Help with Arcadia Lighting please
 

I am trying to change from a 160w combined bulb to tube lighting and possibly a halogen bulb, as I can't get the temperatures right in the new table I had made. I have been trying to work out exactly what I need, but I can't work our what bits and pieces will make up a complete solution, or even is that the right way to go! I am so confused! My table size is 191x65cm.

On a separate note when I do change is it a good idea to use a thermostat and can anyone recommend one ?

Any help and advice would be so gratefully received. :)

ok misty moo ! welcome to the site and ask away. Particularly about lighting as each set up is so different and we all learn on here. so is that 4ft by 2ft in old money?

Halogen is good as a heat source basking lamp but won't of course provide the vitamin D / sun levels.

160W is huge for that area so can see why you want to change.

You either need a combined UVA&UVB - Arcadia D3 is good for that.

Or a tube light set up with UVA&B....this will provide the UV but wont add much to a heat/basking lamp so you then need heat ! and halogen is probably ideal. or anything that says basking light.

so to recap in simple terms - you need sunlight and heat.
A) UVA&B combined provide the sunlight and the heat. or ....
B ) Tube provide the sunlight (make sure sufficient UVA&B levels) then any type of
basking to provide the heat.
on both A or B make sure you have a cool down end as constant heat (source) can be a killer. And make sure its not just an A UV light as this wont wash with providing the right UV for a tortoise, shout if still confused as it can seem complicated when stating out.

All good advice from CB there.
Hope you make the change more easily now, Misty Moo. Gosh, love your online name. I'm sure it rhymes with someone else who was on here a while ago. Can't quite think who now, but love it all the same.
Good luck. :-)

good points !!