light fixture distance

[chase thorn]

I have a ZooMed powersun uv 100w bulb. i am not to sure how far i should keep it from the substrate or my russian tortoise. right now its 13" from the substrate. is that to far or to close? or any other opinions would be great!

Thank You!

 

[Yvonne G]

The different brands of UVB have different instructions on the box. Have you already tossed the box?

 

[Robert]

I believe the recommendation from PowerSun is 12" from the top of the shell. I let temperature be the guide. What is the temp of the substrate beneath the light? What is the temp of your torts shell after he spends some time basking? If you don't have one, I recommend getting a temp gun. They run about $20-$30 depending on where you purchase. I got mine at HomeDepot for $26. I love it and it really helps when adjusting lights and other fixtures because you don't need to wait for a thermometer or remote temp probe to reach temp.

 

[chase thorn]

yes! the temps very from 90 to 95 around his basking area. i read everything from the box and it gave me nothing! i will have to invest in a temp gun! :]

 

[Tom]

I think the manufacturers recommendation is a good starting point, but everyone's situation is different. I know of no way to set the fixture height, other than using one or more thermometers.

 

[HipsterTorts]

I don't go any lower then 12 inches but like everyone else is saying you have to go by the temperature.