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I just got this new UVB bulb for my russian tortoise and I'm wondering if it'll hurt his eyes..
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Will this UVB bulb hurt my tortoise's eyes .?
- Thread starter Moonlights
- Start date
I just got this new UVB bulb for my russian tortoise and I'm wondering if it'll hurt his eyes..
Most likely. Those are one of the types of coil bulbs we do not recommend using. Not everyone has had problems with them. However, we have seen a lot of problems on here with them. So, why chance it.
It may or may not. Some of them do, and some of them don't. I wouldn't use one of those.
I would not use it for my tortoises. How old is your Russian?
reptisun 10.0/5.0 or a powersun are the only uvb producing bulbs I would ever use....... I use them for my torts for the same reason I use them for my beardies. They give of the most UVB and they do not have a history of damaging reptiles eyes. + the reptisuns last forever and run the full length of your enclosure if you get the proper size which will ensure your tort is always getting the rays 
You can get a cheap fixture for them at walmart and can install them on the inside of your tank. A lot of bearded dragon forums have examples of this and there are videos on youtube giving instructions. GoodLuck!
You can get a cheap fixture for them at walmart and can install them on the inside of your tank. A lot of bearded dragon forums have examples of this and there are videos on youtube giving instructions. GoodLuck!- Joined
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Currently I got a fluorescent tube light in there that provides heat and SUPPOSEDLY some UVB is produced by tube lights . Like the kind they use in an aquarium
Moonlights said:
You can use a tube bulb that is designed to fit in that fixture that will give off UV.
Those bulbs don't usually give off any heat. You will still need a basking bulb. I use 65 watt incandescent bulbs from the hardware store for this. Adjust the height of the fixture to get the right baking temp.
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It's not supposed to fix into any fixture, it just a fluorescent tube. It keeps the whole cage at around 75-82 degrees at all times
Moonlights said:
Besides the fact fluorescent bulbs do not give off heat, they do not give off UVB either, unless it says it does. An ordinary fluorescent tube bulb does not give UVB.
Just wanted to make sure your using the right bulb and that you add heat if your tort needs it.
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Re: RE: Will this UVB bulb hurt my tortoise's eyes .?
Full spectrum florescent light tubes used in aquariums do not provide any adequate UVB for reptiles. It needs to be a specific UVB tube for reptiles. For a Russian tort desert 10% UVB bulb series is recommended. Zoomed would be one of the more reputable brands.
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Moonlights said:
Full spectrum florescent light tubes used in aquariums do not provide any adequate UVB for reptiles. It needs to be a specific UVB tube for reptiles. For a Russian tort desert 10% UVB bulb series is recommended. Zoomed would be one of the more reputable brands.
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Can I use the Exo-Terra reptile uvb bulb for my Sulcata tortoise?reptisun 10.0/5.0 or a powersun are the only uvb producing bulbs I would ever use....... I use them for my torts for the same reason I use them for my beardies. They give of the most UVB and they do not have a history of damaging reptiles eyes. + the reptisuns last forever and run the full length of your enclosure if you get the proper size which will ensure your tort is always getting the rays
What species are we talking about?
Are you aware that your tortoise also needs a warmer basking area where it can get its body temp up into the high 90's?
Depends on what type. If its a screw in cfl type, then no, I would not use it. If its the long tube type, then it should be fine. Just know that regular UV tubes will need to be fairly close to the tortoise to get any UV benefit. No more than about 12".
A good UV meter is essential for assessing this.
