Tortoise UVB Bulb Placement

[OtisTheTort]

Hi there! I originally got my sulcata tortoise a screw in, round, UVB bulb. I saw it was suggested to get a T5 bulb instead. My question is, does this have to be raised somehow to be a certain distance from her? Right now if I leave it on top of the cage, the light will be about 8-10" from my tortoise's shell. The cage is 12" high. If it should be higher, how do you raise the T5 bulb above the cage? Otherwise, I can use a double deep dome that has her heat bulb and a spot for the UVB bulb as well. I'm considering using the dome since I know I can achieve proper distance by raising the dome. Also, does wattage matter? Help please.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Hi there! I originally got my sulcata tortoise a screw in, round, UVB bulb. I saw it was suggested to get a T5 bulb instead. My question is, does this have to be raised somehow to be a certain distance from her? Right now if I leave it on top of the cage, the light will be about 8-10" from my tortoise's shell. The cage is 12" high. If it should be higher, how do you raise the T5 bulb above the cage? Otherwise, I can use a double deep dome that has her heat bulb and a spot for the UVB bulb as well. I'm considering using the dome since I know I can achieve proper distance by raising the dome. Also, does wattage matter? Help please.View attachment 396691

Hello! I hate the fact I’m going to be the bearer of some bad news here, but unfortunately you were sold an incorrect set up, these wooden houses are a complete scam and so many people fall victim to themthe good news is you’ve found one of the best tortoise hive minds there is!

To answer your initial question, yes the uvb will need to be a certain distance from her, what brand are you looking to get? The only reliable brands are zoo med t5 reptisun, or Arcadia prot5 kit, the distance varies a few inches between the two. The strength most go for in zoo med is 10.0, the Arcadia 12%. The smallest watt for either will be fine.
You won’t be able to use the dome I’m afraid, the t5 bulbs are a completely different type of bulb, the Arcadia kits comes with the fitting you’ll need, the zoo med also has listings that include the hood fitting.

The double domes aren’t a great choice in general unfortunately, they’re too deep set for ceramic heating. A basking bulb maybe, but it leaves one going to waste.

Hopefully these links can help you out and give you all the information you need

This housing thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc), mounting your lighting(including the uvb) correct levels, importance of a closed chamber for younger tortoises(only way to maintain the humidity you need)appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything and a really handy diet link to check out! If going with a greenhouse, the lower the ceiling height, whilst still allowing for recommended bulb height, the better! But I’ll add some more ideas below for closed chambers

Leopard/sulcata starter

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information below on how I’d personally tackle an indoor starter set up for a leopard/sulcata until they’re bigger. Hopefully it helps give people some ideas!” I know it looks like a lot to go over, I like to make sure all bases are covered...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes different closed chambers, some work better than others, smart enclosures and vivs are the best

Visual inspiration

Hi guys! I’ve had some lovely messages complimenting me on my care sheets I made for all the visuals they include! That makes me so happy because as a visual learner myself, that was my goal🥰 I’ve recently had some requests for some more visual inspiration for set ups that can house babies/...

tortoiseforum.org

Perhaps this kind if idea might tire you over until you can figure out other housing(just imagine on a larger scale) I’d go bigger for the next upgrade for the size he’s getting.


Lastly, this one here is good to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

I really hope they help, but please don’t hesitate to ask more questions! Happy to break things down bit by bit and help step by step, welcome to the forum

 

[Tom]

Hi there! I originally got my sulcata tortoise a screw in, round, UVB bulb. I saw it was suggested to get a T5 bulb instead. My question is, does this have to be raised somehow to be a certain distance from her? Right now if I leave it on top of the cage, the light will be about 8-10" from my tortoise's shell. The cage is 12" high. If it should be higher, how do you raise the T5 bulb above the cage? Otherwise, I can use a double deep dome that has her heat bulb and a spot for the UVB bulb as well. I'm considering using the dome since I know I can achieve proper distance by raising the dome. Also, does wattage matter? Help please.View attachment 396691

Please read through this thread and the links in it. All of this, and much more, is explained:

Info For New People. Please Read This First.

Hello and welcome to tortoiseforum.org! We are all glad you are here! There is no other forum like this anywhere. We have tens of thousands of members from all over the world ranging from kids with their first tortoise to people who have been breeding and keeping high end tortoises since the...

tortoiseforum.org

 

[OtisTheTort]

Please read through this thread and the links in it. All of this, and much more, is explained:

Info For New People. Please Read This First.

