Equipment Review and Discussion :: How far away is safe from flourescent UVB bulb?

[SpotsMama]

I read everything I could find on this site on the subject - and that's a lot! - but didn't find the answer to this specific question.

I'm going to move my turtle inside to a new aquarium tomorrow as it's turning cooler outside and don't want to hurt him. I'm waiting for a 100 watt mercury vapor flood light to come through mail order, and in the meantime - and to have on hand as a backup - I've got a 24" flourescent Reptisun 10.0 UVB bulb that I want to use. The bulb box says the "UVB photo conversion distance" is 20".

Is it safe to have this bulb closer than 20" to Spot as he is basking? The way I've got it setup now, the bulb would be 8" to 10" inches from his basking back. Ok?

Getting all the lighting fixtures just right has been harder than I ever dreamed it would be. If some entreprenurial type is looking to fill a niche that isn't currently filled, I'd say look at making light fixtures for reptile habitats. Make them pretty and safe.

[missibsu]

I usually recommend 6-10 inches from the basking spot. I believe that is something that I read on this site, but it may have been another.

[Kallistos]

I think for the 100 watt flood MVB's the minimum distance is 6 inches...

[SpotsMama]

Thanks.

By the way, I read that the minimum distance for a 100 watt flood MVB is 12 inches. I think for flourescent it would be closer because it doesn't generate the heat.

[steve]

For an MVB, you will want to keep it at 12"-24" - depending on the instructions. For a fluorescent, I'd keep it around 10"-12" away.

[SpotsMama]

Ok, thanks. I should move the flourescent a couple of inches further out. The MVB, when it comes, will be in excess of 12" away.

[marisa]

For the Reptisun 10.0, I wouldn't have it 6 inches away (a bit too close), I have mine more like 10 inches away.

[akaghettoraver]

My 75 gal tank has a 48" reptisun 10.0, it run the entire length of the tank and is ten inches away from the basking spot and water level