Hello
I am new to this so please forgive me if you have already discussed the topic. I bought a table for my tortoise to come (soon hopefully). Included is the basking light and a daylight. What's the difference between the twos? Also is UVB the same as the basking light?
Thanks for all your help
Regards

Hi Fredy,

The UVB lamp provides the vitamin D3 which a tortoise ususe to synthesize the calcium into shell and bone growth, but, unless it is a combined lamp,  provides no heat. The other should provise the heat so a tortoise can warm up. This needs to be placed as close to the UVB lamp as possible in order the tortoise will beneefit from the UVB whilst basking under the heat lamp.

HTH
Kindest Regards

Darren

One more question. I read somewhere that the UV light could ruin the tortoise eyes as it is un-natural, is that a fact?
Thanks

No. Tortoises need UV lighting, i have never heard of it damaging the eyes.

Ali 

I thought so till I read it. Also isn't it unnatural to have such light so close to the tortoise? UV light is great but if natural and not so close. I am all confused now.

Hi, I'm not too sure what you mean!  The highest rated UV strip light only gives out 33% UVA and 10% UVB this is nothing compared to what the sun gives out, and torts in the wild spend all day in the sun, moving under bushes/rocks to escape the heat.  In captivity the strip light has to be suspended around 6-8 inches above the torts shell in order for it to gain any benefit from the UV.

Hope this helps, regards Vivienne

Thanks a lot Vivienne! That makes more sense. It's so frustrating to find the right information.
Fredy

Hi Fredy,

UVB can damage a tortoises eyes. The best way to avoid this is to ensure you suspend the UVB lamp directly above the tortoise's enclosure. The clamps used to fix a lamp to the side of an enclosure shouldn't be used, these will shine the light directly into a tortoises eyes. A tortoise has evolved with natural protection against UVB coming from above not from the side.

HTH
Darren

Thanks Darren,
So indeed it does damage their eyes. Is it not the same as the UVB light use in the sunbed? When having sunbed we are advised to wear goggles to avoid damaging our eyes.
So the UVB light should stay far and position in a way that it is not directly facing the tortoise, am I understanding this right?
Fredy

Hi Fredy,

It can do, though it's not common.

There are certain distances various lamps should be away from the tortoise (depending on their strength) and you would need to follow the manufacturers instructions. If the UVB is too far away it will disperse and become ineffective. All UVB sources should be suspended from directly above and be fitted with shades.

HTH
Darren