UV meter
- Thread starter er9m
- Start date
There is only one on the market that measures the spectrum we need to know about. I believe ZooMed sticks their own label on it now and sells it through their channels. This might be the easiest way for you to get one in the EU. Here is the link:
https://www.solarmeter.com/model65.html
There are many opinions about how much UV is needed and for how long each day. Not much is "known" and most recommendations, including mine, are simply based on something that has produced satisfactory results for a tortoise keeper. A lower level of UVI 2-3 can run all day. A higher level of 5-7 should only run about 3 hours mid day. The latter more closely simulates the UV spike that happens outside daily.
https://www.solarmeter.com/model65.html
There are many opinions about how much UV is needed and for how long each day. Not much is "known" and most recommendations, including mine, are simply based on something that has produced satisfactory results for a tortoise keeper. A lower level of UVI 2-3 can run all day. A higher level of 5-7 should only run about 3 hours mid day. The latter more closely simulates the UV spike that happens outside daily.
Thanks for advice. Sadly, but it's not so cheap. Is there other ways to decide, how much UV bulb and at what height needed? For example, if i own this 80W bulb http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/solar_glo.php, according to given table, at what height it should be and for how long per day/week?
Without a meter, we are all just guessing.
Here's a secret for you: UV tubes put out good UV for much longer than the manufacturers say. There is no need to replace UV tubes every six months. More like every three years, so says my meter. Buying the meter now will save you a ton of money down the road, AND make sure your tortoise is getting what it needs.
