UVB life

Tom

The Dog Trainer
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does Arcadia have the same size lamp? would be a smart investment
Yes, but the Arcadia 12% HO tube is a little stronger and must be mounted a little farther away. You've got a good bulb. You just need a meter to set the correct height and tell you when to replace it. The meter will pay for itself, since you aren't buying a new bulb every six months, AND you'll know for sure how much UV your tortoise is getting at all times.
 

Kylee L.

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Yes, but the Arcadia 12% HO tube is a little stronger and must be mounted a little farther away. You've got a good bulb. You just need a meter to set the correct height and tell you when to replace it. The meter will pay for itself, since you aren't buying a new bulb every six months, AND you'll know for sure how much UV your tortoise is getting at all times.
ok, the way his enclosure is set up I have options to mount it a good distance if needed. what kind of meter, I've never heard of anything like that lol. I'm prepared to invest in a healthy tortoise as long as it's not a ridiculous number... then I can do with less expensive for now How much UVB is he supposed to be getting? just when I think ive learned all the major points, here comes another lol
 

Tom

The Dog Trainer
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ok, the way his enclosure is set up I have options to mount it a good distance if needed. what kind of meter, I've never heard of anything like that lol. I'm prepared to invest in a healthy tortoise as long as it's not a ridiculous number... then I can do with less expensive for now How much UVB is he supposed to be getting? just when I think ive learned all the major points, here comes another lol
This is the meter:
https://www.solarmeter.com/model65.html

Opinion vary on how much UV. There are two ways to look at it:

  1. Higher amounts of UV for shorter periods each day, to simulate what happens outside. UVI readings of 5-7 for 3-4 hours a day here.
  2. Lower amounts of UV left on all day. UVI reading of 2-4 here.
 

Sterant

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I generally have to replace those bulbs after 2.5 to 3 years. As they slowly weaken over time, I lower the fixture until I can;t safely lower it anymore - then I replace them.
 
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