Lighting

[andres]

Hi, I'm getting my first tortoise tomorrow (Russian tortoise). I set up the enclosure and everything and I noticed that the UVB bulb really doesn't do anything. There is a slight difference between on and off but not much. I was just wondering if that really matters? Its not bright but that doesn't necessarily mean that it isn't effective right? The basking light is brighter but it doesn't emit UV rays so yeah.

Also, can the enclosure be near a window with the blinds down?

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi andres:

If you don't notice your UV bulb being any brighter when its on, then I'd say you have a faulty bulb. Is it a tube? Can you take it back to the store and exchange it? I thing the UVB fluorescent tubes are a good choice for a Russian (steppe) tortoise.

Sometimes being near windows means a lot cooler temperatures. If you don't notice any cold air next to the window, its ok for your habitat to be there. Just know that the UV rays are filtered out by the glass.