When it comes to providing a stable and comfortable environment for turtles, there is no doubt, a UVB light can be a great help. But because of the myriad of options available on the market, today choosing the best one has never been an easy task.
So to help you with your acquisition we have created this content. Here, we have compiled the best UVB lights for turtles where you can choose from. Rest assured that at the end of this guide, you’ll have the best UVB light for turtles that suits your needs and pet as well.
Remember that not everybody will have the same kind of turtle or tank. That is why identifying or considering the needs of your pet and as the owner before making a purchase is highly recommended.
Nevertheless, before we dive in the best UVB lights let’s first find out why your turtle needs a UVB light.
Contents
- Why Turtles Need A UVB Light?
- Top 10 Best UVB Light for Turtles
- 1. Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB and Heat Lighting Kit
- 2. 100W UVA UVB Light from Evergreen
- 3. UVA+UVB Full Spectrum Sun Lamp by STTQYB
- 4. Zilla Slimline Tropical UVB Fluorescent Fixture
- 5. Zoo Med ReptiSun UVB 13W Mini Compact Fluorescent
- 6. 2-in1 Reptile Bulb by MyComfyPets
- 7. Evergreen Pet Supplies Infrared Heat Bulb for Reptiles
- 8. Energy Saving UVB Bulb by Reptizoo
- 9. Zoo Med Powersun Mercury Vapor UVB Lamp
- 10. Exo Terra Repti-Glo Compact Fluorescent Lamp
- Conclusion
Why Turtles Need A UVB Light?
In actual fact, having enough amount of UVB light is very important for your turtle’s health. This reptile needs UVB light in order to preserve an optimum level of Vitamin D3.
Vitamin D3, on the other hand, is important to a turtle’s health since it allows them to absorb as well as use calcium. Without this vitamin, turtles won’t be able to process and utilize calcium in their body. As a result, turtles will actually grow Metabolic Bone Disease.
Apart from that, if your turtle doesn’t acquire enough vitamin D3, it may possibly lead to some problems such as:
- Premature death
- Bone decline and restricted development
- Shell decline and restricted development
That said, UVB lights are extremely important for turtles.
But, unluckily, the majority of pet turtle owners especially the beginners are not aware how essential UVA and UVB are, and then they are surprised that their pets die all of a sudden even though they had given all they needed.
This is why these reptiles do not simply need a standard light bulb, but they need one that is specially designed for them.
Either way, when buying the best UVB light for turtles, make sure to choose a model that gives off UVA and UVB.
Now that you already know why your turtle needs UVB light, let’s now find out the best UVB lights for turtles.
Top 10 Best UVB Light for Turtles
1. Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB and Heat Lighting Kit
With this UVB and heat lighting kit from Zoo Med you will help your aquatic turtle thriving and happy at the same time.
This light is actually made as a double fixture, it consists of two various bulbs in order to meet the changing needs of your turtle. It features a halogen bulb (splash-proof) which produces heat and light to imitate the daytime sun. Moreover, it has a UVB bulb which is important for your turtle’s health.
Aforementioned, a turtle needs such lights to maintain its overall health and have stronger ones. Thus, with this lighting kit, you will be able to take good care of your pet properly.
Nevertheless, both bulbs have a handy on/off switch for safety purposes, on request control of heating and lighting time.
2. 100W UVA UVB Light from Evergreen
This excellent UVB light is not only ideal for turtles but for other amphibians and reptiles as well including:
- Toads
- Frogs
- Chameleons
- Lizards
- Snakes
- Geckos
- Tortoises
- Bearded Dragons
Either way, it is an ideal daylight bulb and a great source of UVB/UVA/heat/visible light. Moreover, this is entirely self-ballasted. Similar to daylight, it also offers your turtle warmth and vitamin production which is vital for their health. On the other hand, it is compatible with all kinds of enclosures including tanks, terrariums, and vision cages.
3. UVA+UVB Full Spectrum Sun Lamp by STTQYB
This daylight bulb has 97 percent of UVA which stimulates appetite and 3 percent of UVB which stimulate Vitamin D3 to synthesize.
If you have a larger tank that you have to shield with lights or have a very detailed configuration in mind, this UVA+UVB light is for you. The good thing about this product is that the manufacturer provides a six months guarantee.
As a reminder, when you turn it off, make sure not to turn it on immediately to avoid burning the bulb.
