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would something like this bulb be better than getting seperate bulbs for heat/uva/uvb? its a bit pricy but if it handles all 3 then it seems like it would be worth it. Or if anyone else has any suggestions of what they use that is cheaper that would be appreciated.

"The PowerSun UV(TM) is a high intensity source of UVB, UVA, heat and visible light. Because the PowerSun UV is a self-ballasted bulb it can be used in any ceramic socket that is rated to handle the wattage. The PowerSun UV has nickel-plated threads to ensure that it will not corrode in humid reptile habitats. These lamps project useable UVB radiation greater distances (up to 6 feet) than conventional fluorescent tubes. This makes them ideal for large enclosures and reptiles with high UV demands. The PowerSun UV has all of the benefits of ReptiSun bulbs with the added benefit of increased intensity, heat and a manufacturer's one year guarantee. "

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441781138&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574488339129&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023694&bmUID=1143040960787&Ntt=UVB&In=All&previousText=UVB&itemNo=1&N=2

That's what I use. Definetly more convenient but I'm not sure if it's 'better'.

Are these the bulbs they suggest be used on larger tanks? If so, the only problem would be making sure you had a large enough enclosure to handle the "power"..

That's true. I should have mentioned that. I use mine on a 46gal rubbermaid and a 125gal tank.

Personally, I'd recommend a T-Rex Active UVHeat over the Powersun; I think they have a better reputation. (I have not used the Powersun, and have never bought it for that reason. I also find Zoo-Meds customer service to be abysmal.) The newer T-Rex bulbs are also supposed to be made with a newer technology that's state-of-the-art.

The description you provided indicates that the bulb is meant for a large enclosure (this is also true of the T-Rex bulb). How big is the tank you're thinking of putting it in?

That's what I use is the T-Rex UVHeat bulb.

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... UVHeat&N=2

ok well i finally got a UVB light for my turtles. Its only 5% UVB, is that high enough? If not ill take it back. It said on there that its for tropical animals. I have a 10 gallon tank (until this summer when i can afford a bigger one). How close should i put the UVB? should it be just close to the tank or should i put it over the basking area.....?

The UVB/UVA light sources need to be over the basking area. 5% is ok

TNTurtles wrote:ok well i finally got a UVB light for my turtles. Its only 5% UVB, is that high enough? If not ill take it back. It said on there that its for tropical animals. I have a 10 gallon tank (until this summer when i can afford a bigger one). How close should i put the UVB? should it be just close to the tank or should i put it over the basking area.....?

You need to be very careful then because the lights we are discussing in this thread should only be used in large tanks like 50+ gallon tanks.

Yes i know about the dangers of making the tank too hot with bulbs made for bigger tanks. Thats why i have 2 seperate bulbs for heating and UVA/UVB. I have a air thermometer so i can monitor the temp of the basking area at all times. It usually stays around 88-92F depending on the temp of the room so i make sure i dont burn my turtles. I dont think I will even consider getting an all in one bulb either until the ones i have burn out, aren't sufficient enough, or i get a much bigger tank. Thanks for all your advice!