How often should the UVB bulb for a turtle be changed?
2007-05-04 04:27:27 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Depending on the brand, about once a year. Some bulbs aren't as hardy and need to be replaced every 6 months, wich isn't a bad idea to be sure that they are still getting the proper amount of UVB. Some companies have something set up online that you sign up when you buy your light and then they e-mail you when it's time to change the bulb, I know Exo-Terra does this.
2007-05-04 06:53:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The easy answer is every 6 months.
The harder answer is when the UVB output drops.
Every bulb, even different bulbs form the exact same lot, will burn off the coating and chemicals that produce the UVB rays at different rates. Most of them loose about 40% effectiveness in just a few weeks!
You can use some kinds of light meters to test this yourself, but keepers who have studies this find that if you do not have a meter of your own, every 6 months is a safe enough estimate. You can push it to 8 months if your animal does not need UVB heavily (such as a deep forest species or a fully aquatic water turtle that does not bask often.)
Even if yours burned out a few weeks earlier, those few weeks rarely impact the health of the animal as it is the long-term exposures that do the work.
2007-05-04 08:14:10 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you referring to a true UV output fluorescent tube? (A screw in incandescent heat type bulb doesn't emit UV rays, I don't care what the box says. They can emit visible light but not true UV) If so, every 6 months. If you have money to burn and want the best for your turtle, every 3-4 months. Even though the bulb will still emit light, the spectrum deteriorates after about 3-4 months. Also, is the bulb within say 8 inches of a basking area for the turtle? If the bulb is 12 inches away for example, it isn't doing too much for the turtle....he/she needs to be within 8" away to reap the benefits.
By the way, I am glad to hear you are using a UV bulb for your turtle! Most people don't want to spend the money! They are pricey (about $20-$30 a tube) and the fixture is more expensive than a screw in bulb incandescent.
Good luck!
2007-05-04 04:39:09 · answer #3 · answered by petstorepatty 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
sure, that is one hundred p.c. mandatory. considering that maximum reptiles can create their personal calcium that is up peons to supplement it. Now it would not be counted how a lot we function in the experience that they can't take up it. it really is the position if u don't have a UVB gentle, the turtle receives metabolic bone disease. And the shell also favor the UVB gentle to grown and stay healthful. the only reptiles that do not favor the UVB gentle are nocturnal reptiles, along with leopard geckos, crested geckos and many kinds of snakes. even as bearded dragons, iguanas, turtles and tortoises so needthe UVB gentle.
2016-12-05 08:26:04 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every 6 months. Also the bulbs have a blue tint. Turn it on with all other lights being off. If the bulb no longer is bluish, but pure white be sure to replace it.
2007-05-04 04:30:40 · answer #5 · answered by Jay G 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
when it burns out. Be sure you use a black light heat bulb for nighttime as well
2007-05-04 04:30:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hello, when they burn out ..not making fun of you..just the truth..there are different strengths is all ..Take Care :)
2007-05-04 04:30:58 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