting is helpful as long as it is realistically strong and not blinding. You can always offer a D supplement if you need it. (There is a dosage guide for several vitamins at http://www.tortoiselibrary.com/nutguide.html . If you cannot offer real sunlight, I would offer supplemental vitamin D at the lower dosage levels on the chart.)

No matter what lighting options you choose, remember that tortoises, especially babies, are generally shy and like shelter, shade, and hides.

 

[terryo]

Totally OT...but...could you post some pictures of your rats? I love rats!

 

[Emmy104]

Thanks for the information everyone, I think I've got it straightened it out. I was mainly concerned about the lights hurting their eyes and getting the correct amount of UVB.

Lol terryo, sure I'll post a couple... enjoy
This is Ash(Left) and Holly, two of my older rats that have since passed.

And this is Hannah another rat that has passed. They have such short life spans I guess that's why I decided to go with a Tortoise. Lol. I wish I had pictures of my current rats, but I they are all at home.