Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a very nice fixture I would like to use but I don't know if the bulbs that fit it are suitable for a tortoise.

The bulbs in question are PowerCompact rated 6700Kelvin. These are rated for a Reef tank and not for chelonians.
These 22" bulbs are a square 4 pin set-up. Made by Custom Sea life. They have different wattages 36/55/96. They also have different bulbs rated different Kelvin amounts. They even have actinic bulbs if this would work????

The main problem is that they don't list anything about UVA or UVB light which I have read is required for good Vitamin D assimilation.

I really like this hood, it has a fan in it and looks really nice. I also paid over $350 for it when I was a REEF-HEAD. Anyone know of any bulbs on the market that will fit my needs?

Other pertinant information would be
Size of tortoise table 4.5' x 3.5'
Tortoise species is P.A. Brygooi

The picture attatched is very similiar but it has only 2 dual bulbs instead of 4.

Thanks,
SushiKing

I can't tell you exactly but if it is set up for a Reef Tank the chances are that it would be great for a tortoise. I understand that a reef system basically does not survive unless it has a lighting system that is almost identical to natural sunlight. The believe the idea of using metal halide lights for herps stems from this.
Ed

Are there folks currently using Metal Halides on their tortoises with good results? Do you know if there have been studies on whether the excessive light could cause retinal damage?

Also, I'd like to grow some weeds and grasses indoors for my torts this winter; would it be safe to use a Metal Halide on this type of fodder? Or would the light possibly affect the plants in a way that could be negatively passed on to the torts?

Thanks!

Becca

I don't have any first hand knowledge on the use of these. I only know that they've been used in the fish industry for many years now. I'm also under the impression that metal halide lamps are the same as mercury vapor lamps or Mercury vapor lamps are metal halides. Now the place to look into this is Europe or European based groups. The German and the Swedish are usually big on this sort of thing because of the environment they have to deal with.
I'll look into it further because I'm curious about this also.
The part about the eye damage has come up time and again and once again there is no evidence to support that it does cause eye damage. (Either controlled or anecdotal)
I hope sombody else will jump in here.
Ed

Metal halides throw out a different spectrum of light than do mercury vapors.You can get this info off any grow light shop on the internet.Halide lights cost a fortune to burn.

Both of these bulb types are designed to give high output in the blue end of the light spectrum - which corrals prefer. They do not necessarily give off UVB light. I would sell your hood and go with a mercury vapour - which are different from metal hallides.

HTH

Adam
-----
Adam
http://anraviary.cjb.net
0.0 African Sidenecked, 0.0 Northern Diamondback Terrapin, 0.1 Redfoot, 0.1 Sulcatta, 1.0 Western Hognose, 1.0 Crested Gecko, 0.1 Mali Uromastyx

Thanks,

I currently use Mercury Vapor lamps on all my torts, and they love them. I guess then my question is this: What is the best lamp to grow fodder weeds and grasses under indoors? Metal Halide? Mercury Vapor? Something else? I have a pretty dark house with not much in the way of windowed sunlight.

Best Again,

Becca

Mercury vapors dont have the correct color specs to grow outside plants with.If you want rapid growth halides are the way to go.I use to burn 6 1000 metal halides and six 1000 sodiums.If you want the most bang for your buck you could go with a ebb and flow table and a 1000 watt halide.You could crank out 10 square feet of greens every 2 weeks.If you do go with halides and you purchase them at a grow shop you can expect the local law enforcement to pay you a visit.They seem to think only cannibus growers use them...Paul.

neat info.
They haven't been exposed to tortoise people yet.
btw, what about the electric bill?
Ed

For the amount of light they produce it's a steal.As for out of pocket it could run you 40 to 60 dollars per light a month.That's just on a 12 hour cycle.Depending what your using it for you could also get away with a 400 or smaller halide.

.

Lots of great info. Thanks so much; it was exactly what I needed to know. I went ahead and bought a HydroFarm Super Grow Wing this morning (400 Watt) and it is coming to me with a Agrosun bulb in it. The 4' x 4' coverage area should be enough for me, as I will be growing a stand of spineless cactus under it and a paddock of grasses and weeds. Pretty expensive unit though; it will cost me over $300 all said and done.

I'll let you know how well it works for me.

Best,

Becca

Please keep up with the updates. I'm curious as to how you make out with the set up.
Ed

Some helpful hints.Never get a single drop of water or mist on a hot bulb.They will explode.Set the ballast on a piece of 2by6.You dont want any runoff from your plants getting in there(shock hazard).Spray a very light amount of wd-40 on the threads of the bulb.This will allow you to change them easily.Do not get fingerprints or wd-40 on the bulb this will make a hot spot and will burn your bulbs out fast.Make sure you dont cook your plants.These bulbs throw off a tremendous amount of heat.You might consider getting a pulley system for your hood,it's easier than moving all your plants every week to raise.These are all things i learned thru trial and idiotic error myself.Ive also used what's called liquid seaweed for fertilizer.You cant go wrong with it and it works wonders.Make sure you do all your watering and fertilizing in the morning.Why?im not sure it's what my Dad taught me.

You will be amazed at the growth and vigor of your plants.I use to grow green chili's and lettuce,tomatoes,and onions under mine.Nothing like a fresh bowl of salsa in the middle of winter.Good luck..I cant wait to hear from you again...Paul.

I cannot recommend them for tortioses as a heat source or light.If you are like me and curious in nature dont spend more than 5 seconds looking into one of these bulbs.Beware for the next couple of minutes because your going to be blind.Sounds stupid but everyone i know has tried it.The amount of lumens they put out is amazing.Have you decided yet where your going to place it?You can set it up as a showpiece in an otherwise drab room.And one more very important issue,make sure the room has a fire detector.If you were burning a 1000 i would also have you check the wiring to make sure it can handle it.These are just things to give you a peace of mind.The ballasts nowadays are quite and dependable.If for any reason it get's loud or smells hotter than normal have it checked out.I hope im not scaring you away.I dont have the time anymore to do some of the things i use to love to do.I would say that was one of the happier times in my life and i hope next time i can figure out a way to turn a profit,well at least pay the light bill....Paul.ps.One more tip.Get a ul listed timer switch.Make sure it is industrial grade and can handle the voltage.