Sitemaps

What is difference UV lamp and UVB lamp for reptile use2007-11-24 2:03:31

two baby Red Eared Sliders using a 5 gal. tank at present time. 4inches water and a dry rock and sand land area.

Answers:

There are 3 different types of UV rays. There is UVA, UVB, and UVC. they are classified by how strong the UV rays are. In general, when a store sells a lamp as UV it is UVA. This is the STRONGEST of all the UV rays and should generally be used if it is in a large habitat.

In a 5 gal. tank, a UVB is preffered because it is less intense and will be better in such a small area, you don't want to burn your little guys. Most reptiles need BOTH UVA and UVB, and most UVB lamps that are sold in pet stores contain a little UVA as well, so you don't have to have 2 lamps, and don't have to worry about an overload of UVA

---

I don't know how much help I will be, but one light is to act as artificial daylight for the turtles, and the other is a heat lamp, so they can bask on a rock and stay warm.

I am afraid I am not sure which is which, but I do understand you need them both for reptiles.

---

UVA produces heat, turtles need it to bask under so they can digest their food. UVB is needed so turtles can utilize calcium. Otherwise they develop soft shell and bone deformities. They need both. I use Repti-Glo 5.0 for my turtles uvb bulb. Do not use Repti-glo 2.0 or Repti-sun 2.0, it is not strong enough for turtles or any lizard for that matter.