Online Basking Bulbs

[Bredlawskk]

Word "spot" is always confusing as it's not clear if it relates to "basking spot" or to "spot lamp".

You can experiment with this bulbs, out of curiosity but easier is to get an Arcadia lamp:

Arcadia Solar Basking Floodlight

Powerful UVA basking bulbs that simulate the sunlight Uses Infrared heat Provides heat reptiles need to thermoregulate for good health

www.reptiles.swelluk.com

With such price - make sure to get some spares.

You can also look at specialised shops for traffic light bulbs. Not easy to find a supplier but such bulbs are more reliable (as they are designed for harsh conditions and commercial use). But they are usually "pear shaped" - not efficient without a dome.

Perfect. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave that info for me! Thanks for your help.

 

[Bredlawskk]

What about yourself, @Anastasia 22?

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Durham as in North Carolina?

Incandescent bulbs have been banned for sale, but not for possession, all over the United States now. There may be an exception, but I think most other countries have done this too.

Flukers or Arcadia are still selling them, and you will just have to search around to find them. If you do find them, buy a bunch! At some point we won't be able to get them at all, and single fixtures will need to have another fixture added, or be switched out for a dual fixture rig, so that we can run a LED bulb right next to a CHE. I've never tried this, so I have no idea how well it will work, but it seems like the best logical substitute if incandescents cease to be available.

Welcome to the New World Order. "They" will decide what is best for you and what you can or can't have in your life. In a few generations people will forget what freedom was like, and obedience to the government will be the norm. Unless...

@Tom what do you think about heat lamps meant for chickens or pigs (not the red ones of course)? Like clear brooder bulbs, do they have a drying effect on the shell and skin?

 

[Anastasia 22]

What about yourself, @Anastasia 22?

I use Arcadia brand only. I have three enclosures and my tortoises are taking most of the house now

 

[Tom]

@Tom what do you think about heat lamps meant for chickens or pigs (not the red ones of course)? Like clear brooder bulbs, do they have a drying effect on the shell and skin?

The only ones of those I've ever seen are "infrared", and those can be quite desiccating, and also off colored. The other issue is that they are usually 250 watts which is way too much for most indoor enclosures. If you know of a clear one that is lower wattage and the beam angle is a flood, I think it could work.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

The only ones of those I've ever seen are "infrared", and those can be quite desiccating, and also off colored. The other issue is that they are usually 250 watts which is way too much for most indoor enclosures. If you know of a clear one that is lower wattage and the beam angle is a flood, I think it could work.

Seen 150w ones, but they don't specify the beam angle.

 

[Nsav]

I just purchased a box of 12 65w incandescent food lights off Amazon. They are tough to find these days because all the big box stores are no longer allowed to carry them. So their prices are much higher than LED, which don’t produce as much heat.

Here is a photo of them in case anyone is interested.

 

[Bredlawskk]

I just purchased a box of 12 65w incandescent food lights off Amazon. They are tough to find these days because all the big box stores are no longer allowed to carry them. So their prices are much higher than LED, which don’t produce as much heat.

Here is a photo of them in case anyone is interested.

Thank you for sharing! Much appreciated.

 

[Tom]

I just purchased a box of 12 65w incandescent food lights off Amazon. They are tough to find these days because all the big box stores are no longer allowed to carry them. So their prices are much higher than LED, which don’t produce as much heat.

Here is a photo of them in case anyone is interested.

Just a few years ago, I paid $10 for a 12 pack like that. Government sucks.

 

[Bredlawskk]

Just a few years ago, I paid $10 for a 12 pack like that. Government sucks.

Literally, I saw that price and thought yeeesh. Was picking them up for 1/10th the cost in RDU just 3 years ago at pretty much any hardware store.

@Tom, quick possibly dumb question before I finish up this thread—apologies in advance. I know that regular incandescent flood bulbs are commonly recommended for basking. However, I might be confusing something because the Arcadia Solar Basking Floodlight which everyone here seems to recommend, mentions having UVA. Am I supposed to look for bulbs that don’t provide UVA, or is that feature expected? Etc. Thank you!

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Literally, I saw that price and thought yeeesh. Was picking them up for 1/10th the cost in RDU just 3 years ago at pretty much any hardware store.

@Tom, quick possibly dumb question before I finish up this thread—apologies in advance. I know that regular incandescent flood bulbs are commonly recommended for basking. However, I might be confusing something because the Arcadia Solar Basking Floodlight which everyone here seems to recommend, mentions having UVA. Am I supposed to look for bulbs that don’t provide UVA, or is that feature expected? Etc. Thank you!

