Habitat - Indoor :: exo terra repti glo 26w 10.0 uvb compact

[wartortle]

i went to 2 stores today and they only had repti glo 26 10.0 uvb compact. is the limit for uvb bulbs 26w or does it go higher?

[wartortle]

i forgot to mention its the desert terrarium lamp & not the tropical.

[robind]

That'll work, though most members recommend the 5.0 uvb.

[BullDog]

The 26W is usually the one that's recommended. I don't think they come any higher, but they do come smaller.
The 10.0 may be a bit strong. Just make sure it's at least 12" away from the basking area and make sure you don't notice any eye swelling.

[wartortle]

thanks for the help guys. i might go back to the store and exchange it for the 5.0(if they have any in stock).

sorry for the noob question but how can i tell if my turtles eyes are swelled?

[BullDog]

When they're swollen, they will look like they are squinting or they can't open their eyes.

A couple of years ago, there were problems with some UVB CFLs emitting much too high UVB, and many reptiles got swollen eyes.
There's a picture of a RES from this forum who was affected here:
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor.htm

[scripta_elegans]

I would say don't use the 10.0. I just bought one, and the eye problem started in about a week for Sparky. I removed it, and he's fine again, but they have not "fixed" the problem in my recent experience.

[wartortle]

i returned the 10.0 and got a 5.0

success!

thanks for the tips

[wartortle]

do i have to burn in the bulb? if so, how many hours? thanks

[BullDog]

I've never burnt in the bulb, and I don't think too many turtle owners do it. I could be the odd one out though.

[robind]

Yeah, I don't think you need to worry about burning it in. I've never noticed any problems with the 5.0 causing eye irritation, even a brand new one.

[wartortle]

thanks guys thanks for the help, i'll put up the uvb soon

[theartbook35]

The 26W is usually the one that's recommended. I don't think they come any higher, but they do come smaller.
The 10.0 may be a bit strong. Just make sure it's at least 12" away from the basking area and make sure you don't notice any eye swelling.

I was getting ready to mention that.

5.0 works just fine.

[PcBuilder14]

I think i'm just lucky then I've used a 10.0. because for some reason they're cheaper than 5.0's at my Petsmart, i've used 10.0's ever since i got my turtle and he's never had irritation but maybe that's just me.