Okay so I was reading and someone said that UVA wasn't important. Is this true? Do torts (Russians) need UVA? Cause I just bought an MVB and I was wondering if it would be cheaper if I just got a UVB and a heat lamp (already have heat)? But would it affect the tort?
UVA/UVB stuff.
- Thread starter abra
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Hey Abra, I am no expert, but what I have read and heard here on TFO, the MVB is the way to go, Natural sunlight is of course the best, but MVB is runs a close second. Stick with the MVB! IMHO 
abra said:Okay thanks
Yeah, you say that now...just wait until we all start to pick on you!
I sense a little confusion that I'll try to clarify for you abra,
All torts need both UVA and UVB. Luckily, most UVB lights also produce UVA.
Torts need UVA to see correctly, and UVB to produce the D3 they need for strong bones.
An MVB is just a type of UVB light that also puts out heat.
MVBs are all the rage, they have their pros and their cons, in a year or two I expect you'll see people saying they're evil, throw them away. The fact is they are useful and always will be if used correctly.
What might have confused you is someone saying a UVA only light is useless. That is only true insofar as they likely lack sufficient UVB to provide for enough D3 production. They're great for helping torts see if insufficient UVA is available in the enclosure.
Hope that helps, and if it still isn't clear please ask what isn't.
All torts need both UVA and UVB. Luckily, most UVB lights also produce UVA.
Torts need UVA to see correctly, and UVB to produce the D3 they need for strong bones.
An MVB is just a type of UVB light that also puts out heat.
MVBs are all the rage, they have their pros and their cons, in a year or two I expect you'll see people saying they're evil, throw them away. The fact is they are useful and always will be if used correctly.
What might have confused you is someone saying a UVA only light is useless. That is only true insofar as they likely lack sufficient UVB to provide for enough D3 production. They're great for helping torts see if insufficient UVA is available in the enclosure.
Hope that helps, and if it still isn't clear please ask what isn't.
Balboa, excellent explanation! I understand a bit more! Thanks!
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