Heat lamp vs. Ceramic Heat Emitter? And UVB Light Question.

Britannica

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Hello all,

I am in the beginning stages of getting a Russian tortoise and I plan to custom build my own table. I have been researching lighting and it appears that the community advises against coil/compact fluorescent UVB lighting. I currently have Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0 UVB Fluorescent 24 inch in my cart but I am open for feedback on this lamp and any other recommendations.

As for heat, is there a major difference in a heated lamp vs. a ceramic emitter? Do I need a heated lamp with a light source even with the UBV fluorescent light?

Lastly, what wattage should I be looking for when choosing a heated lamp or ceramic emitter?

For reference I am looking to build my table 2' x 4' or 3' x 5' out of wood and hang my lamps from above (making a simple lamp rack.)

Thank you!
 

TechnoCheese

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xphare

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Welcome to the forum!
You’re going to need a basking light(65 watt Phillips flood bulb, says BR30 on the box) and a tube uvb. How old is the Russian you’re getting?

Please keep in mind that a Russian requires a minimum enclosure size of 8x4 feet.

Be sure to give these a read :)
Russian Tortoise Care Sheet https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Russian-Tortoise-Care-Sheet.80698/

Beginner Mistakes https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/
If it's a small baby you could use a 4ft×2ft but yes @TechnoCheese said it correctly
 

Britannica

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Welcome to the forum!
You’re going to need a basking light(65 watt Phillips flood bulb, says BR30 on the box) and a tube uvb. How old is the Russian you’re getting?

Please keep in mind that a Russian requires a minimum enclosure size of 8x4 feet.

Be sure to give these a read :)
Russian Tortoise Care Sheet https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Russian-Tortoise-Care-Sheet.80698/

Beginner Mistakes https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/
Awesome, thanks! I haven't started the table yet so I can plan to make it bigger. I haven't even found a Russian yet so unsure about age. I have sent messages to a few people on Craigslist and put out a message to someone who knows a connection through a local feed store. It's actually a lot harder to find tortoises here (Seattle) than I expected.
 

Britannica

New Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2018
Messages
15
Location (City and/or State)
Bremerton, WA
Welcome to the forum!
You’re going to need a basking light(65 watt Phillips flood bulb, says BR30 on the box) and a tube uvb. How old is the Russian you’re getting?

Please keep in mind that a Russian requires a minimum enclosure size of 8x4 feet.

Be sure to give these a read :)
Russian Tortoise Care Sheet https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Russian-Tortoise-Care-Sheet.80698/

Beginner Mistakes https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/
Just to clarify on the heat bulb...it doesn't have to be specifically for reptiles?
 

Minority2

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Just to clarify on the heat bulb...it doesn't have to be specifically for reptiles?

No. Pet branded products are not always going to be the best choice. A simple incandescent flood bulb from the hardware store will be a sufficient choice for a basking bulb. Wattage largely depends on the size of the enclosure and the height of which the lamp fixture is hung at. The larger the diameter of the lamp fixture, the more distance light and heat can reach and cover.
 

Britannica

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Oct 31, 2018
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Location (City and/or State)
Bremerton, WA
No. Pet branded products are not always going to be the best choice. A simple incandescent flood bulb from the hardware store will be a sufficient choice for a basking bulb. Wattage largely depends on the size of the enclosure and the height of which the lamp fixture is hung at. The larger the diameter of the lamp fixture, the more distance light and heat can reach and cover.
Thanks!
 
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