Help please (lighting)
- Thread starter Rina_CK
- Start date
Hello!
It's better to have separate lights. All-in-one lamps are desiccating for tortoise shells, more expensive in the long run and you still will need a separate basking lamp to provide high enough temperature in the basking area. So it's better to get a flood basking lamp (and use it with this holder) and T5 tube for UVB.
Sure.
UVB Lamps (only two are recommended as chinese lamps have quality/safety issues):
1. ZooMed Reptisun T5 HO. https://zoomed.com/reptisun-t5-ho-terrarium-hood-with-10-0-bulb/
2. Arcadia ProT5 Desert 12%. https://www.arcadiareptile.com/lighting/prot5/
Basking lamps:
1. Arcadia Solar Basking Infrared Floodlight - https://www.arcadiareptile.com/heating/solar-basking-lamps/
2. ExoTerra Daylight Basking Spot - https://exo-terra.com/products/lighting/basking-spots/daylight-basking-spot-75w/ (don't confuse with Intense Basking Spot)
3. There are many more, look for similar shaped bulbs with frosted/faceted glass, but not halogen lamps. Less known brands are okay to use.
Of course, you can post links here before ordering something so we can double-check.
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
Sigh, pet shops do this all the time it’s so annoying! Whilst yes it can technically work, it’s by no means the safest or most efficient option and can cause issues down the line, they’re just genuinely not worth it, definitely go with the above recommendations
Basking lamp is fine (if it's a frosted glass, like on photos).
UVB lamp is not suitable. I quickly looked at Shopee - there are no Arcadia or ZooMed UVB T5 lamps. Probably, you'll need to order them from abroad. Or, if it's not possible at all, you'll have to use a lamp like this: https://shopee.com.my/Giangarden-Cl...l-Set-Timer-Switch-T5-i.696427845.24077179668 (or similar T5 kit from Repti Zoo or Nomoy Pet). Tests show, however, that these lamps have potential health risks. It would be better to take your tortoise outside for 15 minutes daily under natural sunlight (at 10-11AM when UV index is between 3 and 5).
Ok I found this other types are Amy of these ok?
Also for a tube light like this how do I hang it.
The basking light yes it looks like frosted bulb. How many watts would I need to use for an enclosure big as in the image attached.
Do you have a guide as to where these lights should be placed? Like basking light above its hideout or where.
I'm from Malaysia, so it's mostly sunny. I do let it walk around my porch for 30 min or so almost everyday unless I'm out. But I would want to have the light placed if I need it.
Also for a tube light like this how do I hang it.
The basking light yes it looks like frosted bulb. How many watts would I need to use for an enclosure big as in the image attached.
Do you have a guide as to where these lights should be placed? Like basking light above its hideout or where.
I'm from Malaysia, so it's mostly sunny. I do let it walk around my porch for 30 min or so almost everyday unless I'm out. But I would want to have the light placed if I need it.
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Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
If you can give safe daily uv outdoors you’ll get away without having indoor uv
1. These are lamps without holder (fixture).
2. All of these are chinese brands and you can't be certain that this lamp model by this factory from that series is safe and effective. Quality varies greatly even if the box and naming stay the same. If really want to have a backup (e.g. when tortoise stays inside for two weeks or more) - you can get one of these kits and use it only in emergency cases.
3. Usually tube lamp fixtures have brackets with a hole for a screw (for attaching the lamp to a ceiling), these brackets can be used to attach a metallic cord or chain and tie the other end to greenhouse frame.
With a basking lamp - get a 50W (I guess room temperatures are high enough in your climate). Place it 10-12 inches high over the basking area.
Standard lamp placement is following:
1. Basking and UVB lamp are placed over one end of the enclosure.
2. Night hide is on the cold side. However, you can add another hide near basking area so tortoise can choose where to stay.
Unfortunately, it's Repti Zoo (purposely confusing chinese brand), not ZooMed. As suggested earlier - you can use it in emergency cases, when can not bring your tortoise outside for sunbathing for more than two-three weeks.
Yes, to maintain temperature at night you will need a CHE on a thermostat. It's better to place it in the middle so it heats the whole box.
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
Having your ceramic on a thermostat is essentially something that controls the temperature range for you, thermostats are for safety, they turn the bulb on/off as and when needed so your enclosure doesn’t get too hot or too cold
Ah got it thank for this. Just one last thing out of all this brands of the tube lights attached which would tou advice to go with?Having your ceramic on a thermostat is essentially something that controls the temperature range for you, thermostats are for safety, they turn the bulb on/off as and when needed so your enclosure doesn’t get too hot or too cold
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1. ExoTerra basking lamp is fine. 100W can be too much for "closed chamber", start with 75W or even 50W.
2. Out of the last 4 UVB tubes I would give a chance to ReptiZoo Desert (if it's sold with a fixture). Or Giangarden kit, posted earlier in this thread. It's still a lottery, though.
ExoTerra lamps are T8 lamps (older and weaker), but 10.0 lamp models are usable in a double lamp fixture (sold separately).
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
I trust Alex with his suggestions, personally I’d want either the zoo med or Arcadia because they’re the most reliable but if you can’t get your hands on those I’d go with what Alex says
Arcadia, ZooMed or Reptile Systems are reliable and safe options. Any chinese lamps (unfortunately) - not. So I would use them only as a last resort when natural sunlight can't be provided for prolonged time.
ThanksI trust Alex with his suggestions, personally I’d want either the zoo med or Arcadia because they’re the most reliable but if you can’t get your hands on those I’d go with what Alex says
Got it thanks alot
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