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Coil Compact UVA Bulb

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:08 pm
by WeirdMeta

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:26 pm
by cam722
The Second one is the better choice.. it's good for UVB.. but NOT UVA.. UVA emits heat and all you need for that is a regular household bulb. :)

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:15 pm
by marisa
Actually, regular flourescent UVB lights do also emit UVA rays. But they don't give off heat, so you'd need a heat source with either of the two. The heat is separate from the UVB/UVA rays, and you can just use a regular lightbulb along with either one.

The two bulbs give off different percentages of UVB rays, the first (ESU coil light) gives off 3% UVB (you can also buy ones that give off 7%), the second (Reptisun) gives off 10% (they also come in 5% UVB strength).

Of the two you linked, the second is the better choice, as cam722 said, because it gives off more UVB rays. I've used both and my turtles haven't had a problem with either. The Reptisun is, however, considered to be the better brand and the one I'd choose. (And the Petsmart price for the ESU coil light is high.)

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:20 pm
by WeirdMeta
Oh I'm sorry lol... I'm such an idiot. I meant for UVB I get the two confused.

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:48 pm
by Muirner
I use the Reptisun 10.0 Directly over my dock, and it works out well. I like it, and the turtles do too??? lol

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:53 pm
by WeirdMeta
I'm just trying to figure out what to use from my upgraded tank. I know my nearest PetsMart only carries the UVB Coil Bulb for 22.99. Now their is a PetCo I could try to look for the ReptiSun 10.0 bulb. Where does everyone get their ReptiSun bulb?

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:55 pm
by Muirner
PetSmart. If you do the online pricematch it's worth it. Call and see if they will order it for you. I paid almost 50$ for mine, and then lost the receipt. grrr

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:58 pm
by Kallistos
WeridMeta, what size tank do you have? If it's over 55 gallons, you can look into MVB. The two major brands are Zoo-med's Powersun and T-Rex's Active U.V. Heat. There's a pretty long topic in Habitat - Indoor about MVB's titled - MVB Bulb.

Here's a link to it.

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 5:27 pm
by WeirdMeta
Aren't the MVB bulb more exspensive?

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 5:32 pm
by WeirdMeta
Like I said I might try my local PetCo and see if they have that ReptiSun 10.0 bulb.

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 5:41 pm
by marisa
WierdMeta, Petco's prices here for that bulb are generally higher than Petsmarts, although last week when I was in there they had a "sale" and had $5 off the regular price (which made it about $45+tax). Maybe they're cheaper at the Petco where you are.

The best "regular" price for the Reptisun 10.0 compact flourescent is at www.bigalsonline.com ($22.99)

Mercury Vapor Bulbs are more expensive initially, but can be used longer than flourescent UVB bulbs, which makes them probably cheaper in the long run, especially if you buy them on-line.

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 5:53 pm
by Muirner
Wow i wish i could find that receipt... That'd be a hugh savings. Grrr...

Note PETSMART will pricematch!!

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 9:36 pm
by WeirdMeta
marisa wrote:WierdMeta, Petco's prices here for that bulb are generally higher than Petsmarts, although last week when I was in there they had a "sale" and had $5 off the regular price (which made it about $45+tax). Maybe they're cheaper at the Petco where you are.

The best "regular" price for the Reptisun 10.0 compact flourescent is at www.bigalsonline.com ($22.99)

Mercury Vapor Bulbs are more expensive initially, but can be used longer than flourescent UVB bulbs, which makes them probably cheaper in the long run, especially if you buy them on-line.



I may just end up getting it from Big Al's. I recently ordered my XP3 filter and a new heater from them since they had free shipping on orders over 50 dollars. I'm hoping to get the 75 gallon tank I've been waiting to get this weekend. I'm also planning on using the turtle tank as a dry/nesting area. I'm going to try to make a ramp from the 75 gallon to the turtle tank which will be easy since the turtle tank has that opening for the filter :D. Hopefully everything will work out.