Equipment Review and Discussion :: A T5 UV bulb for RES

[Karl]

Hi, I am a RES keeper from Estonia and wanted to seek for some help here. I just recently bought a new Juwel rio 400 tank for my turtles and didn't realize before that it had light sockets for T5 bulbs. So basically i have 2 choices: 1) somehow install there T8 sockets 2) find a T5 UV bulb. Since there were only T8 UV bulbs in Estonia i went to the internet and found this lamp http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/uvb-flourescent-bulbs.htm
It says it's for desert reptiles but I was still wondering if i could use it with my turtles.? Also, have you guys seen any other T5 size UV bulbs on the internet? Please answer if you know.

Thanks,
Karl.

[imderanged]

Actually I think the dessert bulb may be a bit strong, especially if it is going to be fairly close to the basking area since it is installed in the hood of the tank. I would go with the tropical strength instead:

http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/tro ... -bulbs.htm

even with that your turtle could probably get to close if you fill the tank all the way, so make sure to check to see what the suggested distance for the light bulb is!

[Karl]

Well the bulb is going to be 20-25 cm above the basking spot. The tropical bulb is not available in 48"

[steve]

Is there any way you can safely raise the distance of the bulb?

[seanwb]

Having a bit of difficulty visualising what you are trying to do.

A couple of questions.
1. Are you going to use the built in filter and heater?
2. Where will the water level and basking level be in relation to a) top of filter and b) lights
3. Will this leave the water level over the powerhead in the filter and over the bottom of the upper water intakes.?

I was looking at using my smaller Juwel tank for my Mississipi Map Turtle, but gave up on the idea as on my tank, the built in filter only works with the tank full, leaving no space for basking.

If you use an above tank basking area,it all becomes simpler.

[Karl]

The pump is not an issue anymore, I modified it, will see how it works out. I'm filling the water a little above the middle level. I'd still like to know whether I can put the Desert 50 UVB bulb in my tank or not. Or whether there are any other T5 UV bulbs available on the internet. Thank you

[seanwb]

Hi Karl, good to hear the pump will not be an issue. Just curious, did you modify by shortening or by placing at an angle (not that I am thinking of another turtle, but I still have an empty Juwel tank that needs something putting in it).

As for your light, I have had a look around the internet and it appears that only Zilla are making 48" T5 UVB. There is hope others may follow but nothing definite.

Possible solutions
1. Buy an old style T8 lighting unit for the Rio 400 - expensive, but a simple and neat solution. You would need to check it fits with rest of lid.
2. Buy a T8 starter unit and bulb, create wire hangers to hang over back of tank and use that.


Hope this helps
Sean

[Karl]

Well basically I shortened. Didn't want to tear it off the glass. Drilled a hole for the pump to a lower level and sawed the upper rib holes to my needed water level. This shortening made me sacrifice one of the blue filter "cubes" though:(. So I'll see how effectively it will work out and let you guys know. I just put in some water and it's filtering. If it isn't good enough I guess I'll buy an external filter:P

Oh and btw I'm using the original heater but can't use it in its original spot because of the water level.

Thanks for the advices. You have the same problem yourself with the lamps? Which Juwel do you have?

[seanwb]

Smart thinking on the shortening. Interested to see how you get on with the filter, providing your turtles are not too big, I think it should work.

I have a Rio 180 and Vision 180 in the house and both are fish tanks. I have no problem with lamps as the tanks are 4 years old and therefore use the T8 fittings, hence my suggestion of getting a T8 light unit.

Despite my initial reservations (my previous fish tanks had two heaters, two filters, CO2 injectors and 6 light tubes) I have been very impressed with the Juwel kit, it is 100% reliable, simple and with the fish can be left a very long time between cleaning and water changes. Just as important my wife like them as there are no tubes out of the tank, and only 2 wires, this means they look tidy, and there are no tempting tubes for the chilren to pull on.

The turtles live in the peace and tranquility of my office (converted garage) in an older fashion tank and a pond.

All the best with the setup.

[Karl]

If you guys consider putting your turtles into a Juwel tank, you better use the lowering technique, so the filter box would be in contact with the bottom. i didn't do that and here are the consequences. today my bigger one got stuck between the filter box and the tank bottom and when i found her and helped her out she was in a pretty bad condition and could barely move. but now she has recovered and seems she's doing pretty well. thank God! i'm taking my buddies to the vet tomorrow. so a lucky accident from my own negligence.

[Karl]

I have this kind of silly question about UVB. Do the turtles benefit anything from the UVB rays while in water or is it useful only above the basking area? I'm asking because I'm considering taking a regular UVB bulb instead of a linear one so that I won't have to install or modify anything. I was thinking about this one: http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/solar_glo.php which I could just replace with my current 50 W heat lamp.

[mikee]

K-arl -- Your uvb lighting will not penetrate the water. UVB will not go through glass. It has to be direct uvb lighting. When purchasing your uvb lightning be sure it is not too harsh. I will cause eye problems. m.

[Karl]

Yea i know that. I was just wondering if there was any point in placing the UVB above the water so that the UVB rays could reach their heads or smth. But that probably isn't that necessary, eh?