Correct uv and basking bulb

[Nerwen]

I'm in the process of buying a new uv and basking light for my two marinated. I have found one which has a fitting that hangs straight down. Please can I have advice on which wattage to go for. Below is the link to the bulb.
https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/arcadia-d3-uv-basking-lamp/

Thank you

 

[JoesMum]

It depends on your enclosure. If you have a hatchling in a vivarium then 60W will probably be plenty.

If you have a bigger tortoise in a table then you'll probably need 100W

It must hang vertically - don't trust the clamps - and the temperature underneath is controlled by its height above the substrate.

Photos of the enclosure will help us to help you

 

[JoesMum]

Here's a lighting summary that you may find helpful.

Your tort needs:

1. A basking lamp
This must hang vertically, not at an angle. Basking is essential to raise your tortoise's core temperature so it can digest food.

2. UVB light
Read the instructions for the source to see how close to the substrate it must be. UVB is essential so your tort can process dietary calcium and have healthy bones and shell.

Both 1 and 2 are available from the sun for those able to live outside.

UVB does not pass through glass or perspex(plexiglass) - light must be direct to be effective not through a window. Mesh screening can also interfere with UVB.

3. A minimum overnight temperature (see the care sheet for your species) and complete darkness at night to sleep.


Notes

(a) A Mercury Vapor Bulb (MVB) provides combined UVB and Basking. Alternatively you can use 2 bulbs: a tube UVB and a reflector bulb for basking (a household reflector - not low energy or halogen - from a hardware store will do the job; it's the wattage that counts)

(b) Ignore any references to UVA you may read - it's misleading marketing speak.

(c) Compact coil UVB harms tortoise eyes and must not be used.

(d) Basking and UVB should be on a timer so the light(s) are on for 12 hours a day. Temperature under the basking is regulated by its height above the substrate.

(e) Overnight, depending on your home, you may need additional heat. You get this from a CHE (Ceramic Heat Emitter) which must be on a thermostat.

(f) Torts have outstanding colour vision and love red and purple food. Coloured heat lamps colour tank decor and torts don't always apply intelligence to what they eat, resulting them in eating tank decor. Coloured bulbs should not be used.


Measurements

There are 4 important temperatures that you must know for an indoor enclosure.
- Directly under the basking lamp
- Warm side
- Cool side
- Overnight Minimum

You will need digital thermometers for accuracy.

A temperature gun thermometer (inexpensive from Amazon) measures temperature accurately in specific places like directly under the basking lamp.

A min/max thermometer so you know the min/max temperatures in your home by day and night.

You should also get a good digital probe hygrometer to measure humidity.

Thermometers and hygrometer that stick to the side of the enclosure tend to be less accurate.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

It depends on your enclosure. If you have a hatchling in a vivarium then 60W will probably be plenty.

If you have a bigger tortoise in a table then you'll probably need 100W

It must hang vertically - don't trust the clamps - and the temperature underneath is controlled by its height above the substrate.

Photos of the enclosure will help us to help you

Agreed. If you use the clamps, also use some safety wire or zip ties for insurance because the clamps fail and you don'y need your hot lighting falling into the enclosure or onto the floor of your home.

 

[Nerwen]

I have two marginated tortoises who I adopted. I believe them to be around 9 months and they are in a tortoise table. I have a clamp light which came with them but I am aware I may need to split them up should any signs of bullying occur. I will attach a picture of the table. The light I wish to replace is the one screwed into the table. It is currently has a halogen bulb.