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Uvb/heat bulb and clamp advice
Posted: 17/11/2015 by Bexy88

hi 

I just got my first tortoise, a 6 month old Herman who I have on a table with soil substrate and a uvb bulb and a 50w bulb for heat however I've realised especially with the winter lowering temperature that's I may need to get a hotter bulb than this?
I am needing advice on which bulbs are best to buy I have seen the Arcadia d3 recommended but also read that these bulbs break easily and are far more expensive. Do they also need specialist clamp lamps or can any ceramic lamp holder be used?

It is either this bulb I am considering , or just getting a normal 80watt basking bulb with ceramic holder from Amazon and keeping the existing uvb spiral bulb I have? 

Thanks in advance for any advice 

Bex :) 

Re: Uvb/heat bulb and clamp advice
Posted: 17/11/2015 by Tom

Hello,

Spiral bulbs are not ideal & in any case need a reflector.

The Arcadia D3 bulb is very good, 100W is usually best. They need an 8" dome reflector to direct both heat & light, a clamp type or suspended. A 100W "Megaray" bulb is also an excellent choice.
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Regards,
Tom

Re: Uvb/heat bulb and clamp advice
Posted: 18/11/2015 by Bexy88

Thanks - does that bulb need to be positioned completely vertically ? I read this was essential ...just want to make sure I'm doing everything right as im out at work during the day and wouldntcwant anything to go wrong 

Yes the table I bought has 2 bulbs - uv and a normal lightbulb but neither currently has a reflector but looking to buy the new bulb in the next few weeks when I get paid 

Re: Uvb/heat bulb and clamp advice
Posted: 18/11/2015 by Tom

Yes at 90deg. is essential, if not eye probs [or worse !!] can occur. 


I'd put the light/heat on when you rtn from work. You need to be there to observe feeding, etc.. 

Back to a daytime regime in Summer, of course, when it should be outside.

Tom

 
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