Tortoises are cold-blooded, so they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. A heat lamp is an essential piece of equipment for any tortoise owner. Without the proper basking temperature, a tortoise will not be able to digest its food properly and could develop respiratory problems.
While there are different types and brands of heat lamps on the market, not all of them are created equal. In this article, I’ll take a look at three of the best heat lamps for tortoises currently on the market and see what makes them stand out from the rest.
5 Reasons Why Your Tortoise Needs a Heat Lamp
Here are a few reasons why your pet tortoise needs a heat lamp:
Tortoises are ectothermic animals, meaning that they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
A heat lamp provides your tortoise with essential UVB rays, which are necessary for proper calcium absorption and metabolism.
With this heat lamp, your tortoise will get both UVA and UVB rays, just like they would if they were basking in the wild. This not only helps them stay healthy but also makes them look more vibrant.
It comes with two E27 bulbs in 25W and 50W, so you can get just the right amount of heat for your pet tortoise. Plus, its 360-degree flexible design means that you can easily adjust the angle of the light to provide your tortoise with the perfect amount of heat.
This tortoise heat lamp also features adjustable timing and temperature settings, so you can always be sure your pet is comfortable.
#2. Best Dual Design: REPTI ZOO Dual Heat Lamp for Tortoises
Two are always better than one! With a dual lamp cap design, each is able to bear Max 150W, making this lamp the perfect way to keep your tortoise warm. This is especially important during the colder winter months.
This UVB and UVA basking spot lamp has a heat-resistant ceramic lamp cap that makes it perfect for extended use.
With two independent power switches, you can control the heat output of your tortoise heat lamp with ease. Plus, the hanging hooks make it easy to install and position the lamp exactly where you need it.
#3. Best Value: MCLANZOO 2-Pack Tortoise Heat Lamp
With this 75W high heat efficiency UVA basking lamp, you can boost your tortoise’s appetite and help them stay healthy. This bulb emits the perfect amount of warmth and light to promote a healthy appetite, and it will also help your tortoise stay active.
This tortoise heat lamp provides a natural light spectrum that simulates the sun. This is beneficial because it allows your tortoise to receive the right amount of UVA rays, which are essential for their health. The bulb lasts up to 1000 hours, so you won’t have to worry about changing it frequently.
How Long Should the Tortoise Heat Lamp Be On in a Day?
In order to maintain a healthy and consistent basking temperature, it is recommended that tortoise heat lamps be kept on for 12 hours a day and then turned off at night. This will allow your tortoise to regulate its body temperature effectively and remain healthy.
How Warm Should a Tortoise Enclosure Be?
To provide a healthy environment for your tortoise, it is important to create an enclosure that will mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible. This means providing a warm, sunny area for them to bask in and a cool, shady spot for them to retreat to when they need to cool down.
The temperature of the basking area should be between 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit, while the cooler area temperature should be between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is The Ideal Distance to Place a Tortoise Heat Lamp?
A 50-watt heat lamp should be placed 6-8 inches away from the basking spot, and a 75-watt heat lamp should be placed 9 inches away. The ideal distance to place a 100-watt tortoise heat lamp is 12-14 inches away from the basking area. This will allow the tortoise to stay warm without being too close to the heating source and risking injury.
Do Tortoises Need UVA or UVB Light? What are the Benefits?
Tortoises need both UVA and UVB ultraviolet light (UV) in order to stay healthy. UVB helps tortoises synthesize vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption. UVA, on the other hand, helps tortoises improve immunity and vision.
UVB Light Benefits for Tortoises
UVB radiation exposure is beneficial for tortoises for a number of reasons. Perhaps the most well-known benefit is that it helps tortoises produce vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
UVB light also helps to regulate the tortoise’s body temperature by providing them with a source of heat.
Additionally, UVB rays can help to prevent or treat a number of skin conditions that are common in tortoises, such as shell pyramiding.
UVA Light Benefits for Tortoises
The ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation found in sunlight can have a number of benefits for tortoises. UVA light helps stimulate feeding and activity in tortoises. Moreover, UVA has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent shell infections. It also helps regulate the sleeping cycle in tortoises.
