In order to ensure that your tortoise is getting the right amount of UVB exposure, measure it with a solar meter. A good solar meter for tortoise enclosures will register the amount of UV rays that the UV source is emitting.
A solar meter is not a necessary purchase for raising a healthy red footed tortoise, however it is a good purchase and great product to have. You may even find that a good solar meter will save money. Instead of replacing your UV tube every six months, you will be able to monitor the UV emissions, which can possibly extend beyond the six-month range. Without the meter, you won’t be sure 100% when it’s time to replace your UV bulb without measuring the UV range it’s still emitting.
Solar Meter for Tortoise
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 to ensure your reptile is getting optimal UV rays in an inside enclosure.
There are two common Solarmeter® brand meters – 6.2 and 6.5.
Solarmeter 6.2
The Solarmeter 6.2 is the original solar meter. The 6.2 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 meter. 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 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 red foot.
UV Index for Red Foot Tortoise
Using the Ferguson Zone Chart, red footed tortoises are considered a zone 2 animal, requiring partial sun and occasional baskers They need a basking UV Index between 1.1 – 3.0.
How to Use a Solar Meter for Tortoise Enclosure
Place the meter as low as you can in the substrate of the enclosure, keeping the solar meter at about the height of your tortoise’s carapace. This will measure the UV at the level your tortoise feels it.
Once the meter is in the substrate, follow the directions of the meter to get a readout at the tortoise’s level.
If the readout is less than the recommended UV Index for red foot tortoises, adjust the height of the UV source, keeping within a safe distance. If that does not correct the UV index, it may be time to replace the UV source.
Note: Do not leave the solar meter in the enclosure. Test the UV as needed, placing the meter in the enclosure each time you check the UV.
