Exo Terra Light Unit Controller

miss_elle · 20-03-2009, 04:29 PM

I'm concerned as my 2 indian star tortoises enclosure (aged 14months) barely sit near the current location of my UV light. (moving it isn't an options as they generally sit in the corner and there's no space).

They are currently in an indoor rabbit cage - 99cm x 51cm x 45.5cm. Using a single fluorescent tube.

I'm considering purchasing the "Exo Terra Light Unit Controller" because
1) I will be putting plants in the enclosure and believe they will benefit from added UV.
2) More opportunity for the stars to soak it up.

Here's a link to the product http://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/rept...ler-26667.html

My question is, would it emit too much light and be dangerous for the torts? Surely they shouldn't sell it if it would though..

**16 shells** · 20-03-2009, 10:51 PM

Tortoises dont usualy sit under uv strip lights, they would most likely go towards the heat source, thats why most keepers use a uv/heat lamp and holder, less wires, more economical. Hope this helps.
Paul

miss_elle · 21-03-2009, 01:04 PM

i purposely dont want to use a combined bulb, thats the problem.

maybe a diff way to phrase the question, can torts get too much uv?

**sarah** · 21-03-2009, 05:05 PM

It is essential that your UVB is next to your heat spot
As said tortoises will rather go for heat rather that UVB
Have you any pictures of your set up?

miss_elle · 21-03-2009, 05:23 PM

i have 2 heat sources to keep the temps up.
the uv is next to one heat source.
there should be a picture somewhere on the boards, ill have a look.

my question is, will 2 uv sources be too much for the torts?

miss_elle · 21-03-2009, 05:26 PM

http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ad.php?t=21593 pics are there.

**sarah** · 21-03-2009, 06:14 PM

Oh right i see. I dont like Strip UVB far more UVB of fa combined, but i can see why you cant use one.
Yes i would go for two maybe the 10.0? or can you not get a longer uvb tube to fit the whole length of the cage?

Pretty Penguin · 21-03-2009, 07:39 PM

I use an indoor rabbit cage for my baby Marginated tortoise. I use a 36" tube which covers the whole length of the cage, give or take an inch or two!

I use a reflector with it, which doubles the light output and helps protect my eyes from the UV.

It hangs safely from the roof - it has two clips which came with the controller which I have threaded cable-ties through to hold it - right in the centre, about 7" above the top of Thumbelina's shell.

I'm sorry! I wish I could post photo's of it, but my camera isn't working at the moment. It sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is!

Hope this makes sense!

Anna

miss_elle · 22-03-2009, 02:13 PM

thanks for the advice.

im current using an 18" 10.0. i was concerned that my current controller wouldnt be able to handle a longer tube, or is that just me being very blonde?

Dazza · 24-03-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miss_elle

I'm concerned as my 2 indian star tortoises enclosure (aged 14months) barely sit near the current location of my UV light. (moving it isn't an options as they generally sit in the corner and there's no space).

They are currently in an indoor rabbit cage - 99cm x 51cm x 45.5cm. Using a single fluorescent tube.

I'm considering purchasing the "Exo Terra Light Unit Controller" because
1) I will be putting plants in the enclosure and believe they will benefit from added UV.
2) More opportunity for the stars to soak it up.

Here's a link to the product http://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/rept...ler-26667.html

My question is, would it emit too much light and be dangerous for the torts? Surely they shouldn't sell it if it would though..

Don't be fooled there are loads of products on the market that should'nt be there !

I am not sure what you will achieve by swapping to the light controller, although they do look good and something we will be testing in the furture.

How long is your tube now ? how high is it from your tortoise ?

They dont have to sit under the tube to get UVB, just so long as they are under it.

