UV Solarmeter: am I doing it wrong?

[LeonardTheTortoise]

First time testing UV lighting for my sulcata tortoise with a Solarmeter 6.5R. Scale is 0-7.

While testing the brand new T5 bulb I ordered (below), the meter isn't even hitting 1.0 just a couple feet directly under the light. Is that right?



I get a reading of 5.0 when I point it directly at the sun outside (at noon today, sunny, in North Alabama, US, in October).

I'm seeing that sulcatas maybe need a UV meter reading of at least 3 for their basking spot?

What’s the Best UV Meter for Sulcata Tortoise?

What’s the best UV meter for Sulcata tortoise? In order to make certain that your tortoise is obtaining the appropriate quantity

lollybrown.com

I set my sulcata tortoise Leonard up in a 13ftx8ft heated room inside each Winter (he spends Summers outside). I'd like to know that at least his basking spot is giving him enough light.

(my big, sweet boy 🥰 will miss his Summertime burrow and 2-acre pasture while he's inside over Winter 🥶)

Solarmeter 6.5R:

https://www.chewy.com/solarmeter-model-65r-uv-index-meter/dp/751734

New Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO High Output Reptile Terrarium Hood + bulb:

https://www.chewy.com/zoo-med-reptisun-t5-ho-high-output/dp/257663

-Mom of Leonard

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Disclaimer: Forgive me, if I'm wrong, I'm only the beginner in tortoises.

This hood comes with a free 5.0 Reptisun lamp, targeted for more shade-loving reptiles. At 2 feet such a low UV level is somewhat expected. ZooMed have a distance/UVI chart on their site (Link), which is barely usable but you can get approximate UVI levels there. Reptisun 10.0 would suit sulcatas better (at least, that what Tom and experienced breeders recommend).

Considering measurement distance, you should measure height from lamp to "imaginary tortoise" skin.

No doubt, that the natural sun provides much higher UV levels and 15 minutes under the sun roughly translate into 2-3 hours a day under the lamp.

P.S. - fantastic photo!

 

[Megatron's Mom]

I have the 12.0

Also, I read in another group about the UV lights. They say if the readings are low check the reflector inside the fixture. Sometimes it is installed the wrong way and flipping it over fixes that.

 

[LeonardTheTortoise]

Disclaimer: Forgive me, if I'm wrong, I'm only the beginner in tortoises.

This hood comes with a free 5.0 Reptisun lamp, targeted for more shade-loving reptiles. At 2 feet such a low UV level is somewhat expected. ZooMed have a distance/UVI chart on their site (Link), which is barely usable but you can get approximate UVI levels there. Reptisun 10.0 would suit sulcatas better (at least, that what Tom and experienced breeders recommend).

Considering measurement distance, you should measure height from lamp to "imaginary tortoise" skin.

No doubt, that the natural sun provides much higher UV levels and 15 minutes under the sun roughly translate into 2-3 hours a day under the lamp.

P.S. - fantastic photo!

Ohhh so the bulb that comes with this hood isn't suited for us. So we're better off with this one?:

Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB T5 HO Reptile Terrarium Lamp, 24-watt

ZOO MED ReptiSun 10.0 UVB T5 HO Reptile Terrarium Lamp, 24-watt - Chewy.com

Buy Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB T5 HO Reptile Terrarium Lamp, 24-watt at Chewy.com. FREE shipping and the BEST customer service!

www.chewy.com

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

 

[ZEROPILOT]

A couple of feet is a pretty far distance for most T5 light reflectors.
I've never mounted one any further away than 18".
And with my OLD WORLD CHAMELEONS, they're about 8" away at the highest climbing branch.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I have the 12.0

Also, I read in another group about the UV lights. They say if the readings are low check the reflector inside the fixture. Sometimes it is installed the wrong way and flipping it over fixes that.

ARCADIA has different ratings than ZOOMED.
Arcadia would be a 12%. While ZOOMED would be a 10.0

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Disclaimer: Forgive me, if I'm wrong, I'm only the beginner in tortoises.

