UVB Lighting Concerns

[T Smart]

Currently for my russian I have a Repti Sun 10.0. It rests about 15-16 inches about his enclosure. I have recently read that these tubes are bad and can cause serious eye damage. I also know that UVB is essential for a healthy tortoise. He is only about 5 months old. I know that pyramiding starts the first year of their life and I want him to be healthy. Are these 10.0s bad? Or should I go down to a 5.0?
Also is there anyway to hang a UVB hood?
Thanks

 

[lynnedit]

Is it a tube light or a coil light?
The tube lights are fine: http://www.bigappleherp.com/TWO-PACK-Reptisun-10-0-18-Bulbs-17-49-Per-Bulb-Thats-30-OFF

Mediterranean tortoises like Russians need higher UV output. Does yours suggest setting it about 20" from the substrate? I think that is the distance with the 10.0, you might look to see if you can raise it slightly. Otherwise, that is the tube light to use.

 

[T Smart]

It's a tube light. And how can I raise it?

Thanks

 

[Tortus]

I have a reptisun 10.0 tube and it says on the box that it's beneficial (up to) 20" away. Which means it shouldn't be any farther away than that. I would think the height you have it at currently would be fine.

 

[lynnedit]

I have a reptisun 10.0 tube and it says on the box that it's beneficial (up to) 20" away. Which means it shouldn't be any farther away than that. I would think the height you have it at currently would be fine.

Yes, I didn't have the box with me. I think their effectiveness wanes if >20".
That is the correct tube light for a Russian, to answer your original question.

 

[EKLC]

tube lights are alright

the coils are bad because it's difficult to get enough UVB out of such a small bulb, so use a different material in the bulb which also produces levels of higher energy UVC.

To be extra safe, you could put your UV tube near the basking light, since the brightness of the basking light will deter the tortoise from looking at the light. (you can't stare at the sun, or a MVB, but you could certainly stare at an flourescent UV, and hurt your eyes)

 

[Tom]

Pyramiding won't have anything to do with which UV bulb you use. Does your little man have a humid hide?