Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is there a way to measure the wavelength? Which bulbs last the longest?

Do some have greater intensity? How do they work with D3 systhesis?

Do boxies need the desert bulb, iguana bulb or the tropical bulb?

Thanks,
Petri

Here's a link to some information about the output of many of the bulbs currently available.

http://russiantortoise.org/uvb.htm

Here's a link to the main page of the other link. You could spend a couple of hours reading all of the information contained in all of the links on this page. There is some really excellent information, even about UV meters for measuring output.

http://reptileuv.com/

Keep in mind, this site sells these products. They seem to critique all of the products without bias, but they are ultimately trying to sell stuff.

Here's yet another link to information regarding D3 synthesis

http://happyturtle.ms11.net/LIGHTING.html

And lastly, probably the most comprehensive link addressing most of the questions that you asked. This Austin dude really did some research!

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articles/guidetolighting.htm

I hope this helps. What types of turtles are you keeping, or researching the needs thereof?

Many of the bulbs are marketed under different names, but are exactly the same.

As far as the best light for boxies, it really depends. It depends on your setup, budget, age of the turtle, etc. Personally, I prefer to use the "strongest" bulb that I can afford and fit into my setup. My indoor box turtles, which are all young, hide 90% of the time. They are buried in the substrate with very little or no exposure to the lighting. When they are out, I prefer that they receive the maximum amount of UV that I can provide them. Due to predators and the constraints of my schedule, I do not place them outdoors until they reach 3" in shell length. It's really up to you to weigh all of the information and decide what is best for your situation. I hope this was helpful.

Very good links! Here's one that I found helpful.
http://www.testudo.cc/
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Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host

A Tip, a Tat minus the Fat on UBV LIGHTS ( For Petri & all)

Light for Boxies is not just for warmth/ basking.

Light being divided up into many different parts or wavelengths of energy; is essential for boxie health. But more specifically, think of the boxie's shell as one big solar collector tuned in to receive a particular part or certain wavelength of light. That portion with which we are concerned with is Ultra-Violet Light.

There are three types of UV light, respectively; UVA, UVB, and UVC.
UVC is that which we use in pond water sterilizers to kill living cells. It works great for limiting algae and killing unwanted bacteria. Naturally found above the Ozone layer; it's harmful to us and boxies alike. Not the type we want emitted from our light source.

UVA is another part of Ultraviolet Light which works on the pineal gland of our boxie; making them active, stimulating their appetite, and reproductive processes.
It makes us " FEEL" good too! It is a part of normal household light and can pass though windows.

The third and most critical part of Ultraviolet Light for our boxies is UVB.
Glass, Plexiglas, and Screening all act as a filter for UVB. As such UVB cannot pass through our modern windows or glass tops to reach our boxies. Hence the reason for having special lighting that positively affects our boxie's health and placing these to directly radiate on our boxie. Now for simplicity, we won't go into the chemical specifics on how boxies produce Vitamin D3 and how they absorb much needed calcium from food. Recently research has proven another part of UVB light termed D-UV that contributes to D3 absorption. But it's still referred to as a segment of UVB.... And a good UVB factor for boxies.

The process of utilizing D3 via UVB is termed bio-photosynthesis.

While UVB is a medium wavelength ranging from 290-320 nm. ( nanometers - how long light is measured & identified); the most optimal range for boxie bio- photosynthesis is 290-305 nm. So that's the type of artificial light we are desperately seeking.

UVB spectrum is available via fluorescent tubes, fluorescent compacts, and mercury vapor lighting. Fluorescent tubes and compacts offer the most economical choice while mercury vapor lights are costly, but provide higher intensities of UVB and last longer.

Factors that will affect your quality of UVB:

Use a good quality fixture as a lesser quality ballast will have lower UVB output. Use of a reflector will increase your UBV by 50% (even tin foil). Distance from the light to your boxie greatly affects UBV intensity and effectiveness. A 5% UVB means the lamp is emitting 5% UVB light from it's total light output, an 8% uses 8% of it's total light output not necessary more UVB. One would hope that a 10% has more UVB than an 8%; but brands vary with their actual UVB output/intensity. Generally UBV lights DECAY or lose their UBV intensity in six months or less; so it's recommended to replace them routinely.

You can monitor how much of the white light is still UVB by using a Solarmeter 6.2 UVB radiometer. This is an expensive device ($179-$250) but can save you money in knowing exactly when tubes need replacement. More info on them at URL listed below.

Mercury vapor lamps having the strongest intensity of UVB and heat should be used at greater distances than fluorescent tubes and with caution for boxies and humans alike. Consider for example, the damage to your retina, if one is looking at the sun for any length of time. Well this bulb's UVB is intense! Great for large areas.

UVB lighting is fast changing in our hi tech society so what is up to date now can be obsolete in a year or less.

From the URL addresses in this thread and a few that I'll also provide below; you can choose from many UVB lights..... And more information on the use/purchase of a SOLARMETER 6.2

However, in my opinion, ( I don't have any monetary gain from any affiliations mentioned) I have used and liked, not necessarily in the order given.

1. Arcadia 7% Compact Fluorescent

2. Reptisun 10.0 flour. tube

3. Mega Ray mercury vapor lamps

More info in detail at:

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/index.htm

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/uvb_meter_owners
*Super for learning about Solarmeters and purchasing at cost!

Hope this helps a very encompassing subject,

Ric K.

Thanks Ken and Tess for those great super links! And Ric thanks for your insightful, thorough, informative reply and the links also!
Petri