Hi I have swapped my MVB for a che plus strip light so hopefully it won't dessicate my tort shell. Problem being I can't seem to get it up to temperature, I have a thermostat and can't get my head round why it won't heat up enough
What’s the wattage on the CHE? Can you share pics of the enclosure? What are you doing for the UV? Have to ask lots of question to make sure that you get safe answers...Hi I have swapped my MVB for a che plus strip light so hopefully it won't dessicate my tort shell. Problem being I can't seem to get it up to temperature, I have a thermostat and can't get my head round why it won't heat up enough
This is where I'm up to with the advice I got from this site. I have a Russian.
Yes thank you, I have asked many before so I think I've nearly got it right. ...
I don't know how else to explain it other than what I did above.Right, so if I put the mvb back in the fitting move the strip light over to the middle/right side to spread light throughout. I need to raise the ambient temperature as its too cold overnight I believe, we are currently at the coldest time of year where I am
I can test T5 5.0, T5 10.0 and T8 5.0 (REPTISUN)for anyone that asks. But I have no access to anything but these tubes to test.I don't know how else to explain it other than what I did above.
Your UVB strip is way too high to give any UVB at tortoise level. The only way to get it right is a UVB meter. Perhaps @ZEROPILOT has some readings from a 7% he can share to give you and idea of height. The UVB light is designed to provide UVB. IT is not a good ambient light as it is in the 7000k - 8000k color range.
MVBs we don't like at all.
This is way more complex than I thought it would be. Give me some time and I'll get it right.
I'll get rid of the mvb and replace with a basking bulb and get more uvb strips to link together and lower them to a more suitable level.
If I get led strips like what people have in their kitchens etc?
It's difficult when you get told to buy different things as people have conflicting ideas and ways of doing it. I just want to get it right
You don't need more UVB strips. The one you have is fine. IF you replace the 7% with a 12% bulb, and lower to about 20" it would be perfect. Just need to lower it with the 7%. Change the MVB to a regular incandescent BR30 flood bulb and hang next to the UVB. PUt the CHE over the other end of your enclosure on a thermostat to keep the hide/sleeping area to the minimum ambient you want.
You can buy LED bulbs that look like and replace the old incandescent bulbs. Just look for ones that have a 5000k - 6000k color rating. IF they list a CRI of 90+ they are very good bulbs and that is what you want if you can find it. You can easily find on Amazon. You can use a regular dome fixture for this bulb. 2 over your enclosure would be great ambient lighting.
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Yes, we have the same issue in California where incandescent bulbs are illegal to sell. However, "specialty" incandescents can be sold. So we are forced to buy the very overpriced reptile brands. Just be sure you get an A19 style bulb or a BR30 type. Stay away from the spot bulbs which would be technically listed as "PAR30".Hi Markw34, i have been hunting for the basking bulb you recommend, I have scoured the Internet and I have been to electrical wholesalers. I just found out that in the UK we are unable to get incandescent bulbs. I shall go to my local pet shop and see what they can offer what kind of bulb am I after what wouldn't be an MVB. Sorry for the mithering