In order to ensure that your tortoise is getting the right amount of UVB exposure, measure it with a solar meter.
Although, buying a solar meter is not a necessary purchase for raising a healthy sulcata, it is a good purchase. You may even find that a good solar meter will save you money in the end. Instead of replacing your UV tube every six months, you may find that you get a year or more usage. But, you wouldn’t be sure unless you measured the UV index of the UV bulb.
Solarmeter
There are many solar meters on the market, but the Solarmeter® brand is the most trusted for reptiles. The Solarmeter brand UV meter is specifically designed to monitor reptile lamp intensity and aging.
Solarmeter 6.2
Although still very accurate, the Solarmeter 6.2 is the original version. This model gives the UV readout in micro watts per centimeter squared, which is essentially the intensity of UV light energy.
This solar meter is calibrated to read primarily UVB light and is a good indicator of whether the bulb is still producing adequate UVB when compared to when the bulb was new.
Solarmeter 6.5
The Solarmeter 6.5 is the updated version of the 6.2. The meter is unchanged operationally from the 6.2, but it is easier for reptile owners to read. The solar meter gives a readout in UV index and features the the Ferguson Zone Chart on the front panel for easy reference.
This meter is calibrated to read wavelengths (instead of intensity) that are in the bioactive range and reads the wavelengths most active in producing D3. This meter basically gauges how much D3 producing light actually reaches your pet sulcata.
UV Index for Sulcata Tortoise
Using the Ferguson Zone Chart, Sulcata tortoises are intermediate between zones 3 and 4. They need a basking UV Index between 2.9 and 7.4.
How to Use a Solarmeter
When using a Solarmeter, did a hole in the substrate and get the meter as low as you can. Place the meter in the hole so that it’s an equal distance from the UV source as the top of the tortoise’s carapace.
Once the meter is in the substrate, follow the directions of the meter.
This will give you the readout at the tortoise’s level. You’ll know just what your pet sulcata is exposed to.
If the readout is less than the recommended UV Index for sulcatas, adjust the height of the UV source, keeping within a safe distance.
Note: Do not leave the Solarmeter in the enclosure. Test the UV as needed, placing the meter in the enclosure each time you check the UV.