4. Zilla Slimline Tropical UVB Fluorescent Fixture
Another best UVB light for turtles, iguanas, geckos, basilisks, as well as chameleons. Nevertheless, this cylindrical-shaped UVB bulb is capable of creating the right temperature all over your turtle’s tank.
In addition to that, it comes with a special socket and comes equipped with an accurate light fixture. With that said, you can instantly utilize model right out its box.
5. Zoo Med ReptiSun UVB 13W Mini Compact Fluorescent
This 13 watts mini compact UVB fluorescent has 10 percent UVB output as well as 30 percent UVA output.
For optimal UVB penetration, the Zoo Med ReptiSun fluorescent lamp utilizes a different UVB transmitting quartz glass.
Moreover, this light doesn’t require you to utilize a separate ballast. As a matter of fact, you can screw it on a standard threaded socket. Nevertheless, it can be oriented horizontally or vertically in your turtle’s hood.
6. 2-in1 Reptile Bulb by MyComfyPets
This 100-watt bulb produces both UVB and UVA radiation turtles need in order to stay healthy. In addition to that, this 2-in-1 reptile bulb by MyComfyPets has 10,000 hours lifespan and gives off natural sunlight and even heat for your turtle.
With this product, you will be able to give your turtle a sufficient amount of Vitamin D3 which is essential for calcium metabolism and prevents the development of Metabolic Bone Diseases.
7. Evergreen Pet Supplies Infrared Heat Bulb for Reptiles
This 75-watt infrared light is ideal for reptiles who require heat at night. In fact, this product is a great source of infrared.
On the other hand, this bulb is not only ideal for amphibians and reptiles, dogs and even cats can also use this product.
Just like any other bulbs, this is also compatible with all kinds of enclosures like cages, tanks, and terrariums.
Even so, it should be utilized with a ceramic socket and has a lifespan of 800 to 1000 hours. Nevertheless, it is actually a great addition to your turtle supplies.
8. Energy Saving UVB Bulb by Reptizoo
This energy saving bulb can offer your turtle needed UVB rays which are ideal for maximum calcium metabolism.
On the other hand, pet turtle owners can actually use this UVB light from Reptizoo for one whole year. Also, it gives off brilliant brightness without consuming too much power.
However, when installing this UVB bulb make sure that the space between the bulb and your turtle is 35cm to 45 cm to keep your turtle safe.
Nevertheless, other animals can also use this including toads, frogs, snakes, geckos, rosy boas, python, lizards, as well as iguanas.
9. Zoo Med Powersun Mercury Vapor UVB Lamp
This self-ballasted and mercury vapor lamp from Zoo Med produces light, both UVB and UVA rays, as well as heat. In fact, this UVB lamp is ideal for making healthy basking areas for reptiles, including box turtles.
With this lamp, you don’t need to utilize any ceramic socket, but the good thing is, you do not have an exterior ballast. Moreover, this lamp does contain mercury and may possibly last about 12 months. Take note that as time passes by, its UVB output tends to decrease.
The Zoo Med Powersun Mercury Vapor UVB lamp comes equipped with a safety feature. For instance, if the bulb is too hot, the safety feature will turn it off, decreasing the fire possibility.
This best UVB light for box turtles and other reptiles is backed with 12 months warranty. Plus, it is equipped with threads that are nickel plated.
10. Exo Terra Repti-Glo Compact Fluorescent Lamp
The Exo Terra Repti-Glo Compact Fluorescent Lamp gives off moderate to high UVB output which is the same to cool environments like rainforests as well as other tropical areas.
On the other hand, this 26 watts UVB light is ideal for both sub-tropical and tropical reptiles. Moreover, it offers needed UVB rays for maximum calcium metabolism. Apart from that, it also promotes appetite, reproductive and activity behavior over UVA radiation.
Another good thing about this lamp is that it is self-ballasted, in fact, a standard screw fitting is enough to operate it. Furthermore, its spiral shape can be mounted either horizontal or vertical without compromising its performance.
Conclusion
It is important to note that UVB lights for turtles are not created small. Some of them are made for small enclosures, while others are for bigger ones. However, there are times that turtles need more space as well as want some coolness. Therefore installing long alternatives would not be a nice idea.
Take note you are trying to keep your pet comfortable and healthy. That said, you need to make sure that the lighting and temperature are appropriate.
Nevertheless, always remember that the best UVB light for turtles is the one which makes them comfortable. The good thing is, all the above-mentioned UVB lights will definitely make your turtle feel healthy and at ease.