Darren

20-03-2009, 04:29 PM	#1
miss_elle Member Incubating Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North London Posts: 165	Exo Terra Light Unit Controller I'm concerned as my 2 indian star tortoises enclosure (aged 14months) barely sit near the current location of my UV light. (moving it isn't an options as they generally sit in the corner and there's no space). They are currently in an indoor rabbit cage - 99cm x 51cm x 45.5cm. Using a single fluorescent tube. I'm considering purchasing the "Exo Terra Light Unit Controller" because 1) I will be putting plants in the enclosure and believe they will benefit from added UV. 2) More opportunity for the stars to soak it up. Here's a link to the product http://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/rept...ler-26667.html My question is, would it emit too much light and be dangerous for the torts? Surely they shouldn't sell it if it would though..

20-03-2009, 10:51 PM	#2
16 shells Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hull Posts: 7,286	Tortoises dont usualy sit under uv strip lights, they would most likely go towards the heat source, thats why most keepers use a uv/heat lamp and holder, less wires, more economical. Hope this helps. Paul __________________ Paul.

21-03-2009, 05:05 PM	#4
sarah Administrator Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Newcastle-Under-Lyme Posts: 11,914	It is essential that your UVB is next to your heat spot As said tortoises will rather go for heat rather that UVB Have you any pictures of your set up? __________________ Click: www.shelledwarriorsshop.co.uk STRUGGLING TO FIND WEEDS? LOOK AT OUR DRIED WEEDS 'READY TO FEED' Home of 'Grow Your Own Food' Bearded Dragon, Tortoise, Rabbit, Hamster seed mixes from 89p FREE POST Livefood, Thermostats, Housing, Heating, Mercury Vapour bulbs, UVB etc etc CHEAP PRICES TORTOISES ARE MY PASSION

21-03-2009, 06:14 PM	#7
sarah Administrator Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Newcastle-Under-Lyme Posts: 11,914	Oh right i see. I dont like Strip UVB far more UVB of fa combined, but i can see why you cant use one. Yes i would go for two maybe the 10.0? or can you not get a longer uvb tube to fit the whole length of the cage? __________________ Click: www.shelledwarriorsshop.co.uk STRUGGLING TO FIND WEEDS? LOOK AT OUR DRIED WEEDS 'READY TO FEED' Home of 'Grow Your Own Food' Bearded Dragon, Tortoise, Rabbit, Hamster seed mixes from 89p FREE POST Livefood, Thermostats, Housing, Heating, Mercury Vapour bulbs, UVB etc etc CHEAP PRICES TORTOISES ARE MY PASSION

21-03-2009, 07:39 PM	#8
Pretty Penguin Member Incubating Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: The Secret Garden Posts: 165	I use an indoor rabbit cage for my baby Marginated tortoise. I use a 36" tube which covers the whole length of the cage, give or take an inch or two! I use a reflector with it, which doubles the light output and helps protect my eyes from the UV. It hangs safely from the roof - it has two clips which came with the controller which I have threaded cable-ties through to hold it - right in the centre, about 7" above the top of Thumbelina's shell. I'm sorry! I wish I could post photo's of it, but my camera isn't working at the moment. It sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is! Hope this makes sense! Anna __________________

21-03-2009, 01:04 PM	#3
miss_elle Member Incubating Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North London Posts: 165	i purposely dont want to use a combined bulb, thats the problem. maybe a diff way to phrase the question, can torts get too much uv?

21-03-2009, 05:23 PM	#5
miss_elle Member Incubating Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North London Posts: 165	i have 2 heat sources to keep the temps up. the uv is next to one heat source. there should be a picture somewhere on the boards, ill have a look. my question is, will 2 uv sources be too much for the torts?

21-03-2009, 05:26 PM	#6
miss_elle Member Incubating Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North London Posts: 165	http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ad.php?t=21593 pics are there.

22-03-2009, 02:13 PM	#9
miss_elle Member Incubating Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North London Posts: 165	thanks for the advice. im current using an 18" 10.0. i was concerned that my current controller wouldnt be able to handle a longer tube, or is that just me being very blonde?

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