I'm indecisive!

[Joanne]

My mercury vapour bulb came today, so I have fitted it, because I didn't like the thought of the coil UV bulb damaging Shermann's eyes.

Now though, I think the table is too dark?

What do you think guys?

 

[Yvonne G]

Well, the holder you're using for the MVB is all wrong and will shorten the life of the bulb. You need one of those bell-type. And you should use either a 10" bell or a 12" bell. This reflects the light better than the one you're using too. Also, there are vent holes up at the actual fixture part that allows the build up of heat to dissipate, and it doesn't look like yours has that feature.

If you want more light in the habitat, you can add a regular 100 watt bulb at the other end.

This is what you should look for, but be sure it has a ceramic, not Bakelite (plastic) base:

http://www.google.com/search?q=clam...KFMHJiwKF2oDoAQ&ved=0CGcQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=903


Then you need to hang it straight down, and don't use the clamp feature. Hanging a MVB at an angle also shortens the life of the bulb.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

Yvonne gave you great tips.

I'd heed her advice about the holder and to add extra lighting.

 

[wellington]

DITTO with what emysemys has posted.

 

[Joanne]

The bulb is pointing straight down, so hopefully it should be ok until I can get a better holder. I looked for the bell type ones, but couldn't find any! Possibly because I was searching for the wrong thing... good to know what it is called now.

Thanks guys.

 

[theelectraco]

You can find them in most pet stores or also home improvement stores

 

[tortadise]

Also it looks rather low. If you get the proper fixture like everyone stated. Then elevate it higher it will cast a larger area with the light. 18" is a good height above the enclosure substrate.

 

[Joanne]

On the box it says 20cm, which is about 8inch.... It's this one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221134883220?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

He's running around like he always has, charging through everything! I'm surprised at how active he is.

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Also, FYI - I didn't pay that much for the bulb!!

 

[tortadise]

On the box it says 20cm, which is about 8inch.... It's this one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221134883220?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

He's running around like he always has, charging through everything! I'm surprised at how active he is.

---

Also, FYI - I didn't pay that much for the bulb!!

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I was about to say. WoW thats expensive. Well I suppose your within the parameters of the manufacturer. They still emit the UVB,UVA rays if elevated a little. When you start getting 2' or higher they will be way less productive to the tortoise. Id say you would be fine bringing up to 12" and getting more range out of it, and creating a safer setup. Just watch those clips and secure it real well. Wouldn't want him to be part of an accident.

 

[Tom]

Here in the states we can get those ceramic based fixtures with an 11" aluminum dome for about $12 at any hardware store. They work great.

As far as the height of the bulb, use your thermometer, raise or lower the fixture, and set the basking temp where you want it. The height of the bulb should be determined by the basking temp under it in YOUR enclosure. I like a basking temp of 95-100 for Testudo sp.

To add more light you can just get a regular florescent strip light at the same hardware store where you get your other fixture. I like bulbs with a color temp in the 6500K range. They look the most like "sunshine" to me. All the lights can be run on the same timer. I like the digital timers best. They hold the time and your settings even if the power goes out for a while. These are also available at any hardware store.

 

[Joanne]

The fixture is screwed on, no clamps. When they were clamped, we couldn't get the bulb to point straight down.

My basking temperature is around 35℃, dunno what that is in old money... 100s I think. If it were too hot, would it give him too much energy? He does do a lot of laps of his table!

I'll have a look at our local hardware shop this weekend for a better shade.

 

[Tom]

35 is close enough.

 

[Yvonne G]

Wow...527 some odd pounds converst to $800 some odd dollars. We pay a little over $50 for a MVB here in the states, or about 33 pounds.

 

[Joanne]

I paid £27.50. The seller must have run out, so increased the price! I was a bit shocked when I saw it