The Best UVB Lights For Turtles – Reviews & Guide

The lights aren’t just so we can see them better when it’s dark.

In fact, they need the right kind of lighting for each stage of their life to help them grow healthy and to maintain the right amount of nutrients throughout their day.

Many turtle owners choose to give their turtles ultraviolet light, which helps them create vitamin D which is important for the turtles’ health because it helps with the metabolism of calcium.

In the last decade, more and more sophisticated light sources have become available to turtle owners who need to provide UVB light for their turtles indoors.

Today, there are many brands of fluorescent tubes and compact lamps in a range of shapes and sizes, as well as mercury vapor bulbs and UVB-transmitting metal halides that produce even higher levels of UVB.

One problem people who own turtles face is that it is hard to know which is the best UVB light for turtles. This can be tough because it’s difficult to know how this compares with the amount of ultraviolet light needed by the species of turtle we are keeping.

For many years, we have had to trust what the manufacturers say about their products. This includes how much light their product gives off, where it should be placed in a vivarium, and how long it will last. As a result, people have come up with all sorts of ideas about which products are better than others, how long tubes really last, and how close reptiles need to be to each type of lamp.

This all changed with the availability of simple hand-held UVB radiometers which can be used to measure the output of the UVB lights in our own habitats.

When purchasing the best UVB light for turtles you will need to keep into consideration some factors that will decide the health of your turtle so keep reading.

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The 10 Top-Rated UVB Light for Turtles

Image	Product	Shop
	Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB Heat Lighting Kit	Check on Amazon Check on Chewy
	Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Mini Compact Fluorescent 13 Watt (4 Pack)	Check on Amazon Check on Chewy
	Zilla T8 Fluorescent Bulbs	Check on Amazon Check on Chewy
	REPTI ZOO Reptile 15W 18 Inches UVB T8 Daylight Fluorescent Bulb	Check on Amazon
	LUCKY HERP 15inch 14W T8 UVB 10.0 Reptile Light, UVA UVB Bulb, Fluorescent Lamp	Check on Amazon
	Zoomed Reptisun 22″ 10.0 T5HO UV-B Bulb	Check on Amazon Check on Chewy
	REPTI ZOO Reptile Heat Lamp 100W Full Spectrum UVA UVB	Check on Amazon
	LUCKY HERP UVA UVB Reptile Light 10.0, Desert UVB 150 Compact Fluorescent Lamp	Check on Amazon
	LUCKY HERP Reptile UVA UVB Light 5.0 13W Compact Fluorescent Tropical Terrarium Lamp	Check on Amazon
	TEKIZOO UVA UVB Sun Lamp 160W High Intensity Self-Ballasted Heat Basking Lamp/Light/Bulb	Check on Amazon

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Why is Light Important for Turtles?

The first thing that we need to cover is that turtles are reptiles. The importance of this is that all reptiles do something called thermoregulation.

Basically, as mammals, we humans maintain our constant body temperature, however, reptiles rely on outside light sources in order to raise or lower their body temperature depending on what they need. 

They can raise their body temperature in order to increase metabolism or lower them to be more inactive.

Reptiles achieve this by moving to different areas of their surroundings to warm up or cool down.

This can be done through radiation, convection or by the evaporation of body fluids. It may be either raised or lowered by the conduction of heat to or from the substratum or the air. (see Figure 1)

• Conductive heat is the transfer of heat within an object (such as down a long metal pole) or between two objects that are touching each other. 

– The reptile sitting on a basking spot that has been warmed by the sun/heating element glowing on it, or from within in the case of a heating pad/rock.

• Convective heat usually involves the movement of either air or water and the heat is carried via movement of this matter.

– The warm air/water that blows/flows across the reptile.

• Radiant heat transfer involves the flow of thermal energy by electromagnetic waves. An example of radiation transfer is the reptile or amphibian basking in the sunlight.

– The reptile absorbs the electromagnetic radiation from the sun/heat element.

RELATED READ: How to Set Up a Turtle Tank

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What is UVB Light and Why do Turtles Need it?

The UVB light is a type of light that the sun emits and is part of the UV Spectrum. 

This UV Spectrum is broken up into 3 parts, these being the UVA, UVB and UVC lights and they can all be found in the natural sunlight.

The UV light wavelengths are filtered by plastic and glass so when setting them up for the habitat be sure they have direct exposure to the enclosure.

