UV needs

[Amanda81]

I may be over thinking this but wanted some opinions on it anyways.

When uv Rays are at their strongest a fair skinned person can receive their daily need in 15 minutes or so but a dark skinned person may require 6 times that amount. Ok. So I was thinking, does this also apply to our shelled friends? Would my Aldabra need more time in the sun then my sulcatas do because he is darker then them? Would I base it on the color/tone of the shell or what?

 

[Jodie]

Good question. Most, if not all, is absorbed through the skin not the shell. So if this would apply it would be the skin color. I have no real knowledge by the way, just guessing.

 

[Merrick]

I would say it is the same for torts lighter equals less time because they have less melanin I think or maybe it is a different type of melanin

 

[johnsonnboswell]

I think with tortoises & turtles, the darker color allows them to heat up more quickly by absorbing the sun's rays. This may or may not be related to UVB, but it certainly affects their activity levels and the temperature range in which they are active.

 

[Merrick]

I think with tortoises & turtles, the darker color allows them to heat up more quickly by absorbing the sun's rays. This may or may not be related to UVB, but it certainly affects their activity levels and the temperature range in which they are active.

Dark colors in general absorb heat and light better