Is the Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Reptile Lamp, 26-Watt UVB lamp a good decision for my new tortoise?

Herbehh

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Is the Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Reptile Lamp, 26-Watt good for Russian tortoise?
 

Yvonne G

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No. Besides not providing very much UVB, those compact bulbs have been known to be too harsh on tortoise's eyes. My UVB light of choice is the tube type T-5 fluorescent UVB bulb:

T-5 fluorescent bulb.jpg

Then I use either a CHE:

ceramic heat emitter.jpg

or a Radiant Heat Panel:

radiant heat panel.jpg

for heat.
 

1289Gabe

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Tom

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Is the Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Reptile Lamp, 26-Watt good for Russian tortoise?
One more voice agreeing with Yvonne. These bulbs are ineffective for their stated purpose and potentially dangerous to your tortoises eyes. They should even be on the market, but they keep selling them because people keep buying them. Spread the word. Please.

Here is the care info for Russian tortoises. Most of what you find, and most of what the pet store will tell you is wrong. Questions are welcome.
 

Tom

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Why are they bad @Tom?
Because they burn themselves on them. When a tortoise feels too hot, it digs down into the earth to try to cool off. If over a heating pad, they dig down closer and closer to it and end up overheating. Why don't they just move off of it? I don't know. This is not their instinct that has helped them survive for millions of years.
 

1289Gabe

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Because they burn themselves on them. When a tortoise feels too hot, it digs down into the earth to try to cool off. If over a heating pad, they dig down closer and closer to it and end up overheating. Why don't they just move off of it? I don't know. This is not their instinct that has helped them survive for millions of years.
So should I just get rid of it, because that is his only night heat.
 

ZEROPILOT

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I also, actually have thrown away those exact same bulbs. 3 of them at about $42 each.
They are a horrible choice.
It's a lesson I won't forget.
Use a T5 HO UVB for daytime light, UVB and a CHE for day and night heat. This is both very simple and very effective.
 

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1289Gabe

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I also, actually have thrown away those exact same bulbs. 3 of them at about $42 each.
They are a horrible choice.
It's a lesson I won't forget.
Use a T5 HO UVB for daytime light, UVB and a CHE for day and night heat. This is both very simple and very effective.
Where would I put the Che?
 

ZEROPILOT

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Where would I put the Che?
I don't know what your enclosure looks like. But, can you place a rod across the top and hang the CHE on a small chain?
It'll have to be around 10" away depending on the wattage of the CHE and the type of tortoise to get the right temperature.
 

1289Gabe

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That is a great choice.
I don't know what your enclosure looks like. But, can you place a rod across the top and hang the CHE on a small chain?
It'll have to be around 10" away depending on the wattage of the CHE and the type of tortoise to get the right temperature.
Here’s my enclosure:image.jpg he likes to sleep in the covered part and the log. So how would I do the heating?
 

ZEROPILOT

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That type of enclosure is very common. But far from ideal.
Hopefully the enclosed area would provide some type of insulation and will stay warm if you place the CHE close to the opening.
DO NOT place a CHE right near the wood. They get really hot.
 

1289Gabe

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That type of enclosure is very common. But far from ideal.
Hopefully the enclosed area would provide some type of insulation and will stay warm if you place the CHE close to the opening.
DO NOT place a CHE right near the wood. They get really hot.
So should I just angle it at the opening.
 

Jdaniel

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One more voice agreeing with Yvonne. These bulbs are ineffective for their stated purpose and potentially dangerous to your tortoises eyes. They should even be on the market, but they keep selling them because people keep buying them. Spread the word. Please.

Here is the care info for Russian tortoises. Most of what you find, and most of what the pet store will tell you is wrong. Questions are welcome.
Well, doggone it, wish I had seen this before.

Probably why my box turtle recently started trying to bury himself.

Good thing that the pet store has a no hassle exchange policy!
 

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