ok well ive been doing a lot of research and some people say 10-15 minutes a day of natural sunshine is ok not to have a uvb i dont agree but i was wondering what you guys think. also my house is usually 70-73 degrees at night and i was wondering what size night bulb should i get?
uvb? and night time bulb?
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Well, at least 15 minutes a day and you can get by with out a uva/uvb bulb...HOWEVER, I personally would do more like an hour or more each day (not just to be able to do without the artificial uva/uvb but I always will prefer natural sun over the artificial). I live in the high desert and the suns intensity is such that if I wanted to leave the torts out for 15 to 30 minutes a day that would likely be sufficient...however, if you live somewhere that the sun is less intense then you would have that difference, you know what I mean...
I would recommend at least 30 minutes a day but longer is better and just make sure to also provide shade for your tort to retreat to if they need to....
If I remember correctly, the size of enclosure you are running at present --a 50 or 75 watt night light would likely be sufficient--and since you will be using it strictly for heat--you can raise or lower the fixture until you achieve the right temp....did you ever trade out that gigantanormous hideP)....just funnin ya...
I would recommend at least 30 minutes a day but longer is better and just make sure to also provide shade for your tort to retreat to if they need to....
If I remember correctly, the size of enclosure you are running at present --a 50 or 75 watt night light would likely be sufficient--and since you will be using it strictly for heat--you can raise or lower the fixture until you achieve the right temp....did you ever trade out that gigantanormous hide
P)....just funnin ya...ascott said:Well, at least 15 minutes a day and you can get by with out a uva/uvb bulb...HOWEVER, I personally would do more like an hour or more each day (not just to be able to do without the artificial uva/uvb but I always will prefer natural sun over the artificial). I live in the high desert and the suns intensity is such that if I wanted to leave the torts out for 15 to 30 minutes a day that would likely be sufficient...however, if you live somewhere that the sun is less intense then you would have that difference, you know what I mean...
I would recommend at least 30 minutes a day but longer is better and just make sure to also provide shade for your tort to retreat to if they need to....
If I remember correctly, the size of enclosure you are running at present --a 50 or 75 watt night light would likely be sufficient--and since you will be using it strictly for heat--you can raise or lower the fixture until you achieve the right temp....did you ever trade out that gigantanormous hide
ok great thanks i live in central Florida so im guessing i will need to take him out about 30 mins a days. ya i did end up getting rid of the hid lol im making a burrow for him now
A CHE works better for night, no light, like it would be naturally. Also, is there a reason you only want him outside for the minimum? He should be able to be out all day. Only bring in at night, until he gets bigger that is, they all day and night.
All this talk about UVB bulb/ day and night time heat elements gives me a question. Since I live in NYC my RT stays inside mostly. He's lively and energetic. I run my UVB for 12hrs a day is that too much. I try to take him to central park twice a week for a few hours for some added exercise/grazing. Also his habitat stays 80 degrees consistently without the heat lamp. how long is too long with the heat lamp and the UVB. Also should i just get rid of the daytime heat bulb and switch to night bulb that way he gets the heat still but not the brightness at say 9pm? Just looking for some Ideas...going to the farmers market tomorrow for some fresh veggies for Rex!
i HIGHLY reccommend a save area for him to bask outside as well.. he would benefit from more time outside and its too easy for them to wander off...
Laura said:
Absolutely. You would be surprised at how much distance they can cover if you look away for a minute. I thought I would be cool with watching it outside, but 'constant' supervision is not fun eventually. I'd build it a little enclosure, this is mine:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/attachment.php?aid=24300
Cinderblock walls, a area for shade, water dish (not pictured) to be added: a hide log and a a wire mesh cover to keep potential predators out. Pretty inexpensive for peace of mind while your tort is out getting sun, plus you can have him out for longer comfortably without having to pay as much constant attention if you set up his "amenities" right.
How old is your sulcata?
In my signature are some ideas for outdoor enclosures that are really easy to make and will keep your tortoise safe. They need outside time, and you have a great climate for it. There is also a "Beginner Mistakes" thread. You are on a course to lose your tortoise if you continue this way. I speak from personal experience. It is a mistake I have made, and it is so easy to prevent...
30 minutes of sun a couple of time a week is enough to prevent MBD, but more is better. I do an hour or two a day for hatchlings and gradually more as they gain size. By one year they are outside all day every day, weather permitting.
In my signature are some ideas for outdoor enclosures that are really easy to make and will keep your tortoise safe. They need outside time, and you have a great climate for it. There is also a "Beginner Mistakes" thread. You are on a course to lose your tortoise if you continue this way. I speak from personal experience. It is a mistake I have made, and it is so easy to prevent...
30 minutes of sun a couple of time a week is enough to prevent MBD, but more is better. I do an hour or two a day for hatchlings and gradually more as they gain size. By one year they are outside all day every day, weather permitting.
cberg45 said:
Where in Central Florida? I'm in Lakeland! How old is your baby? How big?
ok i haven't got him yet but i want everything to be perfect the only thing im scared of is a bird coming down and taking him i know when i play basketball that he should be fine cause he will be in a kitty pool but maybe if i go inside and i let him bask in the sun by himself is what im worried about. should i just watch him the whole time hes out there till he is bigger?Tom said:
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