UVB for red foot tortoise

Hi guys! What kind of bulb should i use for red foot tortoise, desert uvb or tropical uvb??? Reptisun has tropical and desert bulbs for reptiles.

A tropical "5.0" florescent tube light works best.
Avoid the coiled type of bulb or the compact florescent bulbs.
(since you asked)

I agree with Zeropilot.
Just wanted to add that I use a Zoo Med Reptisun 10.0 due to my tortoises being inside 4-6 months/year (I live in the northeastern US) and their enclosure being so large. It just works better for my setup.
The 10.0 can be held further from the surface and still produce as much UVB as the 5.0. If you have a smaller enclosure and your tortoises are outside 9+ months out of the year, I think you'd be good with a 5.0 or nothing at all.

Hey guys i hope you dont mind me asking over here but would this uvb light be alright for my redfoot? http://www.reptilebasics.com/arcadia-desert-12-uvb/arcadia-d3-12-uvb-t8-bulb-24/ i havent set it up yet though

Arcadia has a great reputation, last I knew.

For me the UVB rating really translates into how far the bulb is from the substrate. I use a zoo med reptisun 10.0 because my light is 15-17 inches from the substrate & tortoises. It’s rated to transmit effective UVB up to 20 inches whereas a 5.0 is only rated at 12 inches.

In your case I’d say figure out how far your light is suspended from the surface and what the effective UVB transmission distances are for the Arcadia 12 vs. 6. Then your decision should be relatively straightforward.

Thanks!

ZEROPILOT said:

A tropical "5.0" florescent tube light works best.
Avoid the coiled type of bulb or the compact florescent bulbs.
(since you asked)

Click to expand...

Thanks!

Redstrike said:

I agree with Zeropilot.
Just wanted to add that I use a Zoo Med Reptisun 10.0 due to my tortoises being inside 4-6 months/year (I live in the northeastern US) and their enclosure being so large. It just works better for my setup.
The 10.0 can be held further from the surface and still produce as much UVB as the 5.0. If you have a smaller enclosure and your tortoises are outside 9+ months out of the year, I think you'd be good with a 5.0 or nothing at all.

Click to expand...

Thanks

Lightyourreptiles has pretty good prices on uvb tubes, the only thing is the shipping is a little pricey but if you buy a few it may work out.

For example, the Arcadia 24" t8 5% is $16.66 each if you buy 3+. http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/arcadia-t-8-euro-range-5-24-inch-bulb-18-watt-super-sale/

BabyJack said:

Hi guys! What kind of bulb should i use for red foot tortoise, desert uvb or tropical uvb??? Reptisun has tropical and desert bulbs for reptiles.

Click to expand...

I would recommend a mercury vapor bulb it provides heat and uvb all in one. Problem is that they will work for 15 months or so and then stop providing uvb and only make heat. I fixed this problem BBY marking the day I got the bulb and then change it in exactly 15 months.

Tortoise lover 2000 said:

I would recommend a mercury vapor bulb it provides heat and uvb all in one. Problem is that they will work for 15 months or so and then stop providing uvb and only make heat. I fixed this problem BBY marking the day I got the bulb and then change it in exactly 15 months.

Click to expand...

MVBs are not suitable for forest species like Redfoot.

They don’t bask and don’t need any type of basking lamp.

They need a UVB tube and a Ceramic Heat Emitter with a thermostat to provide the steady constant ambient warmth that they must have day and night.

Anyone that stumbles across this ancient post..
I now suggest the newer type T5 uvb lamps over the T8 we all used previously.