Request - Guide for Mercury Bulbs

[TortoiseMan]

Hey people,

Just got a new supervisor where I work who has messed up with out terrapin's set-up and decided to place the bulb too close to his basking spot, and she is not wanting to move it (or moves it back when we move it!) until we can get instructions from a experienced keeper.

So could someone create a guide to use a bulb preferable with references to past experiences with terrapins or turtles. Including distance from basking spot and other important details.

Thanks very much in advance!
TM

 

[montana]

Temperature is your guide .and that is dependent on your tort..

Most lights come with instructions and proper distances for use ...

Sun light is best [not through glass ] .UV bulbs deteriorate quickly with no visible sign and need to be replaced often [6 months or so ]..

 

[Madkins007]

If this is a Mercury Vapor Bulb with UVB, the recommended distance is 12" or more. The UVB rays come out in a specific pattern, and too close and the UVB beam is a tiny spot that does not help the animal - like trying to bask on a dime-sized basking point. At 12" it is usually a circle big enough for the whole animal to bask in.

If it is NOT a UVB bulb, then you base it on temps. We generally are looking for about 90f/32c.

 

[NEtorts]

i would agree with the instructions, what bulb are you using with this perticular tank ? do you have the instructions that came with the bulb?

 

[TortoiseMan]

Hey people,

Sorry for delay, been very busy!

It is a Mercury Vapor Bulb with UVB, sorry about not being precise just didn't have time as I was just about to start work!

The temperature is too hot we've checked it with a thermometer and its around 40c (around the temperature of my reptile room! Externally ofc! ) and we cannot find the instructions....

So if you could email me a simple printable set of instruction it would be great! PM me for my email.

TM

 

[montana]

I got the instructions for my zoomed powersun .

It is not going to tell you what you want to know ..

It says all animals should be able to get a minimum of 12 inches from the light and have a cool area at least 24 inches from the light ...

Look .. You don`t want to burn your reptile .. Keeping this in mind adjust your light to the basking spot according to required temperature for your reptile .. Try to keep 12 inches or so for safeties sake ..If more heat is needed [I haven`t seen it ] Up the wattage of your bulb or add another plain bulb in conjunction with your UVB..

Its not rocket physics many little kids do it every day ...

 

[Fernando]

I got the instructions for my zoomed powersun .

It is not going to tell you what you want to know ..

It says all animals should be able to get a minimum of 12 inches from the light and have a cool area at least 24 inches from the light ...

Look .. You don`t want to burn your reptile .. Keeping this in mind adjust your light to the basking spot according to required temperature for your reptile .. Try to keep 12 inches or so for safeties sake ..If more heat is needed [I haven`t seen it ] Up the wattage of your bulb or add another plain bulb in conjunction with your UVB..


Its not rocket physics many little kids do it every day ...

I believe he was just requesting some type of proof to show his supervisor what is the correct way to place the bulb. I'm sure he knows it's too close...

Unfortunately there isn't any actual directions how far to place the bulb for the specific animal. The information that has been provided is just based off of everyones experience. I would suggest printing out this thread and showing your supervisor what has been said if he won't believe your words.

Edit: Unless someone has a better idea

 

[Madkins007]

If you go to http://www.uvguide.co.uk they have charts showing the outputs of various bulbs. Of course, now that I look, I see that the important section is closed. Try http://www.ReptileUVinfo.com to see what they offer.

(I'm at work, and a lot of sites and options are blocked here, so I cannot look it up for you.)

 

[TortoiseMan]

Ok, thanks people for the advice.

There has been a change of plans, a much simpiler solution (not the cheapest tho). We are giving him an upgrade of enclosures and I'm helping to plan it! Yeah! So the plan is now to prevent people moving the bulb! Hurray!

Thanks alot
TM