Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is a problem for me, and I want to know how serious it is. I don't have UVB lighting, but only a 'Powersun,' bulb. I've got about 12 turtles and although they're doing fine so far, I'm worried they may get sick due to a lack of UVB.

Is UVB lighting really that necessary, especially if ones turtles get enough sun in the summer? I aim to put them outdoors this spring, but for now, all I can do is provide them artificial light.

They need UVB all year long. It helps them absorb calcium and helps with shell growth. So yes, get a bulb for the indoors.

I would recommend UV just so you don't have to worry about problems later. And it will let you narrow down the reasons for possible illnesses. But yes, I've kept turtles for many years without UV during the winter, just a regular 'ole incandescent. They still appear healthy, no deformities on the outside but I can't be sure about the inside.

UV bulbs will rack up the expenses, however, since they need replacement after a few months when the efficiency wanes.

Johnny

What light do you recommend? 'ZooMed?' 'PowerSun?' I don't know the best quality out there.

Hey,

Check out product reviews at http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Community/review.htm. He lists some lights and the pros and cons of each. Personally, I'm using this ESU fluorescent (the squiggly bulb) that says it emits "UVA and UVB." I'm not quite sure whether there's any proof of its efficiency but I paid for it, so what the heck...

On any given sunny day, I try to get them some unfiltered sunlight as much as possible.

Johnny

If its ZooMeds Powersun bulb, then it is a UVB bulb. You should know if it is or not, since the bulbs cost about $45.
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