Lighting advice requested

[Robert]

Hello: thanks in advance for the advice. I have a 3 year old Leopard Tortoise. I am interested in changing her lighting setup and I would like to make the jump to a Mercury Vaport combined UVB/Heat style bulb.

My question: is the 12 in recommended minimum distance from the bulb to the substrate or from the bulb to the top of her shell? Also, do you recommend a "deep dome" style lamp with these bulbs? Lastly, should I maintain my current schedule of 12 hours on / 12 hours off?

Thanks so much for your help. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Rob

 

[Yvonne G]

RE: [split] Advice requested for UV- A, B

Hi Rob:

That would be 12" to the top of the tortoise's back.

Yes on the deep dome style fixture, and 12 to 14 hours on per day is fine. Some folks only use the UVB light for three hours or so during the middle of the day, then a regular light the rest of the time. I leave my UVB on all day long.

 

[Robert]

RE: [split] Advice requested for UV- A, B

Hi Rob:

That would be 12" to the top of the tortoise's back.

Yes on the deep dome style fixture, and 12 to 14 hours on per day is fine. Some folks only use the UVB light for three hours or so during the middle of the day, then a regular light the rest of the time. I leave my UVB on all day long.

Thanks! Any advice on brands? I was planning to try the PowerSun UV 100w

 

[Yvonne G]

That's T-Rex, right? That's what I have here. I'm liking it pretty good.

 

[Robert]

That's T-Rex, right? That's what I have here. I'm liking it pretty good.

The PowerSun UV 100w is Zoo Med. They seem pretty similar to the T Rex. Can't find much difference.

 

[Yvonne G]

Yes, that's just fine.

 

[Badgemash]

I had the Exoterra Solarglo 125w for a while, but after reading some bad reviews from people with UV measuring devices (gotta love those beardie guys) I replaced it with a Megaray 100w. I had some trouble getting the bulb (they were back ordered for 2 months, although I think that's sorted out now) but the babies really seem to like it. They're all basking more frequently, in fact 5 minutes after I put it in Octavia plopped down directly under it and took a nap, so I think they approve. I have seen good reviews for the T-rex bulb, but I haven't personally used it. Ours is in a deep dome hanging from an adjustable stand and it seems to work well.

-Devon