Hello and welcome to tortoiseforum.org! We are all glad you are here! There is no other forum like this anywhere. We have tens of thousands of members from all over the world ranging from kids with their first tortoise to people who have been breeding and keeping high end tortoises since the...

tortoiseforum.org

I have read through that before, but I didn't see it explain how to raise a T5 tube hood to be a certain distance from the cage. Am I able to set it just right on top? Or how do I elevate it to be a certain distance from my tort? Thanks!

 

[OtisTheTort]

Hello! I hate the fact I’m going to be the bearer of some bad news here, but unfortunately you were sold an incorrect set up, these wooden houses are a complete scam and so many people fall victim to themthe good news is you’ve found one of the best tortoise hive minds there is!

To answer your initial question, yes the uvb will need to be a certain distance from her, what brand are you looking to get? The only reliable brands are zoo med t5 reptisun, or Arcadia prot5 kit, the distance varies a few inches between the two. The strength most go for in zoo med is 10.0, the Arcadia 12%. The smallest watt for either will be fine.
You won’t be able to use the dome I’m afraid, the t5 bulbs are a completely different type of bulb, the Arcadia kits comes with the fitting you’ll need, the zoo med also has listings that include the hood fitting.

The double domes aren’t a great choice in general unfortunately, they’re too deep set for ceramic heating. A basking bulb maybe, but it leaves one going to waste.

Hopefully these links can help you out and give you all the information you need

This housing thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc), mounting your lighting(including the uvb) correct levels, importance of a closed chamber for younger tortoises(only way to maintain the humidity you need)appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything and a really handy diet link to check out! If going with a greenhouse, the lower the ceiling height, whilst still allowing for recommended bulb height, the better! But I’ll add some more ideas below for closed chambers

Leopard/sulcata starter

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information below on how I’d personally tackle an indoor starter set up for a leopard/sulcata until they’re bigger. Hopefully it helps give people some ideas!” I know it looks like a lot to go over, I like to make sure all bases are covered...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes different closed chambers, some work better than others, smart enclosures and vivs are the best

Visual inspiration

Hi guys! I’ve had some lovely messages complimenting me on my care sheets I made for all the visuals they include! That makes me so happy because as a visual learner myself, that was my goal🥰 I’ve recently had some requests for some more visual inspiration for set ups that can house babies/...

tortoiseforum.org

Perhaps this kind if idea might tire you over until you can figure out other housing(just imagine on a larger scale) I’d go bigger for the next upgrade for the size he’s getting.
View attachment 396708

Lastly, this one here is good to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

I really hope they help, but please don’t hesitate to ask more questions! Happy to break things down bit by bit and help step by step, welcome to the forum

Thank you for all that information I can tell you really took your time and I appreciate that. However, I am still confused on how I can elevate a T5 hood regardless of the type of cage I have? I will look into new cages with your recommendations but I will likely still need to find a way to raise the T5 bulb to be a certain distance from my tortoise. Thank you!

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Hello! I hate the fact I’m going to be the bearer of some bad news here, but unfortunately you were sold an incorrect set up, these wooden houses are a complete scam and so many people fall victim to themthe good news is you’ve found one of the best tortoise hive minds there is!

To answer your initial question, yes the uvb will need to be a certain distance from her, what brand are you looking to get? The only reliable brands are zoo med t5 reptisun, or Arcadia prot5 kit, the distance varies a few inches between the two. The strength most go for in zoo med is 10.0, the Arcadia 12%. The smallest watt for either will be fine.
You won’t be able to use the dome I’m afraid, the t5 bulbs are a completely different type of bulb, the Arcadia kits comes with the fitting you’ll need, the zoo med also has listings that include the hood fitting.

The double domes aren’t a great choice in general unfortunately, they’re too deep set for ceramic heating. A basking bulb maybe, but it leaves one going to waste.

