General Care Discussion :: UVB Question

[mikedpirone]

Ok I am currently shopping around for a new UVB fluorescent bulb. I have come across a few and are looking for opinions on the following two. ZooMed Reptisun 5.0 UVB blub and the Exo Terra Repti-Glo Bulb 8.0 UVB bulb. They both cost around the same(give or take 2 or 3 dollars) but the money isn't the issue its the quality of the bulb that concerns me. I want to know which of the two is a better bulb.

[jenaero]

I have no experience with either brand, but it is my understanding that the higher uvb output is better, so the 8.0 would be slightly better than the 5.0

[marisa]

The Reptisun brand is considered to have a very good reputation from what I've read. (I'm assuming your talking about a tube flourescent, not a compact flourescent.) It is also sold as a 10.0 tube (10% UVB).

But rather than only looking at UVB output (not so very much of a difference between the two), how are you planning to use the bulb--what kind of fixture will it be in (is the inside of the fixture white or aluminum)? How far away will the light be from your basking turtle?

[mikedpirone]

yes the flourescent tube, the fixture is white but it goes the full length of the tank and is approx. 5 1/2 inches above the basking area.

[marisa]

If the light is going to be that close to your basking turtle, personally, I'd go with the Reptisun 5.0.

[lazixixi]

I have the Reptisun 10.0 cuz it guarantees 10% UVB and 30% UVA, and I think encourages a better appetite for you turtle. As soon as I started using this bulb, I got my turtle to start to eat ^_^. It is more expensive than most bulbs, but realli worth it.

[mikedpirone]

I went with the Zoo Med Reptisun. Thanks for all you help guys!

[RESCHIU]

how much difference there is between 5% UVB and 10%UVB? do the distance between the light and the turtle makes big difference(as Marisa mentioned on previous 2 messages) my lamp and my turtle's basking spot is about 5.5"~6" away, do you think getting 5% is good enough?? thank you

[marisa]

There is a dramatic drop off in UVB strength as the distance increases between the light and the turtle. With conventional UVB lights, after 12 inches the benefits are very slight, if any.

10% is twice the UVB of 5%, yes, but the type and brand of bulb are also considerations.

A Reptisun 5.0 (a tube) 5.5~6" away from a healthy basking turtle, is fine. The light should be replaced at regular intervals (about every 6 months).

Since your turtle is being treated for MBD, however, you might want to ask your herp vet about the higher percentage of UVB. I'm not sure I'd want to have a 10% UVB light that close to my turtle, but ask your vet. With a higher amount of UVB, I'd also up the calcium intake to keep the two in balance.