Ultraviolet light B (UVB) helps your turtle get his vitamin D3, which also absorbs calcium. Ultraviolet light A (UVA) also helps him regulate his behaviors such as feeding, movement, and mating.

These two types of ultraviolet lights play different roles for your reptile pet and combining them will ensure him a long-lasting life.

Vitamin D Pathway

The pathway begins when cholesterol, provitamin D, (7DHC) is manufactured by cells in the skin. (see Figure 2)

When revealed to the UVB at wavelengths between 290 – 315nm, this provitamin D is converted very fast to previtamin D3.

Previtamin D3 is turned into vitamin D3 over a period of several hours, with some heat needed for the reaction to happen.

This happens when reptiles sunbathe or use any other type of heating source. Vitamin D3 is released from the skin cell membranes and taken up by a protein that carries it in the bloodstream to the liver.

There, it is turned into calcediol, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3.

This is the substance that is tested for in blood samples taken to assess the reptile’s vitamin D level.

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The Best UVB Lights for Turtles

The best UVB light for turtles is one that emits a wavelength of 290-315 nanometers. This will help your turtle to produce vitamin D3, which is essential for their health.

We prepared a list of the best UVB lights for turtles, based on their price, features, and customer reviews:

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1. Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB Heat Lighting Kit

This Zoo Med aquatic turtle UVB heat lighting kit is perfect for turtles and other aquatic creatures.

The polished aluminum dome increases light and UV output, while the dual ceramic sockets allow you to use lamps up to 100 watts each.

The deep dome extends beyond the face of the lamp, preventing the lamp from “sticking out” and providing more coverage for your pet.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Light Type: Fluorescent Wattage: 13 watts UVB: 5% UVA: 30%	Mini Combo Deep Dome Lamp Fixture. Repti Tuff Splashproof Halogen Bulb. ReptiSun 5.0 Mini Compact Fluorescent.

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2. Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Mini Compact Fluorescent

ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Mini Compact Fluorescent lamps are specially designed to safely and effectively provide essential ultraviolet light to desert reptiles.

The new ReptiSun Compact Fluorescent lamps use a special UVB transmitting quartz glass for maximum UVB penetration.

Cool burning compact fluorescent bulbs screw into standard threaded sockets, eliminating the need for a separate ballast. The lamp can be oriented either vertically or horizontally in your reptile hood or clamp lamp fixture.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Light Type: Fluorescent Wattage: 13 watts UVB: 10% UVA: 30%	Special UVB transmitting quartz glass for maximum UVB penetration. Pack of 4.

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3. Zilla T8 Fluorescent Bulbs

Zilla T8 Fluorescent Bulbs provide UVB light rays which are required for many reptiles to metabolize essential calcium.

The full-spectrum lighting enhances the natural colors of the animal and the environment. The Desert 50 T8 bulb is ideal for desert dwelling reptiles that require UVB/UVA lighting and is recommended for use with Zilla T8 Strip Light Fixture.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Light Type: Fluorescent Wattage: 15 watts Light Color: White UVB: 10% UVA: 30%	Extremely bright light bulb. Perfect light for turtle tanks.

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4. REPTI ZOO UVB T8 Daylight Fluorescent Bulb

REPTI ZOO UVB T8 Daylight Fluorescent Bulb is an ideal source of ultraviolet radiation for desert dwelling reptiles that require UVB/UVA lighting.

It is effective for UVB-induced photoconversion of vitamin D3 in reptiles’ skin, which helps support bone health by promoting appropriate calcium absorption.

REPTI ZOO UVB T8 Daylight Fluorescent Bulb stimulates appetite, activity, and reproductive behavior through UVA radiation that helps promote natural behaviors such as feeding and breeding.

This bulb produces the necessary UVB rays for healthier reptiles and is perfect for use with a REPTI ZOO T8 Strip Light Fixture.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Light Type: Fluorescent Wattage: 15 watts Light Color: White UVB: 10% UVA: 30%	Easy to use. Stimulates appetite, activity and reproductive behavior through UVA radiation. Perfect light for turtle tanks.

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5. LUCKY HERP T8 UVB 10.0 Light

LUCKY HERP T8 UVB 10.0 Light is a high-quality reptile UVB light that helps to increase appetite, promote natural activities and induce reproductive behavior. It can also help vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium absorption to prevent bone disease.

The UVB reptile lamp has stable UVB and UVA output, no harmful UVC output, will not harm the eyes of reptiles, and will not burn the skin.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Light Type: Fluorescent Wattage: 14 watts Light Color: White UVB: 10% UVA: 30%	Provides 1 month of quality assurance services. Good packing for product.

