Equipment Review and Discussion :: UVB/UVA light help...

[Riosgirl]

i'm sorry it's me again-i'm confused about the uvb/uva lights...I have a lamp that gives uva light and the box that the bulb came in said it was for basking, so I have that set up, i bought a 75 watt bulb but i noticed when i put the thermometer on the dock it is usually like 87f or 88f, it doesn't really get up to 90f, do i need to but 100 watt bulb? I have the lamp like 8"-10" from the dock...
for the UVB light I couldn't find anything that was fo UVb rays...i didn't want to ask the employees b/c they always give me wrong info for my res, since the beginning. what kind of lamp do i need to buy and what kind of bulb? someone told me reptisun 5.0 or 10.0 and I saw the bulb but not the lamp...help anyone? where can i buy somehting not too expensive?

[grey goose]

You can use a standard 18" fixture from Home Depot or Lowes. I got one a few years back I think I spent less than 10 bucks. A Reptisun 10.0 costs about $20. With any fixture you use, you have to take the plastic cover off, or the UVB wont get thru. Mount it in a place where it is high enough so it dosent get splashed, about 8-10 inches above the basking area.

[Riosgirl]

thanks!
so i just look for a uvb lamp if i go to home depot or lowes? is reptisun the name brand of the lamp and the bulb in the pet stores?

[grey goose]

Get the 18" flouresent fixture[i] at Home Depot or Lowes. Then get the 18" bulb at the pet store. Its called a Reptisun 5.0 or 10.0 bulb. 10.0 is stronger, thus it will probably cost more. You could use a 5.0 if they are significantly less, but if the price is close or the same, go with the 10.0

[hobie]

If you or anyone wants to solve UVA/UVB problems, buy a floodlight like I have. I bought it from DrsFosterSmith.com. It is called T-REX Active UV Heat Bulb. I have a 100w. and it will last you about 14mo. and will give you more UVA/UVB at the end of its life than any other bulb can.

[SpotsMama]

I love that bulb (T-Rex 100w UV bulb). Be sure to get the "flood" light and not the "spot" light. You also need a good ceramic fixture with it as it gets very hot. Also, because it's very powerful, it's only recommended for tanks 55 gallons and up.

(Just noticed - this is an old post as well. Wonder why so many of these have suddenly surfaced?)

[steve]

(Just noticed - this is an old post as well. Wonder why so many of these have suddenly surfaced?)

Newbies seem to be resurrecting them. Perhaps topics 60 days old get locked? But who wants that job?

[cover2cp]

Hey everybody...I'm pretty new to all this and I just want to make sure i have the proper lighting for my guys. I am using ZOO MED repti basking spot lamp...it is 50 watts and was the one recommended to me by a RES turtle rescuer that i met at Petco. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[xsavingsaturdayx]

Did he suggest a second light as well? A UVB light? If not..

Then that is not a UVB light and whoever that 'turtle' rescuer is, is full of it and should not be giving anyone advice if he doesnt know what he is talking about

That light only provides UVA which is basicly heat, UVB bulbs contain UVA too, but they usually dont provide enough heat to warm the basking area to the upper 80's (you can use a normal household lightbulb for this) which is why you need two lamps. Your turtles arent getting the proper lighting without a UVB light.

Get a UVB light, make sure it says UVB. And make sure you get one that emits around 5% UVB. You will need both UVA and UVB lighting. Remember, for UVA, using a normal household lightbulb will work, but since your stuck with "special reptile bulb" why not use it.

Welcome to the forum, BTW

My names, eddie.

[cover2cp]

Ok thanks...that's what I was worried about. I'm glad I found this site because it seems like all the info that I received at the pet stores was wrong . Hopefully either Petsmart or Petco will carry a reliable brand of UVB bulb. I never like to order products online if I don't have to. Thanks again.

[adam85491]

If you don't order online-the case in New Jersey is that you will spend $25 for an inadequate 3% bulb or 45-50 bucks on a reptisun. I bought a Repti-glo 5.0 for $13 at Petsmart...that's the way to go in my opinion.

[xsavingsaturdayx]

Yes the Repti-glo 5.0 is a good UVB bulb and very affordable like adam said, I bought mine for 10$. Stay away from the Reptisun 10.0's as they have been known to cause eye problems.

[cover2cp]

Cool...thanks everybody for the info

[stray_647]

what about using a reptisun 10.0 tubelight for UVB?

[adam85491]

10.0 tubes are good, just stay away from 10.0 compacts as they have been known to cause eye problems.