This hood comes with a free 5.0 Reptisun lamp, targeted for more shade-loving reptiles. At 2 feet such a low UV level is somewhat expected. ZooMed have a distance/UVI chart on their site (Link), which is barely usable but you can get approximate UVI levels there. Reptisun 10.0 would suit sulcatas better (at least, that what Tom and experienced breeders recommend).

Considering measurement distance, you should measure height from lamp to "imaginary tortoise" skin.

No doubt, that the natural sun provides much higher UV levels and 15 minutes under the sun roughly translate into 2-3 hours a day under the lamp.

P.S. - fantastic photo!

Correct
A 5.0 might be very good for a Redfoot. But for a Sulcata. That tube would need to be very close to the animal you be of any real benefit.

 

[Megatron's Mom]

ARCADIA has different ratings than ZOOMED.
Arcadia would be a 12%. While ZOOMED would be a 10.0

Ah yes thanks.

 

[SuzanneZ]

First time testing UV lighting for my sulcata tortoise with a Solarmeter 6.5R. Scale is 0-7.

While testing the brand new T5 bulb I ordered (below), the meter isn't even hitting 1.0 just a couple feet directly under the light. Is that right?

View attachment 362529

I get a reading of 5.0 when I point it directly at the sun outside (at noon today, sunny, in North Alabama, US, in October).

I'm seeing that sulcatas maybe need a UV meter reading of at least 3 for their basking spot?

What’s the Best UV Meter for Sulcata Tortoise?

What’s the best UV meter for Sulcata tortoise? In order to make certain that your tortoise is obtaining the appropriate quantity

lollybrown.com

I set my sulcata tortoise Leonard up in a 13ftx8ft heated room inside each Winter (he spends Summers outside). I'd like to know that at least his basking spot is giving him enough light.
View attachment 362530
(my big, sweet boy 🥰 will miss his Summertime burrow and 2-acre pasture while he's inside over Winter 🥶)

Solarmeter 6.5R:

https://www.chewy.com/solarmeter-model-65r-uv-index-meter/dp/751734

New Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO High Output Reptile Terrarium Hood + bulb:

https://www.chewy.com/zoo-med-reptisun-t5-ho-high-output/dp/257663

-Mom of Leonar

 

[TeamZissou]

I think your problem is that you are not pointing the sensor of the Solar meter at the light. The sensor is the little white part on top. This is what needs to be pointing at the light to get a reading. In your photo you appear to be holding it at a right angle relative to the incoming light, causing a low reading.

 

[Tom]

First time testing UV lighting for my sulcata tortoise with a Solarmeter 6.5R. Scale is 0-7.

While testing the brand new T5 bulb I ordered (below), the meter isn't even hitting 1.0 just a couple feet directly under the light. Is that right?

View attachment 362529

I get a reading of 5.0 when I point it directly at the sun outside (at noon today, sunny, in North Alabama, US, in October).

I'm seeing that sulcatas maybe need a UV meter reading of at least 3 for their basking spot?

What’s the Best UV Meter for Sulcata Tortoise?

What’s the best UV meter for Sulcata tortoise? In order to make certain that your tortoise is obtaining the appropriate quantity

lollybrown.com

I set my sulcata tortoise Leonard up in a 13ftx8ft heated room inside each Winter (he spends Summers outside). I'd like to know that at least his basking spot is giving him enough light.
View attachment 362530
(my big, sweet boy 🥰 will miss his Summertime burrow and 2-acre pasture while he's inside over Winter 🥶)

Solarmeter 6.5R:

https://www.chewy.com/solarmeter-model-65r-uv-index-meter/dp/751734

New Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO High Output Reptile Terrarium Hood + bulb:

https://www.chewy.com/zoo-med-reptisun-t5-ho-high-output/dp/257663

-Mom of Leonard

Your tortoise is too large for basking lamps anymore and you are likely to cause carapace damage by using them.

While there is no harm in offering indoor UV to your tortoise over winter, it is completely unnecessary. Animals that live outside and have access to direct sunshine most of the year don't need indoor UV, even over winter.

I also agree with Team Zissou's assessment.