UV lighting for Redfoots

[StudentoftheReptile]

Just curious on what everyone prefers for lighting their redfoots. Heard a lot of opinions, and read a lot of different caresheets, so I kinda want a general consensus. I've heard MVBs are too bright, or that no UV is necessary, etc. Mind you, I'm only interested in UV lighting here, not heating or basking.

Just to be clear, here's what I'm looking for with the poll:
- Mercury Vapor Bulbs: I think we all know what those are
- reptile-specific UV bulbs: bulbs that are specifically made for reptiles (a product you'd probably buy in a petstore, or Dr Foster & Smith, etc. Ex: Repti-Glo series, ReptiSun series, etc.)
- "normal" bulbs that are full spectrum / for plants: bulbs you may buy at Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot, in the garden center
- no UV at all: pretty self-explanatory. All you offer is just heat, humidity and a well-rounded diet.

I also want to know (for those who do choose to light their RFs)...how long of a photoperiod do you offer with any lights you have?

 

[mattk]

I waqs also curious about what people are using. as for me i do use a reptisun 5.0 for about 12 hours aday. im not sure how much it actualy helps as my redfoot babies are alwyas hidng excpet when i feed them.

 

[Madkins007]

Just FYI- dang few 'normal full spectrum' bulbs emit any useful UV. The term 'full spectrum' on a bulb often just means an attempt at a more balanced white color, not any inclusion of the inveisible spectrums.

I am currently using a MVB and mild supplementation, but will be switching to a low-dose UVB fluorescent tube soon.

 

[Redstrike]

I use a MVB at one end, but I also have a Reptisun 10 (18 inch) in the center of my enclosure.

 

[StudentoftheReptile]

Just FYI- dang few 'normal full spectrum' bulbs emit any useful UV. The term 'full spectrum' on a bulb often just means an attempt at a more balanced white color, not any inclusion of the invisible spectrums.

Yeah, I was aware of that. I know there's been some discussions of using regular plant bulbs from garden centers as opposed to fancy "full spectrum" reptile bulbs that are priced higher just because there's a photo of an iguana on the package.

And I know some people are big on making sure their tortoises get that white balance (although I don't yet understand the importance of it yet...call me a noob!).

 

[Mgridgaway]

I originally started with ZooMed 10.0 bulbs for my iguana, but switched to MegaRay, and now to ZooMed Powersun (reptileuv has had too many problems lately), for all my animals including my boxy hatchlings and redfoot. I've never had a problem with the light being too strong because I've placed the bulb at the correct distance and provided ample space for them to hide. In the summer I'd like to have them all getting natural sunlight, but the combo of heat and UVB makes it a no brainer for me when it gets colder.

 

[terryo]

Oh crap...I voted wrong....sorry...I use a UVB fluorescent tube 5.0....for my Cherries and also my box turtles when inside.

 

[Tropical Torts]

I occasionally use the UVB fluorescent tupe 5.0 not very often. There is no substitute for the sun which is why i get everybody in the sun for atleast a few minutes a day during the winter. I do this through out winter because winter temps in Florida are not incredibly bad.

So I usually dont worry about UV.

 

[StudentoftheReptile]

I knew I forgot an option! The sun! (duh)

 

[Tortoise]

In the Summer mine get daily sunshine and Winter no additional UV, just calcium with vit D3-although I was thinking of giving them a MVB just in case.
I know Turtletary doesn't provide UV for his and his tortoises are really healthy www.turtletary.com

Undecided as to the right way-I guess sun is the ultimate method.

 

[austinl01]

I don't want to risk burning their eyes with those strong UV bulbs so I have chosen not to use them on my Redfoot. Natural sun instead.

 

[Mgridgaway]

My personal feeling is typically "better safe than sorry" if you can't get them outside for natural sunlight. Owning an iguana, I've known and seen the horrors of Metabolic Bone Disease and other D3 deficiency illnesses and would rather avoid it if I can. I know redfoots are slightly different as they get D3 from meat, but still.

 

[Angrycowgoesmoo]

Mercury vapor bulb for sure! I don't use it because it sells for 90 bucks at my store! Waaaay too expensive when I already have one that's working fine. But I will be getting it!