jharrris
Active Member
Hey! Thinking about getting a UVB setup for a 4x8 indoor adult russian tort table. Would this work for on top of the enclosure mesh? https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petco...U3ExvPOY6LqBTDGqURxoCKQQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
UVB
- Thread starter jharrris
- Start date
It's a T8 lamp, they are rather weak. And it has 7% UVB. So it's impractical to get this one.
What's the height from screen to substrate? And what kind of mesh do you have?
jharrris
Active Member
I understand. I think I may just stick to my outdoor enclosure I have
jharrris
Active Member
Actually yeah I think a UVB setup for my indoor would be better. I had to clean out my indoor so the substrate isn't in there yet (tort is brumating). Say I add 6 inches of substrate, I think the walls are about 17 inches tall and the mesh is just this sturdy metal grid sort of thing. What fixture would work best? I can also mount it
This fixture and lamps are one of the best on the market:
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/arcadia-reptile-pro-t5-uvb-kit
Longer versions of this fixture - e.g. 39W is better for large enclosures but 24W will work too if your tortoise actively use the basking area.
Optimal distance from this lamp is 18-20". Mesh will block some light, but it's hard to tell how much (without a meter like Solarmeter 6.5).
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/arcadia-reptile-pro-t5-uvb-kit
Longer versions of this fixture - e.g. 39W is better for large enclosures but 24W will work too if your tortoise actively use the basking area.
Optimal distance from this lamp is 18-20". Mesh will block some light, but it's hard to tell how much (without a meter like Solarmeter 6.5).
jharrris
Active Member
Awesome, thank you so much!
jharrris
Active Member
Is there anything similar that can be a little bit closer? I measured and the side that I want it on has a 16 inch wall, and that's without considering the substrate height
In this case this hood should work:
It comes with a 5.0 lamp (similar to Arcadia Forest 6% lamps). At 10-11" over substrate it should be sufficient and safe enough.
One thing to note: it's better to install lamps higher (be it UVB, ambient LED or basking lamps) whenever possible: light coming from above is more dispersed and more comfortable for tortoise eyes. So if you can build a frame over the table and use an Arcadia Desert 12% lamp (or ZooMed Reptisun 10.0) - this is a healthier option. You can do it later - by replacing just the lamp in the same fixture.
jharrris
Active Member
Thank you so much!
jharrris
Active Member
So what kind of frame do you mean? If I get the one you suggested and rest it on top of the mesh in the middle does that work?
This, this work.
That's the sort of frame for UVB fixture I was referring to (bottom photo): https://tortoiseforum.org/attachments/2435aca5-517c-423f-8d20-1805705b1c0b-jpeg.380677/
jharrris
Active Member
Ohh okay makes sense! So you're saying if it's coming from above rather than like mounted on the side of the wall it's healthier? Cause I can definitely rest it on top of the enclosure and have it be 10-11" above
jharrris
Active Member
Kind of like the first pic
Yes, heat and light coming from above are better. Most animals have anatomic adaptations to avoid excess light from the top but not when it shoots straight in the eyes.
jharrris
Active Member
Right, yeah. I should be able to have all my lights on her from above. How long should the IVB be going for every day?
Usually 4 hours around midday (e.g. 10AM to 2PM). But you need to adjust timing/schedule to your tortoise basking behavior and overall activity. It could be 9AM to 3PM, for example, covering morning and afternoon basking. More than 6 hours is not needed and not very natural.
jharrris
Active Member
Awesome, thank you so much for the advice!