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6. Zoomed Reptisun 10.0 T5HO UV-B Bulb

Stronger UVB and Brighter Light: Twice as strong as standard ReptiSun 10.0 Lamps!

These new, high-output bulbs provide the extra UVB needed by larger reptiles such as tortoises, turtles, large lizards, and another arboreal (tree-dwelling) species. The higher UV output also makes it easier to maintain a low basking temperature in larger reptile habitats.

The Zoo Med Reptisun 10.0 T5 HO lamp provides twice the amount of usable UVB rays of standard ReptiSun 10.0 lamps.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Light Type: Fluorescent Wattage: 14 watts Light Color: White UVB: 10% UVA: 30%	Provides proper lighting for an aquatic turtle. Can last up to 12 months.

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7. REPTI ZOO Full Spectrum UVA UVB

The UVA + UVB Sun Basking Spot Lamp is the perfect lamp for reptiles, providing the necessary radiation of the sun for their health.

UVA provides the warmth that cold-blooded animals are used to in nature; UVB production of Vitamin D3 to maintain healthy skin and bones.

The self-ballasted, no external ballast required, with integrated thermal protection against overheating UVA UVB reptile light is a great choice for any reptile owner.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Light Type: Self-Ballasted Vapor Wattage: 160 watts Light Color: Yellow UVB: 5% UVA: 35%	This bulb is great for outputting UVA, UVB, and heat. All in one light bulb.

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8. LUCKY HERP UVA UVB Light 10.0

The UVB 10.0 reptile light is useful for reptiles to produce Vitamin D3 and calcium, which are necessary for their health.

The special glass tube made by the machine can effectively prevent harmful UVC output. It’s the perfect dessert UVB reptile light for all desert dwelling reptiles, such as aquatic turtles, tortoises, and other lizards.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Light Type: CFL Wattage: 23 watts Light Color: White UVB: 10% UVA: 30%	High quality light bulb. No harmful UVC output. Turns on instantly.

9. LUCKY HERP Reptile UVA UVB Light 5.0

Lucky Herp Reptile UVA UVB Light 5.0 is a top-tier reptile light fixture that boasts the best quality and performance in the market.

It provides optimal UVB and UVA output while eliminating harmful UVC output. This means that it will not emit any rays that can be potentially harmful to your beloved pets. For this reason, it is our #1 recommended light for all tropical and sub-tropical turtles!

The Lucky Herp Reptile UVB Lamp features a special blend of phosphors designed to maximize both UVA & UVB output, resulting in a bulb that is 5x more effective than the competition.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Light Type: Fluorescent Wattage: 13 watts Light Color: White UVB: 10% UVA: 30%	Can have huge improvements in the turtles appetite. Produces minimal heat.

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10. TEKIZOO UVA UVB Sun Lamp

The Tekizoo sun lamp is perfect for reptiles and amphibians, as it provides UVA UVB heat and visible light from one bulb.

The Super Sun UVA UVB bulb is compatible with a variety of enclosures, including tanks, vivariums, terrariums, vision cages.

This lamp will make sure the effective supply of the vital UVA and UVB light as the reptiles would have in nature.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Light Type: Fluorescent Wattage: 160 watts Light Color: Yellow UVB: 5% UVA: 40%	Each of our reptile bulb is strictly tested before packaging in order to ensure their best working condition. All in one light bulb.

RELATED READ: How Much Does a Turtle Cost?

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How to Setup the UVB Light for a Turtle Tank

Before we even talk about how to set up the lights in your turtle enclosure, we need to learn some safety-related stuff in order to protect ourselves from damaging your eyes while setting up the lights in your turtle tank. 

UVA and UVB light rays are known to cause eye damage for pet owners, including cataracts and eyelid cancer so when testing out the lights in your turtle enclosure we advise you to not look directly into them. 

So when setting them up in the turtle tank, set them in a way that you will not make eye contact with the light.

When setting the light always be sure you secure them tightly, especially if they are hanging right above your turtle tank.

Having the bulbs fall into the water is not ideal, since they can easily electrocute the turtle.

If you are uncertain where to put your UVB light in the turtle tank, you can always have them set up in the basking area.

How Far Away Should The UVB Light Be From A Turtle?

The general distance is somewhere between 8-15 inches, nonetheless, you will need to check the instruction manual on any light bulb you buy as well as manually take the temperature of your basking area using a thermometer.

