Lighting

[Tortimer]

Hi Tortoise Lovers I need a bit of help on choosing the right light for my (now confirmed and proud,) Russian Tortoise. My mom and I went shopping for a light but I know that it's not the right UVB light he needs. I've tried telling her, but she just insists on getting a light that can easily clip on to the box we have Tortimer in. So basically we have a temporary (incorrect) light until I can find an accurate UVB light with a clip that I can persuade her to take me to buy.

Does anyone have a specific brand they use that hopefully has an easily clip on? Anything from local stores such as Target, Walmart, Petco, and Petsmart are the easiest for me to go to. This would be so helpful! Thanks, everyone!


(Though I have never really introduced us, anyone may refer to us as simply 'The 3': 3 sisters learning how to raise their adorable tortoise, Tortimer, all the while trying to get help from their parents xD)

 

[jaizei]

Rather than a clip light, one of the zoo med stands with a dome light fixture is a much better option. That way the fixture can be adjusted if need be. How big is your enclosure?

 

[Tortimer]

Umm around 12x40

 

[wellington]

Does your tort get outside for some sun every day? If not, you will need a UVB light. The fluorescent tube type is better for Russians then the hotter, brighter mercury
Vapor bulb. Also, do not get the cheaper coil type bulbs. They have been known to cause eye problems in torts and many other reptiles. Also, your clamp looks pretty hefty, however, clamp lights do give/fail and then you have either a burnt tort or a burnt house. That should convince your mom, but it is true.

 

[Minority1]

Before buying the light fixture, did you check to see if they are suitable for your enclosure?

Have you checked the proper wattage limit?
Are you planning on buying a MVB (mercury vapor bulb*) to be used for this fixture?
Take into consideration that clamp lamps can fail and fall on the tortoise? To take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of your pets?

You can easily search for different light fixtures and recommended bulbs and light settings by goggling keywords: tortoise (species*) care sheet/fixtures/lighting and so forth.
You can also find examples from various sources from the forums to other sites on the inter-web.

Lastly never settle for the quick solution when you are not completely confident in your decision. Chances are you'll regret it and end up spending more time returning the item and finding the correct answer. Best to save your time, do your research and come up with the right decision before making hasty choice.

 

[Tortimer]

Once we get back to school, me and another sister will take him out every other day, maybe every day, after school while we're doing homework. But we may still need a light... Another thing also, if the prices are up there, my parents may try to find a cheaper light, one that is not good for him, but nonetheless a light to them. My mom loves Tortimer, just doesn't know whats good for him, and my dad just likes to joke with him.

We currently have a halogen type.

---

I'm quite new on all these light things, so sorry if this is a stupid question, but what exactly is a MVB/mercy vapor bulb and what does it do? Is it the actual bulb or...

 

[wellington]

If he will get sunlight every other day, then you don't need any lighting except a regular light bulb (not the coil kind) The halogen may be to bright and hot for a Russian. If you live where there are cold winters and he can't go outside, then you will need a UVB light for winter time and possibly a CHE(ceramic heat emitter) for heat. Make sure you let your parents know which bulbs are bad. If they get a bad buld/light then they will have vet bills. The right stuff the first time is much cheaper in the long run. Also, let them know this forum is the place for right answers, not the pet stores.

 

[Tortimer]

Okay we'll try to take him out whenever the weather's good, but if it rains for two days will he be okay with a regular light? And for the current halogen we have, there are two 'modes'. One is much brighter, and when is lighter. Is that okay or should I get a new one?

 

[Minority1]

Halogens are more cost effective and lasts longer than incandescent bulbs. They're able to give as much heat with less energy used.
I would check the temperature and adjust the height to make sure it's on the right level, something you won't be able to finely tune with the fixture you currently have.

Daily sunlight is just fine, I would get a UVB fluorescent linear bulb just as a backup.

 

[Tortimer]

Okay, I think I understand... Thanks, everyone! I think I'm slowly learning how to correctly care for Tortimer.

 

[Tom]

Ughhhhhhh...

Ladies, this is simple. There are two items we are discussing here. The fixture that holds the bulb and the bulb itself.

Fixtures that clamp on to the tank will eventually fail and the lamp will drop into the tank. At best, it will break and your tortoises will be exposed to hot broken glass. At worst it will burn your whole house down. This happens with some degree of regularity. The items that jaizei highlighted will solve this problem perfectly. Just click the links.

The bulb: Get a regular household flood bulb from the hardware store. I like to use 65 watt ones in my enclosure. Use the lamp stand mentioned above to raise or lower the fixture until you get a basking temperature directly under the bulb of 95-100. Use a temp gun or a remote probed thermometer to measure this temperature. If your house stays above 50 degrees at all times, like at night in the winter, this will be all you will need for a russian.

Two other issues: 1. Make a proper enclosure for outside time, or you will soon be posting one of those "I lost my tortoise..." threads. 2. Your indoor enclosure is too small. Russians need more room than that. See if maybe Dad can help build something. You just need a bottom and four walls. Really simple. 5x3' is what I consider a minimum. 4x8' would be better. Your small tank is fine to sleep in, IF he will be spending most of his time outside. If he has to come in for days at a time in the winter, then you need a bigger enclosure.

There is lots of info on all of this in the links in my signature. Please read it. And please have Mom and Dad read this post. Maybe read it aloud to them, if you have to. Do this BEFORE your tortoise gets burned, sick, or lost.

 

[Tortimer]

Okay, thanks Tom. I'll try in my best power to expand his enclosure and get the proper lighting.