full spectrum lightbulb VS traditional UV herp lamps

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lix.ma14

Hydrolycus Armatus
MFK Member
Jan 7, 2011
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Ontario, Canada
I've been researching reptile lamps for quite some time. I've been looking for the best yet more most economical lighting for my Fly river turtle. i've researched the "full spectrum" lights mimic the "natural" sunlight.

Would full spectrum lights be a good alternative to the tradition herp lamps you find in the LPs. the FSL costs only a tiny fraction the herp lamps. I saw the FSL at walmart for a good price: http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/cfl-13w-full-spectrum-1cd/10027179

Would this be good for turtles? I need lighting that will give out UV light. i know that UV rays will only penetrate to 12 inches underwater so I was wondering if I could us the FSL with a lamp and shine it to the SIDE of the tank where there is less depth in the water.


So are full spectrum lights good for reptiles (produce adequate amount of UV). What's the difference between the 2 lighting?

Thanks in advance.
 
I would think not. I'm no expert in lights but I would think the lack of UVs given off by a FSL is the difference. It might be the same spectrum and kelvin rating but I'm not sure it would give the UVs intensity needed for reptiles.


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lix.ma14 said:
thanks man! Guess FSL is pretty much useless. i knew that there are misleading lighting for reptiles but I'm not sure what was missing.
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I wouldn't say useless cause if you have live plants a FSL would help keep them alive. Or get a dual or quad light fixture and put one or two bulbs of both FSL and uv lights


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doomiedee said:
I wouldn't say useless cause if you have live plants a FSL would help keep them alive. Or get a dual or quad light fixture and put one or two bulbs of both FSL and uv lights


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i need UV lighting that can create enough vitamin D for my fly river turtle. I feed my FRT calcium/vitamin D3 supplements, pellets with vitamin D, and fish with vitamin D but I'm just not sure if my turtle is still getting enough of it.

Since it's winter, they days are getting dark very early in Canada. Plus, apartments were built beside my house so most of the sunlight is getting blocked. Also I read that UV lights are useless after 12 inches in depth. my tank is approx 22 inches deep.

Just not sure there is a "true" alternative of natural sunlight.
 
lix.ma14 said:
i need UV lighting that can create enough vitamin D for my fly river turtle. I feed my FRT calcium/vitamin D3 supplements, pellets with vitamin D, and fish with vitamin D but I'm just not sure if my turtle is still getting enough of it.

Since it's winter, they days are getting dark very early in Canada. Plus, apartments were built beside my house so most of the sunlight is getting blocked. Also I read that UV lights are useless after 12 inches in depth. my tank is approx 22 inches deep.

Just not sure there is a "true" alternative of natural sunlight.
Click to expand...

Well if it getting enough supplements of vitamin d and d3 it should suffice with a good uv light. I went back to the link to see if I missed anything and saw this. "The combination of sufficient UVA content and a 'natural' >5,500°K color temperature is most probably the reason why so many keepers report a marked improvement in activity patterns and feeding when high quality full spectrum lighting systems are utilized in enclosures. In addition to the quality of the lamp, its proximity to the animal, its output intensity and duration of use are also critical." So I think your one the right track. Not sure about the depth UVs can reach in water but Maybe shallow out one side of the tank and put the basking light closer to there so it's kind of like a basking platform for say a red ear slider just submerged.


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