Lifespan of a Light Bulb

One question people often ask themselves when they buy something expensive is “How long will it last?” People also wonder if they need to follow the manufacturer’s advice and replace tubes every six, eight, or twelve months.

All the UVB light sources degrade over time and as the light bulb degrades, visible light output can still remain the same, but the UVB generation will begin to drop off as soon as the bulb is first switched on.

Once that happens, while the light bulb will continue to run for a certain period of time, the UVB it provides may be too low to meet the needs of your turtle.

At this point, the light bulb is serving no purpose other than providing visible light and must be replaced for the health and well being of your pet.

The rate at which bulbs will deteriorate depends hugely on the type of light bulb and how long the bulb is used every day, but will also vary among individual bulbs.

Although most of the UVB light packages state that the UVB only lasts for 12 months in the bulb we recommend replacing them every 6 to 9 months if you want to be on the safe side.

Type Of UVB Light Bulb	Replace Interval
Compact Fluorescent Bulb:	6 Months
Liner Fluorescent Bulb:	6-12 Months
Mercury Vapory Bulb:	10-12 Months
Metal Halide Bulb:	24 Months

RELATED READ: Why Do Turtles Bask?

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What are the Different Types of UV Bulbs?

As we’ve seen, when choosing a lamp for a turtle tank, the question we must ask ourselves is “How much UVB does my reptile need, given its natural habitat and basking preferences?“

Various light bulbs vary enormously in the volume of UV light they emit, and in the kind of beam they offer.

If two lamps produce the same amount of UVB radiation, but one lamp’s beam is twice as wide as the other lamp’s beam, then a big reptile sitting 12″ away from the lamp with the broader beam will be able to generate more vitamin D3 from that lamp.

Good UVB lamps are expensive because they are made with high-quality materials like glass, phosphors, arc tubes, and more. Plus, many mercury vapor lamps are actually handmade.

Type	Description
Fluorescent Light Tubes	Tubes provide a diluted “glow” with low-intensity visible light, slight heat, and a reasonably uniform UVB gradient, over a proportionately large area, resembling natural UVB “in the shade” on a bright day.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs	Compacts provide a more powerful UVB gradient collected in a smaller area but still provide only fairly low-intensity visible light and slight heat.
Mercury Vapor Flood Lamps	True “flood” lamps deliver a more powerful UVB gradient stored in a smaller area. These lamps also create heat and more intense visible light, but it is still provided as a thin “glow” rather than a beam.
Mercury Vapor Spot and Narrow Flood Lamps	Because these have a directed beam, they deliver very intense light and high UVB concentrated like a spot of sunlight. Self-ballasted lamps produce more heat and an even more powerful visible light.

5.0 or 10.0 UVB for Turtles

Both bulbs make the same amount of light and the 5.0 UVB bulb usually produces half the UVB that a 10.0 UVB bulb can make. 

You only want to use the 5.0 UVB bulb where you have space constraints or if you want to put it in something like a mini deep dome. 

For turtles and tortoises, we always recommend the 10.0 UVB bulb and it must be mounted no more than 10-12″ away to get any UV benefit from it. 

No one should rely anymore on the old 5.0 and 10.0 UVB principles, as these numbers only vaguely show the UVB output of the bulb ranging between 280-320nm which is needed for vitamin D production. 

​2 in 1 Heat and Light Kit

You can meet the turtle’s light needs with just one lamp. They are one of the most popular and convenient ways to provide heat, daylight, UVA, and UVB rays all in one lamp.

The best part is that each bulb is on a separate switch so this comes with the flexibility to choose which light you want to turn on at any time.

The 2 in 1 light and heat kits are a good option if the turtle tank is running low on space. 

They can be a bit more expensive than your average light bulb, but they will provide everything that your turtles needs.

RELATED READ: Do Turtles Need Light at Night?

Daytime and Night Lights

When it comes to normal light in your turtle enclosure, as long as you have a light that puts out some form of brightness your turtle won’t care and will be happy.

The turtle wants light in the tank when it’s daytime and no light when it’s nighttime, depending on the species. Here you can use LED lights, T5 and T8 bulbs, or your standard aquarium light bulb to light up the enclosure. 

Typically you will want it to be photoperiodism, which is a fancy word for how long you will want your lights to be on. 

Turtles are also subjected to circadian rhythms. “Circadian rhythms“, in other words, means your body clock. Circadian rhythms can be mental and physical, as well as behavioral changes that follow a regular routine cycle. This is usually in response to the light in the turtle’s habitat.

