UVB or UVA light for Indian Star Tortoise.. Suggest

[Skyh3ck]

Hey Guys

I have one Indian Star which is around 8 month or a year old, he is active and eats well, however not getting enough sun light,

Can you please explain what is the difference between UVA and UVB light. Which one you recomment, i keep my tortoise in an enclousere to keep it safe and in day time it roams in house.

Do i need UVA + UVB both or any one can do.

I live in Mumbai India, please give links to buy light and its setup and food supplement to make it strong

Thanks
Harry

 

[wellington]

I will leave the best light for your species to those that have them.
What I can tell you is if you can get him outside for about 1/2 to 1 hours 3-4 times a week you don't need artificial light.
Also it's very dangerous to let them roam your house. Make them a proper indoor and outdoor enclosure and that's the places they need too roam. Not the floors of your house.

 

[wellington]

@Tom @Will

 

[Tom]

Start with this info to see how to care for your tortoise. Care for the stars is the same as sulcatas and leopards.
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/

Your tortoise should never be loose on the floor.

For UV, you want a long tube type. Which type will work best for you depends on the mounting height in your enclosure.

 

[Kapidolo Farms]

At least part of your inquiry needs answers for items available in your location. So look at this thread
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/calling-on-indian-star-owners-residing-in-india.68875/

As for the science behind the utilization of the electromagnetic range of energy required for healthy growth, please take it on faith it is required. Some wavelengths activate metabolic cascades that create in the tortoise, nutrients it may or may not be able to simple ingest.

I use diet items with D3 in them and find, anecdotally, they are sufficient. But then we get back to the 'what can you buy in Mumbai? I use Vionate and Purina organic vegetarian layer crumbles. I don't know if either of these is available in your location.

It is also anecdotal that at least a few hours of sunlight a week are sufficient.