Hopefully these links can help you out and give you all the information you need

This housing thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc), mounting your lighting(including the uvb) correct levels, importance of a closed chamber for younger tortoises(only way to maintain the humidity you need)appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything and a really handy diet link to check out! If going with a greenhouse, the lower the ceiling height, whilst still allowing for recommended bulb height, the better! But I’ll add some more ideas below for closed chambers

Leopard/sulcata starter

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information below on how I’d personally tackle an indoor starter set up for a leopard/sulcata until they’re bigger. Hopefully it helps give people some ideas!” I know it looks like a lot to go over, I like to make sure all bases are covered...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes different closed chambers, some work better than others, smart enclosures and vivs are the best

Visual inspiration

Hi guys! I’ve had some lovely messages complimenting me on my care sheets I made for all the visuals they include! That makes me so happy because as a visual learner myself, that was my goal🥰 I’ve recently had some requests for some more visual inspiration for set ups that can house babies/...

tortoiseforum.org

Perhaps this kind if idea might tire you over until you can figure out other housing(just imagine on a larger scale) I’d go bigger for the next upgrade for the size he’s getting.
View attachment 396708

Lastly, this one here is good to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

I really hope they help, but please don’t hesitate to ask more questions! Happy to break things down bit by bit and help step by step, welcome to the forum

This pic shows how you can make your type of cage taller. You'll have to fashion a top of sorts.

 

[Tom]

I have read through that before, but I didn't see it explain how to raise a T5 tube hood to be a certain distance from the cage. Am I able to set it just right on top? Or how do I elevate it to be a certain distance from my tort? Thanks!

Many ways. You can build a frame out of wood or PVC and hang it from there or ZooMed makes adjustable hangers for this sort of thing.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Thank you for all that information I can tell you really took your time and I appreciate that. However, I am still confused on how I can elevate a T5 hood regardless of the type of cage I have? I will look into new cages with your recommendations but I will likely still need to find a way to raise the T5 bulb to be a certain distance from my tortoise. Thank you!

There’s definitely a few different ways to go about it, hopefully the examples give you in the threads give you an idea, you can mount it to a piece of timber using the clips that come with the kit, screw hooks from the back and suspend it from a makeshift stand

 

[OtisTheTort]

Many ways. You can build a frame out of wood or PVC and hang it from there or ZooMed makes adjustable hangers for this sort of thing.

Thanks!!

 

[OtisTheTort]

Hello! I hate the fact I’m going to be the bearer of some bad news here, but unfortunately you were sold an incorrect set up, these wooden houses are a complete scam and so many people fall victim to themthe good news is you’ve found one of the best tortoise hive minds there is!

To answer your initial question, yes the uvb will need to be a certain distance from her, what brand are you looking to get? The only reliable brands are zoo med t5 reptisun, or Arcadia prot5 kit, the distance varies a few inches between the two. The strength most go for in zoo med is 10.0, the Arcadia 12%. The smallest watt for either will be fine.
You won’t be able to use the dome I’m afraid, the t5 bulbs are a completely different type of bulb, the Arcadia kits comes with the fitting you’ll need, the zoo med also has listings that include the hood fitting.

The double domes aren’t a great choice in general unfortunately, they’re too deep set for ceramic heating. A basking bulb maybe, but it leaves one going to waste.

Hopefully these links can help you out and give you all the information you need

This housing thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc), mounting your lighting(including the uvb) correct levels, importance of a closed chamber for younger tortoises(only way to maintain the humidity you need)appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything and a really handy diet link to check out! If going with a greenhouse, the lower the ceiling height, whilst still allowing for recommended bulb height, the better! But I’ll add some more ideas below for closed chambers

Leopard/sulcata starter

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information below on how I’d personally tackle an indoor starter set up for a leopard/sulcata until they’re bigger. Hopefully it helps give people some ideas!” I know it looks like a lot to go over, I like to make sure all bases are covered...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes different closed chambers, some work better than others, smart enclosures and vivs are the best

Visual inspiration

Hi guys! I’ve had some lovely messages complimenting me on my care sheets I made for all the visuals they include! That makes me so happy because as a visual learner myself, that was my goal🥰 I’ve recently had some requests for some more visual inspiration for set ups that can house babies/...

tortoiseforum.org

Perhaps this kind if idea might tire you over until you can figure out other housing(just imagine on a larger scale) I’d go bigger for the next upgrade for the size he’s getting.
View attachment 396708

Lastly, this one here is good to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

I really hope they help, but please don’t hesitate to ask more questions! Happy to break things down bit by bit and help step by step, welcome to the forum

Just started on my new set up, thank you!
This pic shows how you can make your type of cage taller. You'll have to fashion a top of sorts.

Thanks!