A few days ago I got 2 sulcata hatchlings and have a question about their UVB light. I have been taking them outside for between 15 and 30 minutes each day for some sun and am currently only using a 5.0 UVB in their indoor enclosure. Is this adequate or do I need to get a 10.0 UVB?
UVB Question
- Thread starter TADitto
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You actually need a UA/B light, they should be getting uv in the region of 8 to 12 hours daily.
A 10.0 is for tropical and desert reptiles, the 5.0 is probably best suited to a sulcata as any higher could damage your torts eyes.
A 10.0 is for tropical and desert reptiles, the 5.0 is probably best suited to a sulcata as any higher could damage your torts eyes.
I'm no UVB expert,but that sounds like enough.
TADitto said:
That's okay, we got the two threads merged together.
Are you using a coil bulb? Those can damage their eyes.
If they are getting 30 minutes of real unfiltered sunshine nearly every day, then you don't NEED any indoor UV. However, it won't hurt anything to use it either.
I also highly recommend getting one more hatchling or separating the two. Pairs are almost always problematic.
If they are getting 30 minutes of real unfiltered sunshine nearly every day, then you don't NEED any indoor UV. However, it won't hurt anything to use it either.
I also highly recommend getting one more hatchling or separating the two. Pairs are almost always problematic.
The general consensus is that it only takes a couple hours of good sunlight (not filtered through glass, and strong enough to tan skin) a week, spread over several sessions, to provide enough UV for a healthy tortoise (or person for that matter.)
If all we have is artificial light, then it would depend on how strong the bulb is- weaker bulbs need longer exposures. A study on Panther chameleons showed that the lizards reproduced best (more nests, more eggs, and more viable young) when given low-level UVB over the entire habitat all day long. It got much better overall results than using stronger, more focused UVB bulbs, which I thought was interesting.
If all we have is artificial light, then it would depend on how strong the bulb is- weaker bulbs need longer exposures. A study on Panther chameleons showed that the lizards reproduced best (more nests, more eggs, and more viable young) when given low-level UVB over the entire habitat all day long. It got much better overall results than using stronger, more focused UVB bulbs, which I thought was interesting.
Thanks all. Great info, I'm leaning towards losing the UVB and getting a MVB. Which ones do you all use, and which ones seem to last the longest and/or best? Tom I would love to get another one cuz they are just so darn cute but I'm not sure my yard nor my wife will beable to handle that. So far I have had no issues.
That's the thing. With babies you often won't SEE any issues right away. One or the other of them is the meeker of the two and will suffer for it. It is likely that one will soon begin to outgrow the other even though they are in the same habitat and getting the same care.
TADitto said:
I have the powersun mvb. It helps to cut down on all the different fixtures. I noticed a marked improvement in my sully's behavior and appetite after the switch. So far, I'm quite happy with it. Next time, I will order one on ebay as opposed to buying it at petco. There's a huge difference in price!!!
I also use the powers un bulb, they last alot longer and with the correct adapters and fittings they are brilliant, although very expensive.
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