What wattage would a 2 inch turtle in a ten gallon tank need for a UV light? Could I buy the UV at home depot?

Question

I was wondering about the wattage and is a home Depot UV lite the same as one at a petstore?

Answer 1

Welcome!! I checked your stats, you're doing well!!!
I have often used a plant light in a pinch, they are less expensive than the reptile lights found in pet stores, and my animals have thrived with them. I generally use nothing stronger than an 85 watt bulb, doing reptile rescue, I've seen too many injuries by UV bulb, they can leave some horrible burns and nasty scars.

Answer 2

You can get a plant light from home depot that has UVA But the reptile bulb from the pet stores emits UVB which is very important for your reptile health. UVB is main source of vitamin D3 it's a vitamin all living things need and can only be found in sunlight. Pet stores have a new socket type UVB/UVA bulb that you can use in an inexpensive incadecent light fixture. The bulb runs about $20 and if your handy you can rigg up some sort of fixture. Or buy an incadecent fixture for your 10 gallon tank about $15 - $20

Answer 3

UV is not the same as UVB. If the bulb does not brag about UVB, don't bother. I have not seen a bulb at the Depot that offers UVB.

By the way, start thinking about a bigger tank as well.

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