can it be used too if you dont have a reptile fluorescent light?? i have a box turtle and i was just wondering if a regular fluorescent light can be substituted in the tank?? and can it work with water turtle?
2007-09-09 12:32:15 · 5 answers · asked by Jan 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Nope, it's not the same thing. You need a reptile light that gives off UVB lighting--it is vital to helping the reptile metabolize calcium and vitamin D3. Reptisun 10.0 and Reptiglo 8.0 are two recommended brands. Most pet stores have them. They will continue to give off light for a long time, but will lose UVB potency--most recommend changing the bulbs every 6 months to be on the safe side. Also, it needs to be within 12 inches of the basking area to be effective, and will not work through glass or plastic.
2007-09-09 13:36:11 · answer #1 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're on a budget, you can get bulbs that put off UVB at Wal-mart or Home Depot. They are made by GE and are called "sunshine". They are under $7. Make sure the package says full spectrum so you know you're getting the right thing. They put off UVB rays, buut not nearly as much as the bulbs the other people mentioned, which are of course better. The number such as 8.0 or 10.0 is the amount of UVB put off. The GE bulbs are only equivalent to a little more than 1.0.
2007-09-09 14:47:19 · answer #2 · answered by madsnakeman 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't use a 10.0 if your turtle will be less than 10 inches away from the bulb. They are too powerful and should only be used when the reptile is basking more than 10 inches below the light.
A 5.0 UVB bulb is normally enough..
2007-09-09 13:47:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It is actually a matter of whether or not you want to change your fixtures. Tube lights and CFLs use about the same amount of power but the tube lights spread the light over a larger area. I have tube lights in my kitchen and CFLs every where else in the house. But since I specifically changed the fixture to be a tube light in the kitchen( for more light), and didn't change the other fixtures for aesthetic reasons, it isn't a big deal. Either one is a major improvement over incandescent lights.
2016-05-20 22:04:34 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you do NOT need any special lighting for any amphibian, certain reptiles may need special uvb uva lighting but no turtle needs any special lighting.
2007-09-09 16:37:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