Lighting advice

[Amatsu]

Hello ! I recently got two box tortoises and was wondering what choice of lighting is proper for them . Can I use these uvb lightings (tropical) as a light source ? Or what are your options?

 

[wellington]

Yes, but if you can get them outside at least a few times a week, seeing your in Texas, you don't need any indoor uvb.

 

[Amatsu]

The problem is that I live in an apartment. Though we get plenty of sunlight in the morning at the living room ,I just want to make sure they have enough lighting to grow healthy and strong. Thanks for the advice , I appreciate your help !

 

[Tom]

Hello ! I recently got two box tortoises and was wondering what choice of lighting is proper for them . Can I use these uvb lightings (tropical) as a light source ? Or what are your options?

Can we see a picture of your new tortoises to verify the species and make sure you get the correct care advice?

 

[Amatsu]

Sure , here :

 

[Markw84]

I always go with what the manufacturers call "desert" bulbs. Some will lable them as 5.0 and 10.0 - the "desert" is the 10.0. For chelonians, the output of a 5.0 or "forest" bulb is so low it is very difficult to get a good UVB reading unless the bulb is mounted quite low. The greater UVB percentage of the 10,0 "desert" bulbs allow for a higher mounting height and therefore a larger/wider area of UVB coverage.

 

[Yvonne G]

Your new animals are box turtles, not tortoises. They like a forest-type setting, so lots of plants in the enclosure would be the way to go. For indoor, younger box turtles, I keep the enclosure 80F degrees all over the whole enclosure. A couple hiding places and lots of plants (either real or fake). They also like to sit in the water, so a big waterer and moist substrate are a must. If it were me, I would get rid of that bark substrate and get some potting soil for substrate. Try to find potting soil that doesn't have the white balls in it. Even dirt from outside would be ok, just make sure it's not contaminated with herbicides or pesticides. I use a fluorescent tube for UVB and a CHE (ceramic heat emitter) for heat.

 

[Amatsu]

Thank you for the clarification , I appreciate everyone’s help . Thank you all !

 

[ZEROPILOT]

The "light coming into your living room" will probably be of little to no help. Remember that UVB doesn't go through window glass or even through most window screens.

 

[Amatsu]

Yeah , which is why I’m trying to find an alternate solution . Thank you for your advice , I appreciate it very much !