Habitat - Indoor :: UVB

[TurtleDezzy]

Hey, I was wondering if a UVB light needs to be somewhat bright? I bought a UVB lamp but it's not at all bright and I'm worried my turtle wont get the UVB since it's not very bright does it need to be bright to give off UVB rays?

[ljapa]

All UVB lights are not created equal. You do want one from a reputable manufacturer that is targeted at reptiles.

However, the UVB light is not actually visible to us. So the brightness to your eye is not evidence of whether it is producing UVB or not.

[mealto]

So for a RES that is about 6-7 inch long (shell), if it basks at 8 inches (shell to heat source) or so, which of these will provide enough UVB? The 2.0 or 5.0? http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/co ... _bulbs.php

Wait, looks like both the 2 and 5 come in 13watts and 26watts. Which one would be best?

Also, are these Exo Terra bulbs (from the link) the ones that are reported to cause RES radiation sickness? See this article: http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor.htm

[Kansasslider]

You Dont want the 2.0 At 8" the 5.0 is perfect. That's what I use. The 10.0 they claim can be used up to 20" away from basking area and are recommended for screened tanks. You can buy the 13 or 26 watt I use The 26.The savings in money is pennys! And no they won't hurt your turtles.I have also used the 10.0 with no ill effects to my turtles.But I now use The 5.0 Repti-glo brand.Nice to see your homework but that link is a few years old they have fixed the bulbs. They used to cause eye problems.Get the 26 watt 5.0.

[mealto]

Thanks for the great response @Kansasslider. Good to know those bulbs were fixed. So what is the difference between the 13 and 26 watt bulb? More UVB versus less UVB?

[steve]

UVB rays are invisible to the naked eye. As for the 13/26W debate, I think it's just brightness though there is little info on their sites about this.

[Kansasslider]

As far as I know no one knows the difference . Someone could check them with a meter .