I wondered if anyone could point me to the appropriate UVB output bulbs for a Testudo graeca ibera approximately 7 months old and 2 Jordanian or Jordanian/Antakyan cross approximately 1 year olds. I've been using an Exoterra Reptiglo 5.0 UVB and 75 watt UVA basking bulb combo for the summer but the temps are getting way too hot with that configuration (I don't want to cook or dehydrate the little guys!). It also makes the very small spaces nearly inaccessible with all the clamp lamps and stands. I was looking into the long fluorescents for UVB/UVA for space efficiency but the output is still only 5% UVB and 30% UVA (for heat I was thinking a small watt halogen). What outputs should they actually be getting?
I really need to consider watt consumption also as we recently moved to a new apartment that is prone to blown fuses so the more efficient the better. The 5.0 long bulbs (24") are 20W and the halogen basking are 50W so I'd have 190W total for the rest of the warm months. I would probably just add back the ceramic bulbs come winter to keep temps up and/or switch out the halogen for my 75W basking bulbs.
(I should probably add that I'm particularly concerned about lighting and UVA/UVB levels because the ibera appears to be showing some classic signs of hatchling failure syndrome via MBD - despite treatment in June for parasites - still puffy, sleeps in water dish sometimes, drinks A LOT*, wildly sporadic appetite*, not particularly impressive activity levels*, even for a baby, very soft plastron near the center that seems to be getting worse not better* - I have to be doing something wrong and even if I can't bring this one back - I REALLY HOPE I CAN - I don't want to continue to do wrong for the others - *have been present issues since I got him that have not improved or gotten worse)
(The other details too, if anyone will want to know them: each tortoise in its own 2' by 1' pine box enclosure 1/3 eco earth 2/3 aspen shavings, mist eco earth to try to keep eco earth as humid end but am adding a humid hide box with a damp sponge attached to the interior to boost the humidity from 40% to 60%, offer at least a small feeding daily either organic spring mix/baby lettuces or moistened tortoise pellet with calcium dust, less often dandelion, turnip, mizuna, or radish greens and plantain. Ambient air about 80 daytime, 70 nighttime, basking at least 95 but it has been over 105 with my lighting configuration which is why I'd like to change it)
Thanks in advance!
I really need to consider watt consumption also as we recently moved to a new apartment that is prone to blown fuses so the more efficient the better. The 5.0 long bulbs (24") are 20W and the halogen basking are 50W so I'd have 190W total for the rest of the warm months. I would probably just add back the ceramic bulbs come winter to keep temps up and/or switch out the halogen for my 75W basking bulbs.
(I should probably add that I'm particularly concerned about lighting and UVA/UVB levels because the ibera appears to be showing some classic signs of hatchling failure syndrome via MBD - despite treatment in June for parasites - still puffy, sleeps in water dish sometimes, drinks A LOT*, wildly sporadic appetite*, not particularly impressive activity levels*, even for a baby, very soft plastron near the center that seems to be getting worse not better* - I have to be doing something wrong and even if I can't bring this one back - I REALLY HOPE I CAN - I don't want to continue to do wrong for the others - *have been present issues since I got him that have not improved or gotten worse)
(The other details too, if anyone will want to know them: each tortoise in its own 2' by 1' pine box enclosure 1/3 eco earth 2/3 aspen shavings, mist eco earth to try to keep eco earth as humid end but am adding a humid hide box with a damp sponge attached to the interior to boost the humidity from 40% to 60%, offer at least a small feeding daily either organic spring mix/baby lettuces or moistened tortoise pellet with calcium dust, less often dandelion, turnip, mizuna, or radish greens and plantain. Ambient air about 80 daytime, 70 nighttime, basking at least 95 but it has been over 105 with my lighting configuration which is why I'd like to change it)
Thanks in advance!