Which lights to use?

[Ktpithoud]

Hey!! New owner to a Russian tortoise! I have an indoor encloser set up for him. I have the uvb and heat lamp pair, but I’m worried it’s not producing enough heat. The uvb is a 5.0 13 watt and the heat lamp is a 50 watt. I have the unit set up on one side. Looking for advice

 

[wellington]

You need a straight tube fluorescent for uvb.
Flood incandescent 65 watt for basking.
A ceramic heat emitter for any needed extra day heat and if night heat is needed.

 

[Ktpithoud]

You need a straight tube fluorescent for uvb.
Flood incandescent 65 watt for basking.
A ceramic heat emitter for any needed extrat day heat and if night heat is needed.

This is his current set up. I'm not sure if a tube light would work.

 

[wellington]

You have to make it work. It's the only uvb bulb that should be used.
Those combo fixtures are really a bad purchase. They limit what needs to be.
The mercury vapor bulb, halogens and coil bulbs should not be used for uvb. Coil can damage eyes and is not meant to hang vertical. The other two are too intense and can cause pyramiding even in the highest of humidity.

 

[wellington]

This is his current set up. I'm not sure if a tube light would work.

Although cute enclosure not really appropriate for a tortoise.
A hatchling needs a closed chamber for about 2-3 years. An adult needs a 4x8 foot enclosure.
That double disc temp/humidity gauge is worthless and too high. Get a digital and put it at tortoise height.
Set the tube florescent on one of the two screen mesh, under it would be better if there is enough height room.
A clay saucer water dish is needed if not already in there.

 

[Ktpithoud]

You have to make it work. It's the only uvb bulb that should be used.
Those combo fixtures are really a bad purchase. They limit what needs to be.
The mercury vapor bulb, halogens and coil bulbs should not be used for uvb. Coil can damage eyes and is not meant to hang vertical. The other two are too intense and can cause pyramiding even in the highest of humidity.

So can you send me possible options to make it work with my current set up?

 

[wellington]

Put an incandescent flood bulb in one side of the fixtures you have. Leave the other empty or put in a regular led bulb for added light
Buy a uvb tube florescent bulb and fixture lay on top of the flat mesh top or hang inside from the same flat mesh top.
If your house doesn't get too cold at night, you won't need night heat.
If added day heat is needed , which is likely in that enclosure, then get a ceramic heat emitter and a single domed fixture for it and hang it inside the slanted mesh top.
Get a digital thermostat and a point and shoot infrared temp gun.
Temps for day should range 75-80, make the most covered parts the coolest area of 75. Basking area should be 95-100 the rest of the enclosure should be 80.
Night can be 65-70.

 

[Tom]

So can you send me possible options to make it work with my current set up?

Hello and welcome. I missed this thread when you posted a few days ago. Read this thread, and look for the heating/lighting breakdown and the temperate species care sheet near the bottom:

Info For New People. Please Read This First.

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