General Care Discussion :: is this a good uvb bulb?

[mrodrigo]

i have looked everywhere for uvb bulbs that fit a normal socket, not tube ones, would this be a good option? does this also produce heat or would i still need the heat lamp i currently have? i read on the lighting and basking section here that self ballasted uvb lamps also produce heat, would this be the case?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/produc ... ome-garden

thanks for your help,

martin

[missibsu]

I believe it is good, just don't buy the used ones. These bulbs need to be replaced every 6-8 months, even if they haven't burnt out, and I could see someone trying to sell one that looks like it still works. Also be sure to check and see what the requirements are for the amount of water in your set up. Some bulbs (I don't know if it is this one) shouldn't be used with less than 75 gallons of water.

[fishandcandy]

This bulb doesn't produce heat, it's flourescent, so you would still need your basking bulb. A heat producing bulb UVB bulb is mercury-vapor (and should only be used with larger enclosures).
Both the bulbs under the "used" section are listed as new and are sold by pet store type sellers, so I think you'd be okay buying from them.
I've heard this is a good bulb.

[marisa]

I've got the 10.0 Reptisun Compact flourescents; they're a bit cheaper than the 5.0 ones in your link at www.bigalsonline.com (but the 5.0 ones aren't sold there as far as I can see). The compact flourescents are rather fragile and their longevity isn't the greatest. You can use a regular light bulb for the basking bulb.

[TNTurtles]

this is the exact same bulb i just bought about 1 week ago. It sticks out a little bit from my lamp but not too bad. Seems to be working fine so far. You might want to buy a longer lamp head type of lamp if the bright light bothers you. I figure it goes off before bed so no big bother to me =)

[Turtleboy]

i use that one too.. the 10.0 compact, the only thing is it doesn't provide the heat needed for your turtles

[marisa]

No, flourescent UVB lights don't. A heat light is needed as well, and this can be a regular lightbulb.