The Tortoise Tree
Active Member
Just a strait forward question. What is better?
Just a strait forward question. What is better?
Thanks, I will be housing a red-footYou should not use the coiled type of fluorescent bulb. They are known to damage the eyes of tortoises. It is best to use straight tube fluorescent bulbs. They come in many lengths and strengths. Depending on what type of tortoise you have, the strength of the bulb needed will vary. What species do you want to keep under the light?
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OK, in that case you should get a bulb with only 5.0 UVB rather than 10.0. The Redfoots do not need a lot of UVB so put the bulb at one end of the enclosure and leave the other end darker so the tortoise can feel as though he can get out of the light if he wants. In the wild, they live in heavily forested areas and not a lot of sunlight reaches the forest floor. This is why I am saying to give the tortoise a weaker UV bulb and not try to illuminate the entire enclosure with it.Thanks, I will be housing a red-foot
ThanksOK, in that case you should get a bulb with only 5.0 UVB rather than 10.0. The Redfoots do not need a lot of UVB so put the bulb at one end of the enclosure and leave the other end darker so the tortoise can feel as though he can get out of the light if he wants. In the wild, they live in heavily forested areas and not a lot of sunlight reaches the forest floor. This is why I am saying to give the tortoise a weaker UV bulb and not try to illuminate the entire enclosure with it.
Also Redfoot tortoises do not bask, so you really don't need a basking light for it.
ThanksHigh quality, reliable Redfoot UVB can be had for just $50 from BIG ALS PETS or LLL REPTILES.
This is an HO T5 "5.0" fixture with the tube included.