Normally you will want the lights to be on for about 10 to 14 hours, and this sometimes just depends on the time of the year, but the general guideline is to have the lights on between 10 to 14 hours.

Keeping your lights switched on when it’s nighttime will greatly disrupt the turtle’s sleep, causing stress and affecting its health.

For this, you will definitely want to get a light timer as this will help you so much with consistency, you won’t have to worry about flipping that on and off switch every day.

RELATED READ: How to Care For a Red-Eared Slider Turtle

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Heat Light Options for Turtles

Many of the UVB lights on the market also come with heating elements, which is great because you don’t need to buy a separate heating source.

Many turtles require basking temperatures in the 85’s and 95’s degrees Fahrenheit so additional heat is required in most turtle tanks.

Heat lamps are favored over the under-tank heaters heating pads because you can regulate the ambient air temperature however you wish.

There are all kinds of heat lights types for both aquatic and land turtles, but it is necessary to find out what bulb wattage the turtle enclosure needs in order to keep it at the right temperature.

Regularly the larger enclosures will need higher wattage bulbs, and the smaller enclosures will obviously need less wattage to maintain the proper temperatures.

Apart from the mercury vapor bulbs which also provide UVB waves, ceramic heat emitters and the regular reptile heat light bulbs are available in different wattages.

The ceramic heat emitters only emit heat with no light at all. These are great because they can last for a very long time, are much less delicate than the normal light bulbs, and can be used day and night because they don’t emit any light.

Usual reptile heat bulbs can emit white, red, blue and purple light in addition to the heat.

White heat light bulbs should only be used during the day so you don’t stress your tortoise or turtle out, but you can switch over to red, blue, or purple heat light while it’s nighttime.

RELATED READ: The Best Basking Lights for Turtles

Heating in the Basking Area

With heating for your basking area, pretty much any bulb that produces any kind of heat will work, you can use an incandescent light bulb, halogens or you can use specifically marketed heat bulbs for reptiles.

Also, make sure that you have a light bulb that can emit UVB rays since the turtle will spend a big part of this time basking and staying still.

The temperature of the basking area should at least be 10 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the water temperature and that’s usually between 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit. 

We wouldn’t recommend anything lower than 82 degrees Fahrenheit and no higher than 96 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the turtle species.

The best way to measure the temperature of the basking area is by using an infrared laser temperature gun. Besides being useful it’s also super awesome and easy to use.

Point and shoot at the specific spot in the turtle enclosure, and it will tell you the precise temperature of the targeted area.

RELATED READ: The Best Turtle Basking Platforms

Heating in the Turtle Tank

Any standard glass aquarium heater will work, and the size of the heater for your tank should be 2 or 3 watts of energy times the amount of gallons in your tank.

For the temperature of your water that you will be setting the heater depending on two things: the age of the turtle and the species of the turtle.

General temperatures you will want the water to be at depending on your turtle:

• Baby Turtle – 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit
• Juvenile Turtle – 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit
• Adult Turtle – 72-75 degrees Fahrenheit

You have to remember that turtles are reptiles so they do regulate their body temperature based around them, so it’s important to get the water temperature right.

A heater guard is also a good idea to have if you do happen to have it exposed for the turtle.

RELATED READ: How to Keep Turtle Tank Clean?

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UVB Light Tips for Owners

• When you’re looking to buy a UVB light for your turtle, it’s important to keep in mind that the UVB rays decline every 6 months.
• In order for the turtle to absorb the maximum UVB he needs to have its shell cleaned every 6 to 8 weeks to remove any build-up.
• Use a UVB solar meter in order to test the levels of UVB in your home and purchase a light that will give your turtle the 10.0 to 12.0 level for basking.
• Be careful when handling UVB lights as they can cause eye damage.
• Mesh and glass can make the UVB output lose its efficiency by about 15-30%.

RELATED READ: Musk Turtle Care

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​Conclusion

There are various different sources to obtain UV lights for your turtle as described in our article.

However, even though it may be very difficult and inconvenient to regularly let them be exposed to the natural sun, we highly recommend getting your turtle outside for even just an hour a week to get some natural UVA and UVB rays.

The most effective heat bulb is for free, and that is the sun.

There you have it – the best UVB lights for turtles! We hope that this article has helped to provide some valuable information on what to look for when purchasing a UVB light, as well as some of the best options on the market.