UVB

[vickyb]

I just read a thread yesterday about UVB lights and now I am paranoid. In my encl 36"L 18"W x 18"H I have the following. Are they safe? Should I return them and get something else?

The Light Canopy

TWO of these compact Flourescent bulbs

Another picture of the box

 

[Yvonne G]

Yes, if its possible you should return the lights.

The most damage is done when the lights are mounted vertically, and your fixture has them horizontially, but I wouldn't take a chance on it.

 

[DoctorCosmonaut]

I would get a single smaller florescent full spectrum tube, they don't have to be made for pets either... just full spectrum tubes.

 

[Madkins007]

UVB is kind of a big subject with lots of bits and pieces. Here are the simple guidelines...

1. They do not seem to NEED UVB, so we do not need to overthink the process.

2. Coiled and bent/folded UVB bulbs can create a 'hot spot' of dangerous levels of UVB light shooting out the end or tip- but not so much along the sides.

3. Since your bulbs shoot sideways, there is little risk, but there is a lot of light and UVB. I would just undo one bulb and save it for about a year then swap it out.

4. If you are nervous, trade them in for a plain UVB bulb, or even a simple Sylvania 'black light' bulb (which outdoes many other bulbs for amount of useful UVB, and costs less, but should be used iwth plain white bulbs at the same time.

5. 'Full spectrum bulbs' used to mean that they offered some UV light and IR light (like the old, beloved Vita-lite). Now it usually just means a more balanced color range instead of the usual slightly blue light.

 

[vickyb]

Thanks so much for the tip Mark. I just swapped mine out for an 18" Tropical tube light.

 

[Jessica]

Do you want to tell me why there are not safe?

I just bought this one: http://www.petdiscounters.com/mc_images/product/image/hagen_pt2189_reptiglo_26w_10_compact_a.jpg

 

[Yvonne G]

Do you want to tell me why there are not safe?

I just bought this one: http://www.petdiscounters.com/mc_images/product/image/hagen_pt2189_reptiglo_26w_10_compact_a.jpg

Re-read point #2 in post #4

 

[Jessica]

OMG...so I just have to throw this away?!? I'm using it as a spot (in a E27).

 

[vickyb]

Return it if you can Jessica.

 

[Jessica]

I can't

 

[GBtortoises]

Or keep it to grow plants under (seriously).

 

[vickyb]

Well, based on the advice given here, I would then try to ensure that the bulbs are horizontal to the enclosure and not vertically pointing downwards...

 

[Madkins007]

When you use a coiled bulb, you can often see a bright spot of light coming out of the end. All you need to do is to point the spot at a wall or something away from the tortoises.

Be aware, however, that the makers measure the UVB output in this hot spot, so you get less UVB out of it sideways- probably enough for Redfoots, but maybe not enough for other species.