UVB in the shade.

[TroyDaTortoiseDude]

I have heard that you can get UVB in the shade. How long would my tort have to be in the shade every day to get sufficient UVB? I live in Florida so we get lots of sun.

 

[jaizei]

There's no way to know how much UVB is in the shade without putting a meter there. What kind of shade is it? On a porch, covered by structure? Dappled under a tree?

I think when I measured the UVB on my back (covered) porch it was about 10% of the amount in full sun, 30 µW/cm2 vs 300 µW/cm2, I don't think I've measured UVI there. Even so, I don't think I would rely on only shade UVB, I'd want to provide at least the opportunity for basking in sun.

 

[TroyDaTortoiseDude]

There's no way to know how much UVB is in the shade without putting a meter there. What kind of shade is it? On a porch, covered by structure? Dappled under a tree?

I think when I measured the UVB on my back (covered) porch it was about 10% of the amount in full sun, 30 µW/cm2 vs 300 µW/cm2, I don't think I've measure UVI there. Even so, I don't think I would rely on only shade UVB, I'd want to provide at least the opportunity for basking in sun.

In my garage.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

In my garage.

That would be very diffused sunlight.
It might be too little UVB and also too hot.
What type of tortoise is that?

 

[Pastel Tortie]

What type of tortoise?

I live in North Florida, and in a day with a high UV index, I can get burned in 15 minutes or less (more like 10). Whether I could get burned in the shade... is debatable, but I would lean towards Yes, given enough time outside.

I don't think I'd get burned in the shade from a garage, though.

 

[TroyDaTortoiseDude]

Russian tortoise

 

[TroyDaTortoiseDude]

He is at the end of the garage closest to the patio

 

[ZEROPILOT]

He is at the end of the garage closest to the patio

Is it a carport?

 

[TroyDaTortoiseDude]

Is it a carport?

No just a normal garage with open doors.

 

[TroyDaTortoiseDude]

Here is a pick. It is overcast now but it gets pretty bright.

 

[TroyDaTortoiseDude]

I also had a question. The person that owned these torts before me did not have uvb for a year but would takre them outside a couple times a week would they have mbd.

 

[TroyDaTortoiseDude]

I could take some pictures of him?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I also had a question. The person that owned these torts before me did not have uvb for a year but would takre them outside a couple times a week would they have mbd.

Do they walk ok? Body up off of the ground.
Are their shells soft?
If not, they're probably fine

 

[TroyDaTortoiseDude]

Do they walk ok? Body up off of the ground.
Are their shells soft?
If not, they're probably fine

Yea they walk fine

 

[TroyDaTortoiseDude]

Do they walk ok? Body up off of the ground.
Are their shells soft?
If not, they're probably fine

So do you think they would have enough UVB based off of the picture?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

So do you think they would have enough UVB based off of the picture?

I don't have much experience with Russian tortoises.
I keep Redfoot only. That might work for them. But I also have a UV meter to check when in doubt.
I'd hazard to guess that with that arrangement and some outdoor time also, you'd be good.
But that is just a guess

 

[TroyDaTortoiseDude]

I don't have much experience with Russian tortoises.
I keep Redfoot only. That might work for them. But I also have a UV meter to check when in doubt.
I'd hazard to guess that with that arrangement and some outdoor time also, you'd be good.
But that is just a guess

Sorry to annoy you so much. But would like 2 hours a week in sun with option to shade be good.

 

[Golden Greek Tortoise 567]

I would do more than that, maybe an hour or 2 every other day.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Sorry to annoy you so much. But would like 2 hours a week in sun with option to shade be good.

I'm not being annoyed.
Not at all.
It's just I don't have the answer. In fact, if I suddenly was given a Russian, I'd be asking the same questions.
Russians need more heat and more UVB than the tortoises that I'm familiar with