Habitat - Indoor :: question regarding lighting

[pumpkinsherbet]

i've read on here a couple times that the uva bulbs lose their heating ability after awhile. just curious, how often should i change the bulb in order to stick to optimum heating in the basking area? mine's still doing okay, i just want to get an idea so i can work out a budget with the turtles.

also, what's a good uvb bulb i can get? can i use one in a regular clamp lamp, or are they only available in tube form?

thanx!

[BullDog]

I think you're confusing uva with uvb.
uvb bulbs are good for an ABSOLUTE MAX of 1 year (it's recommended you change them every 6 months). I think the only time a uva loses heat is if it burns out (assuming you're just using a regular light bulb). As long as the basking temp is ~10 degrees above the water temp, you'll be good.

For the uvb bulb, I use the zoomed reptisun compact. It fits in a regular light socket, so it would work in a regular clamp lamp.

[pumpkinsherbet]

awesome.