Tortoise MasterMan
Active Member
Ahh.
we should get a new thread discussing what we buy from hardware stores to replace expensive "professional" reptile keeping equipment.
I don't agree about the tubs being better than vivariums. Not for any species. Its much easier to maintain stable conditions and either moderate or high humidity, depending on the species, in a closed chamber. Testudo and other temperate species can be successfully raised in open topped enclosures, but tropical species can't.Really though. Most plastic tubs are better than vivariums, and most professional hides are worse than something you make.
I found two 65 watt Sylvania flood LED bulb in my garage, but both of them together still didn't heat it very well. I think I need to up the wattage.
I don't agree about the tubs being better than vivariums. Not for any species. Its much easier to maintain stable conditions and either moderate or high humidity, depending on the species, in a closed chamber. Testudo and other temperate species can be successfully raised in open topped enclosures, but tropical species can't.
A 65 watt LED would light up an entire parking lot. I have 4 pole mounted 49 watt LEDs that light up my entire 5 acre ranch at night. The labeling can be confusing. Unless we are talking about a very large bulb that lights up a large outdoor area, what you have is a 65 watt bulb "replacement'. Meaning the bulb is intended to replace the 65 watt incandescent bulb, produce a similar amount of light, but use a lot less electricity. LED bulbs don't produce heat... And they aren't 65 watts. If you read the package a little closer, you'll see that they are producing the equivalent amount of light that you'd get from an incandescent 65 watt bulb. They probably use somewhere around 9-10 watts.
I changed to CHE bulbs. Much better heat.I found two 65 watt Sylvania flood LED bulb in my garage, but both of them together still didn't heat it very well. I think I need to up the wattage.
I use regular 65 watt floods from the hardware store. Phillips or Sylvania. I buy them in 6 or 12 packs so I always have extras on hand. Adjust the height to get the correct basking temp under them. You can also go higher or lower wattage as needed to get the correct temp under your bulb.
Those should work in a hooded fixture. You might have to move them closer to the tortoises. Your thermometer will tell you.Hi tom. im currently having problems getting a br30 incandescent flood bulb here in my country. is a regular 40w incandescent bulb and a reflector fixture good enough? this is what i found
hi thank yoi for replying!!! can you guys help me?Those should work in a hooded fixture. You might have to move them closer to the tortoises. Your thermometer will tell you.