( 2 part) UVB Strength, Hatchlings

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
S

Steveo McNello

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 30, 2010
2,009
2
53
SW Burbs of Chicago
Hey everyone. I posted this on another forum, im just looking for another audience! This applies to my 4-5 month old map and diamondback terrapin turtles.

I was wondering if the 160 watt zoo med power sun uva/uvb bulb produces sufficient uvb for a basking spot, or if I should supplement that with another uvb fixture. It better, stupid thing is $75 haha.

The reason I ask is I recently got on board with the whole uvb/calcium/phosphorus thing and have been curious about getting my little terrapins shells harder. I don't think I was giving them enough calcium. I have also adjusted their diet so better nutrition is already in progress.

I'm asking this because I had an idea. Right now over my basking spot on the 300 I have the 160 watt zoo med, and a smaller 5.0 uvb light (one of the energy efficient ones). Exo Terra I believe?

My idea is, I want to put an 18 gallon rubbermaid bin on a cinder block, with tiny holes drilled in it, inside my stock tank for the smaller turtles that I'm keeping a close watch on. It will have about 6" of water depth. I was going to use the extra uvb light I listed above for uvb, because i have a 100 watt heat lamp already. I would set up a small basking spot inside the 18 gallon tub with these two lights, and monitor their diets and progress closely.

What do you guys think? Questions/advice? I think I hit everything.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
The powersun does produce plenty of UV but you can get the same thing much cheaper- the Exo Terra Solar glo has the exact same output and costs ~$20 less. Do be careful though because that is a huge wattage to have over small turtles in a 6" deep enclosure. In order to maintain the proper heat, you might need to move the bulb back significantly which would reduce the amount of UV reaching them (it drops off exponentially). If that is the case then stick with the compact florescent UV bulb and use it close to their basking platform- it will not give off much heat.
 
The power sun wouldnt be over the little enclosure. Is that what you thought i meant? Or is there a verbage error there? Haha. But thanks for answering my powersun uvb question. So its good for a basking spot.

and the heat lamp and 5.0 uvb combo over the 18 gallon tub would be too much you think? I could back off the heat lamp a bit (My basement gets pretty cold).


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
I would set it up and monitor the temperatures for a day or so before putting the turtles in. If it has enough holes in it then it shouldn't overheat, as water from the stock tank would be cycling through.
 
Yeah thats my thought exactly. May just drill two large holes and patch them with gutter guard so plenty of water gets through.

Think a 100 watt basking lamp and 5.0 uvb would be good?


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
crayfishguy said:
Chris, I no longer use solar glo- apparently they don't produce much uva/b. There was a paper I read saying they changed how they were made and they no longer send out much. This isn't the source I read, but you can see some of the reviews http://reviews.petsmart.com/4830/40...r-glo-sun-simulating-lamp-reviews/reviews.htm
Click to expand...

I have held a UV meter under both the soloar glo and the powersun- there was no difference right out of the box. It might be that they lose UV more quickly but I have not tested that. Either way it is sufficient for most animals including turtles.
 
snakeguy101 said:
I have held a UV meter under both the soloar glo and the powersun- there was no difference right out of the box. It might be that they lose UV more quickly but I have not tested that. Either way it is sufficient for most animals including turtles.
Click to expand...
When was this test done? I was told the old model was good, the new one not so much. I'm still wary of it because of the reviews, so I'll just stick with tube style uvb
 
Decided to scrap the extra tub idea. Just redid my basking area after monitoring the temps, and repositioned the uvb lamp.

On top of that, look at this little beauty!


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

ImageUploadedByMonsterAquariaNetwork1391828372.128891.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom