Newbie Tortoise Question: Lighting

Linds · 06-24-02, 08:58 PM

Now from all I have researched these guys need UVB. Well, the lighting and stuff I picked up yesterday was a clamp lamp with a blue UVA bulb. I didn't read the bulb carefully, I just saw that it said UVA and UVB, now had I read closer it would have read "contains UVA and can be combined with reptisun 5.0 for UVB...." Now I have seen these guys housed with just those blue bulbs before, and have been told that it would prolly be ok, but I am not well versed on lighting since most of my kids are nocturnal, figure I had better check. I don't want to have improper lighting, but don't want to spend $100 if I don't need to either.

Another question...... is there a reason they don't make UVB bulbs (the kind that screw in to the lamps)?

morph · 06-24-02, 09:53 PM

hey linds The only answer I can give is that they do make uvb bulbs that screw in they are a combo heat uvb bulb but they do cost about 125.00 out here in bc.

Jaylyn · 06-24-02, 10:18 PM

What species? And congratulations!

Jaylyn

Jaylyn · 06-24-02, 10:37 PM

Nevermind - I seen that it is a redfoot! Excellent choice (I have four)! How old?

There is some dispute about the UVB - some keepers do not use any artificial UVB lighting (depending instead on vitamin D3 supplements and making sure your CRI, warmth and lumen are excellent).

I use a flood UV Heat lamp during the day - and a night bulb at night for extra warmth. My two older one (~ 6 1/2 months and 1 year) go outside during the day, but the hatchlings (1 month) can overheat quite quickly.

Mike Pingleton's book, "Practical Care and Maintenance of the Redfoot Tortoise" - is a MUST have. It's available at Carapace Press (and maybe Amazon ?? Chapters ???) The Tortoise Trust website is excellent. And Yahoo has a redfoot list.

If you have any questions - feel free to e-mail me!

realno@telusplant.net

Love these guys!

Jaylyn

gunnerslakeshor · 06-24-02, 10:43 PM

Hey Linds
I havent got a clue about turtle's but most reptile's and or snakes need uva or uvb lighting, Ive used plant growth flouresent lights with great success its a little less powerfull than reptiglow or the others but lizards seem to do quit well and there less than half the cost of speacilized bulbs , i believe they come in screw in type's as well .
Hope this is of some help to you.

Phil

Corey Woods · 06-25-02, 05:11 AM

Phil,

Actually, most snakes and all boids do not require any UVA or UVB.

Corey Woods

gunnerslakeshor · 06-25-02, 06:52 AM

Corey
The replys i write or experiance's are my opinion's after 17 years of dealing with them i would never make a suggestion that would do harm ...........They have worked for me in the past with no ill effects so i see no reason to not pass them on. So i disagree .
Phil>(

Linds · 06-25-02, 04:35 PM

Thanks guys. Yeah I just ended up exchanging the lighting stuff I had and getting a flurescent fixture and UVA/UVB bulb instead

Jaylyn, I don't have an exact age, but I asked someone with more tortoise experience with myself and she said he looks to be between 3-6 months old

He's so tiny! I just love him to bits, only had him a few days and don't know how I managed to go this long without one!

corr · 06-25-02, 04:59 PM

He definitely is a cutie

Jaylyn · 06-25-02, 05:21 PM

Lindsay,

Now the addiction starts!!!

Jaylyn

Corey Woods · 06-25-02, 05:30 PM

Phil,

IMHO it is a waste of time, money and energy to give UVA and/or UVB to all boids. Basically a nocternal animal does not require any suppliment lighting since they are hiding most of the day. I must agree that giving them UVA and UVB won't hurt but it won't help either. Infact, it is my belief that if you give nocternal snakes bright lighting it actually stresses them out. If this is the case then what good is it?

Corey
P.S. What does the number of years of herping experience have to do with anything? If you want to get technical I've got 13 years experience (5 years with Turtles and 8 years with boids).......but who really cares anyways? It's not the number of years of experience that matters, it's what you've learned with that experience that counts.

patricia · 06-26-02, 10:17 AM

as previously stated, UV light isn't needed by nocturnal snakes. As a rule, I don't use any supplemental light for any of my elaphe spp. (corn snakes and rat snakes). They all do excellently without it. The critical factor for these animals is ambient temperature of the enclosure, with a warm spot accessible.

Turtles and tortoises are another story completely. My RES turtle, when living indoors, has a full-spectrum flourescent light above her haul-out rock. During the warm months, she's outdoors almost constantly, with constant access to both shade and sunlight, at her option.

gunnerslakeshor · 06-26-02, 10:44 AM

Corey
The only reason i stated ive been into herps for 17 yrs was to emphasize how long and with nothing but good effects ive had nothing more .
This is not an argument forum a question was asked and i gave my OPINION nothing more.
The next time anyone goes to a pet store check out the lighting tube's what does it say? Is it misleading ? False advertiseing ?
Sorry if i offened anyone but this is starting to piss me off . Next time ill just keep my yap shut if thats what is wanted.
Phil

Jeff_Favelle · 06-26-02, 05:59 PM

Just use an incandescent bulb AND a flourescent tube. From what I understand, both combined give the full spectrum of light (ROYGBIV). But maybe not...........

Jeff Favelle

Corey Woods · 06-26-02, 06:07 PM

Phil,

No need to keep your "trap" shut. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. The way your email was written it was implied that since you have 17 years experience you know it all because of your "level" of experience......almost like you were sticking your chest out trying to make yourself look good. Maybe next time try and word your post so as to no imply that you know everything.

Also, this has not yet turned into an argument. This is a discussion with different opinions. There is a difference.

Corey