UVA output of incandescent lamps is neglible. It's a pure marketing thing and you can ignore it. Household incandescents output UVA too.

 

[Bredlawskk]

UVA output of incandescent lamps is neglible. It's a pure marketing thing and you can ignore it. Household incandescents output UVA too.

LOL! Gotta love the ironies of corporate marketing. Okay, that's what I figured but assumed it didn't hurt to check. Thanks very much @Alex and the Redfoot.

 

[Tom]

Literally, I saw that price and thought yeeesh. Was picking them up for 1/10th the cost in RDU just 3 years ago at pretty much any hardware store.

@Tom, quick possibly dumb question before I finish up this thread—apologies in advance. I know that regular incandescent flood bulbs are commonly recommended for basking. However, I might be confusing something because the Arcadia Solar Basking Floodlight which everyone here seems to recommend, mentions having UVA. Am I supposed to look for bulbs that don’t provide UVA, or is that feature expected? Etc. Thank you!

Not a dumb question at all. Alex answered superbly as usual.

Another thing to note is that your UVB tube is also emitting some UVA. Personally, I use incandescent flood bulbs for basking, LEDs for additional ambient lighting, and HO tubes for UVB. This combination has served me well for many years. I think it adequately covers all the indoor bases until they are large enough to move outside full time and enjoy real sunshine and weather.

 

[Bredlawskk]

Not a dumb question at all. Alex answered superbly as usual.

Another thing to note is that your UVB tube is also emitting some UVA. Personally, I use incandescent flood bulbs for basking, LEDs for additional ambient lighting, and HO tubes for UVB. This combination has served me well for many years. I think it adequately covers all the indoor bases until they are large enough to move outside full time and enjoy real sunshine and weather.

Thanks, @Tom as always, for the kind response—so much to learn! That makes perfect sense. My setup should be almost identical to everyone else’s here. I picked up the Arcadia UVB and a few other items, and I’m putting the final touches on the enclosure now.

While I have everyone here, @Anastasia 22, @Alex and the Redfoot, @Tom, @wellington and others, instead of making a separate post. Bear with the mess—I’m not quite finished yet. I’m working on a new indoor winter enclosure on an 11-inch Marginated tortoise. It's about 52 square feet, with a 65" 4:1 ramp and a second level at around 16.5". Proud to say I made it for under ~$75 in total with nothing but some blood, sweat, and tears, lol.

Here’s my current plan on heating/lighting. It's a well-lit room with open windows, that stays around 65-68 year round, so thinking some LED ambient lighting on just the lower level.

1. Primary basking bulb and Arcadia HO 34" UVB tube extending towards middle
2. A ceramic heat emitter (top of ramp)
3. A cool area with no lighting (bottom of ramp)
4. A second basking area, potentially doubling with a CHE

My main question is whether I should swap areas #3 and #4, or if I even really need 2 basking areas, and if anyone has any additional thoughts or suggestions? And thanks all for the help, wouldn't be possible without the wonderful folks of tortoise forum (and a touch of Reddit).

https://imgur.com/a/U7iIhgk

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Thanks, @Tom as always, for the kind response—so much to learn! That makes perfect sense. My setup should be almost identical to everyone else’s here. I picked up the Arcadia UVB and a few other items, and I’m putting the final touches on the enclosure now.

While I have everyone here, @Anastasia 22, @Alex and the Redfoot, @Tom, @wellington and others, instead of making a separate post. Bear with the mess—I’m not quite finished yet. I’m working on a new indoor winter enclosure on an 11-inch Marginated tortoise. It's about 52 square feet, with a 65" 4:1 ramp and a second level at around 16.5". Proud to say I made it for under ~$75 in total with nothing but some blood, sweat, and tears, lol.

Here’s my current plan on heating/lighting. It's a well-lit room with open windows, that stays around 65-68 year round, so thinking some LED ambient lighting on just the lower level.

1. Primary basking bulb and Arcadia HO 34" UVB tube extending towards middle
2. A ceramic heat emitter (top of ramp)
3. A cool area with no lighting (bottom of ramp)
4. A second basking area, potentially doubling with a CHE

My main question is whether I should swap areas #3 and #4, or if I even really need 2 basking areas, and if anyone has any additional thoughts or suggestions? And thanks all for the help, wouldn't be possible without the wonderful folks of tortoise forum (and a touch of Reddit).

https://imgur.com/a/U7iIhgk

Lights layout looks fine to me. If your room is 65-68 even in the coldest nights - you don't need CHEs at all. 1 basking area is fine too (in fact, it's not easy to setup basking area safely in 16" high space).

