Reptiles need heat, UVB, and bright white visible light as part of their setup to ensure good health and help them thrive. Reptiles are ectothermic, which means that instead of producing their own body heat, they depend on external sources like the sun for warmth. This heat energy is used to digest their food, maintain bodily function, and stay generally healthy. Since turtles don't produce their own body heat, we must provide the heat they need with heat lamps.
UVB is an essential wavelength naturally found in sunlight, and is beneficial for most — if not all — reptiles. UVB is critical to helping your turtle's bones stay healthy and strong, and plays a role in a variety of other essential functions.
The Zoo Med Turtle Lamp Combo Pack includes:
- Repti Tuff Splashproof Halogen Lamp (50w)
- ReptiSun 5.0 Mini Compact Fluorescent (13w)
UV Index for the ReptiSun 5.0 Mini Compact Fluorescent:
3" below lamp — UVI 2.6 - 3.5+
4" below lamp — UVI 2.6 - 3.5+
5" below lamp — UVI 1.0 - 2.6
6" below lamp — UVI 1.0 - 2.6
7" below lamp — UVI 0.7 - 1.0
8" below lamp — UVI 0.4 - 0.7
10" below lamp — UVI 0.4 - 0.7
Different reptiles have different UVB requirements. Depending on the size of your tank and which type of turtle you have, the ReptiSun 5.0 Mini Compact Fluorescent may not provide sufficient UVB for your pet.
Distance is measured from the tip of the bulb to the basking area or reptile. UVI estimations are approximate. Note that UVI is reduced by 30-40% when the UVB bulb is placed over mesh screen.
