hi need advice please i am using an exo terro reptiglo 10% uvb  is this ok to use ive got it going across the enclosure with a reflector which you can see when lite reflects it down into the enclosure very well. my basking lamp is not in the uvb rays does it need to be? im new to this and just got my little horsfield so need it to be right for him can anyone please advice.

many thanks

kim

Hi Kim

The reptiglo 10 is fine i used these when i first set up my torts table but plz remember that they have to be replaced every 6 months.

I had my heat bulb as close as i could get it to the uv strip so that they could bask and receive uv at the same time.

I now use Megaray combine bulbs and they are great and last much longer.

Deb

Hi Kim

The ExoTerra ReptiGlo 10.0 has quite a high UV index and the UVB includes some very-low-wavelength, more biologically-active UVB, lower than that normally found in natural sunlight. Be careful that your tortoise doesn't get really close to this tube to prevent any potential eye problems.  Ensure that the tube is a minimum distance of 6" away from your tortoise when it's head is fully stretched out .  Better still 8 - 10 inches away.  For more information see http://www.uvguide.co.uk . The bulb that provides the warm basking spot should run alongside the tube so that the tortoise stretches out and gets not only the warmth but the UVB rays too.  It needs the full spectrum of light for optimum health.  Remember UVB doesn't penetrate the shell, but is absorbed through the head and limbs of the tortoise.

HTH

Helen

thanks for the advice the uvb lamp is 8" above him may be a little more the basking lamp is at the side of it so am happy its were it should be just one thing can you turn the basking lamp off if it gets too warm above 90 until the temp drops the lamp is high up as it is so to lift it even more would make itway high the bulb is 60watt may be its too high should i drop to a 40 watt? im new to all this and want my tortoise to be happy and healthy so need to be sure am doing the right thing am sure my confidence will build.

thanks

kim

Hi Kim, it would be an idea in the warmer months to drop to a lower wattage basking lamp, go back to the 60 watt in the cooler months, or you could put the basking lamp on a dimming thermostat such as a habistat, you can set the temperature and the thermostat will turn the bulb down and up to maintain the set temp.

Regards Vivienne