To keep basking temps in the 85-89f range and would it be possible if it provided uvb or what is a good uv source?
Whats a good basking bulb?
- Thread starter aquaculture
- Start date
If the animal does not need UV light than a normal 60 watt bulb should do fine for most tanks. Most lights that produce UV need to be fluorescent and do not give off much heat. In this case, get the UV bulb and use a different heat source such as a basking light or under tank heater or radiant heat panel.
Odd, but I guess designing and then selling a uv bulb that lasts wouldn't make them enough money.
All uvb bulbs should be replaced every 6-months to a year anyways. they all give off light longer than uvb.... I have not seen enough research on the heat/uvb's that says exactly how long they last though so better safe than sorry for something that needs the uvb
"The best" way to offer both UVB and heat will vary on several factors. Primarily A) The size of the enclosure, B) The heating needs of the animal & C) The UVB level required by the animal. While other things will also impact your decision, in my opinion/experience, these are the three main factors (and in that order).
　
For my 50" Tegu in an 8' enclosure...
　
I use a 4' fluorescent UVB bulb and two 100W bulbs. They are set up so that they overlap in the middle but both also shine on an area alone. This allows my Tegu to bask in UVB only, heat and UVB or heat only...
　
　
　
The incandescent UVB bulbs (Mercury Vapor Bulbs) do exist and several manufacturers make quality bulbs that live up to their advertising. Though in my opinion, the cost vs effect of them do not make them worth while. Yet when/where simplicity and practicality are high priorities, their value increases.
　
　
　
That's not it at all... There is a chemical that is added to some bulbs and the heat/light causes a chain reaction that results in UVB being emitted. Thus the chemical gets 'used up' (degrades) over time and becomes spent.
　
If they added more chemical it would make stronger UVB, but it wouldn't make it last any longer...
　
For my 50" Tegu in an 8' enclosure...
　
I use a 4' fluorescent UVB bulb and two 100W bulbs. They are set up so that they overlap in the middle but both also shine on an area alone. This allows my Tegu to bask in UVB only, heat and UVB or heat only...
　
　
　
The incandescent UVB bulbs (Mercury Vapor Bulbs) do exist and several manufacturers make quality bulbs that live up to their advertising. Though in my opinion, the cost vs effect of them do not make them worth while. Yet when/where simplicity and practicality are high priorities, their value increases.
　
　
　
　aquaculture;4907315; said:
That's not it at all... There is a chemical that is added to some bulbs and the heat/light causes a chain reaction that results in UVB being emitted. Thus the chemical gets 'used up' (degrades) over time and becomes spent.
　
If they added more chemical it would make stronger UVB, but it wouldn't make it last any longer...
Hm, thanks for the clarification.
That chemical reaction does suck. Well I am not smart enough to come up with a better way to get uv from a bulb so I hope someone else is.
The species I am looking at info for is Pelodiscus sinensis.
The enclosure size 120 gallon at least.
That chemical reaction does suck. Well I am not smart enough to come up with a better way to get uv from a bulb so I hope someone else is.
The species I am looking at info for is Pelodiscus sinensis.
The enclosure size 120 gallon at least.
You dont need that amount of heat or uv for a chinese softshell. Something like a powersun would be a major overkill. If you want to provide a basking spot and that is a good idea because some like to bask, a 50 w normal bulb will do. To provide uv, go for a normal flurescent 5.0 uv bulb, zoomeds are good.