Keeping uvb light on all day?

[CDTNoob]

Hey all just wondering how you do it.
Do you keep the uvb on all day or just a few hours?
I have heard and seen both ways here so was wondering which is most common.
I turn my uvb on for 3 hours a a day for my torts that is all they seem to need according to those wiser than me.
I think this helps make the bulb last longer in my opinion.

 

[jsheffield - In Memoriam]

I keep my lights on for the entirety of the day cycles that I use in my various enclosures… usually 12/12.

Jamie

 

[Markw84]

Hey all just wondering how you do it.
Do you keep the uvb on all day or just a few hours?
I have heard and seen both ways here so was wondering which is most common.
I turn my uvb on for 3 hours a a day for my torts that is all they seem to need according to those wiser than me.
I think this helps make the bulb last longer in my opinion.

I don't believe there is a simple answer as it will vary depending upon your setup and they type of lights you are using.

I believe lighting is every bit as important as heating. I set up my enclosures to try to mimic more closely the way a tortoise would live. So if you have the other elements of lighting set up properly, the UVB only needs to be on 2-4 hours midday. I believe in the confines of an enclosure, they need ways to get away from the UVB. I also try to mimic the natural photoperiod the tortoise was evolved to experience. So if you are trying to stimulate burmation or even good breeding, that is important to consider. So here is the more complete answer for a tropical species - leopard, star, sulcata, etc

Basking light comes on 6:30AM. Simulates a dawn. First light, longer wavelengths, early heat begins.
Ambient light comes on 7:15AM. Bright daylight simulating light. I use 5500K leds with a CRI of 90+. Brighter than most any enclosures I see people have. Sunlight simulating. 300-400 lumen per sq ft. bright. Then must add plants for shade gradients. That is where tortoises live!
UVB comes on 11:00AM. UVI of 3.0 - 4.5 over 1/3-1/2 the enclosure max. Simulates when sunlight actually has higher UV levels.
UVB off 2:00PM
Ambient lights off 8:15PM
Basking light off 9:00PM. Dusk period - time to wind down.