UVB Light & Set-up concerns
Posted: 27 May 2017, 10:46
Good morning!
I have had my beloved Torkoal (horsefield tortoise) for maybe 8-9 months, I hear that mercury vapour bulbs can 'wear out' so even though they still work light-wise, they stop giving off as much UVB, is this the case?
I tend to get a mercury vapour bulb, more expensive than heat and UVB together but I am happy with them for ease of use and only needing a singe light fitting. https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/reptil ... our-bulbs/
There are numerous wattages, I have no idea which one would be best for my tortoise based on the table set-up
He has a window which shines sunlight over the table for at least 5-7hours a day also, but does the window affect the UVB?
Heatwise, the table has a radiator on both sides, they are triggered to keep the temperature at least 18degrees at night and 26 degrees during the day, the temperature under the lamp is, I believe, around 28-30 (I have tried using a digital thermometer but it didnt work at all)
FYI the thermostat for the radiators happens to be about 8 feet from the tortoise table. I feel the heat is just fine for him right now, anyone disagree? Always looking for alternative ideas!
Many thanks!
(Credit where credit is due, I did not make the table, it is from petandtortoiseworld.co.uk, they were super accommodating, my table is double the size of their usual tables but they were happy to enlarge it for a very modest fee! Came in a flat-pack style box and super easy to put together, even for me!)
EDIT - I should of put this in the Enclosures sub-forum...apologies!
I have had my beloved Torkoal (horsefield tortoise) for maybe 8-9 months, I hear that mercury vapour bulbs can 'wear out' so even though they still work light-wise, they stop giving off as much UVB, is this the case?
I tend to get a mercury vapour bulb, more expensive than heat and UVB together but I am happy with them for ease of use and only needing a singe light fitting. https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/reptil ... our-bulbs/
There are numerous wattages, I have no idea which one would be best for my tortoise based on the table set-up
He has a window which shines sunlight over the table for at least 5-7hours a day also, but does the window affect the UVB?
Heatwise, the table has a radiator on both sides, they are triggered to keep the temperature at least 18degrees at night and 26 degrees during the day, the temperature under the lamp is, I believe, around 28-30 (I have tried using a digital thermometer but it didnt work at all)
FYI the thermostat for the radiators happens to be about 8 feet from the tortoise table. I feel the heat is just fine for him right now, anyone disagree? Always looking for alternative ideas!
Many thanks!
(Credit where credit is due, I did not make the table, it is from petandtortoiseworld.co.uk, they were super accommodating, my table is double the size of their usual tables but they were happy to enlarge it for a very modest fee! Came in a flat-pack style box and super easy to put together, even for me!)
EDIT - I should of put this in the Enclosures sub-forum...apologies!