I would use shorter 22" UVB lamp but add some ambient LEDs over the second floor.

What is the walls height? They look easily climbable.

 

[Bredlawskk]

Lights layout looks fine to me. If your room is 65-68 even in the coldest nights - you don't need CHEs at all. 1 basking area is fine too (in fact, it's not easy to setup basking area safely in 16" high space).

I would use shorter 22" UVB lamp but add some ambient LEDs over the second floor.

What is the walls height? They look easily climbable.

Thank you for the great feedback! I really appreciate you taking the time to review and comment.

1. Makes sense, and I figured! Yep, the room should stay plenty warm. If I use CHE, probably just to bring the daytime ambient up.
2. I was thinking the same about the second basking area, would probably have to cut into the floor slightly anyways—perhaps skipping a basking spot and opting for some ambient heat and LED lighting instead.
3. Thanks! And what are your thoughts on placing ambient LEDs on the second floor? When people mention LEDs, I’m never quite sure if they’re referring to simple rope lighting or something like an actual lamp, like the, Jungle Dawn 34 Watt.
4. The walls are currently 6 inches, with an inch or two of ultra-fine orchid bark, but I can always increase that if needed.

So, my main question is about LEDs on the second level—what would you recommend? Thanks again!

 

[Tom]

The walls are currently 6 inches, with an inch or two of ultra-fine orchid bark, but I can always increase that if needed.

A 6 inch wall is not going to hold an 11 inch tortoise. He's going to climb out and hit the floor. The walls for any tortoise need to be taller than the tortoises front legs can reach while the tortoise is stretched out and standing on its tippy toes reaching for the top of the wall. Plus you need room for at least 3-4 inches of substrate in addition to that height. An 11 inch tortoise needs walls some where around 18-24 inches tall once you allow for substrate.

 

[Bredlawskk]

A 6 inch wall is not going to hold an 11 inch tortoise. He's going to climb out and hit the floor. The walls for any tortoise need to be taller than the tortoises front legs can reach while the tortoise is stretched out and standing on its tippy toes reaching for the top of the wall. Plus you need room for at least 3-4 inches of substrate in addition to that height. An 11 inch tortoise needs walls some where around 18-24 inches tall once you allow for substrate.

Yeah, I knew I would need to come up with something. What do you think of chicken wire or hardware cloth on the lower level, and bringing the walls up on the higher level (thankfully we only have 2 walls to cover)? I wanted more space between floors for lighting and walls, but the ramp was quickly ending up too steep. So, stuck with the current design to ensure he had adequate square footage. Please let me know if there is anything else that stands out! Thank you very much.

 

[Tom]

Yeah, I knew I would need to come up with something. What do you think of chicken wire or hardware cloth on the lower level, and bringing the walls up on the higher level (thankfully we only have 2 walls to cover)? I wanted more space between floors for lighting and walls, but the ramp was quickly ending up too steep. So, stuck with the current design to ensure he had adequate square footage. Please let me know if there is anything else that stands out! Thank you very much.

I think either of those will work.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Thank you for the great feedback! I really appreciate you taking the time to review and comment.

1. Makes sense, and I figured! Yep, the room should stay plenty warm. If I use CHE, probably just to bring the daytime ambient up.
2. I was thinking the same about the second basking area, would probably have to cut into the floor slightly anyways—perhaps skipping a basking spot and opting for some ambient heat and LED lighting instead.
3. Thanks! And what are your thoughts on placing ambient LEDs on the second floor? When people mention LEDs, I’m never quite sure if they’re referring to simple rope lighting or something like an actual lamp, like the, Jungle Dawn 34 Watt.
4. The walls are currently 6 inches, with an inch or two of ultra-fine orchid bark, but I can always increase that if needed.

So, my main question is about LEDs on the second level—what would you recommend? Thanks again!

Jungle Dawn is a good bright source of light. And will save live plants from imminent death if you happen to have any. I would use over the top floor only (at the same height as UVB light - about 20").

For the "ground floor" you need less intense sources of light evenly spaced over area. Can be recessed LED floodlights or one-two LED strips (don't get colored ones - just simple white).

If you want some ambient heating on the ground floor - you can take a look at chicken brooder heat panels (like Producer's Pride in Tractor Supply) or reptile radiant heat panels (Vivarium Electronics etc.)