Equipment Review and Discussion :: ZooMed Reptisun UV Bulbs Info

[DavidY]

I emailed ZooMed today about all the problems with their compact flourescent Reptisun 5.0 and 10.0 bulbs. They replied within an hour and were very helpful. Here is what they wrote...

David,

Thank you for contacting us and brining this to our attention.

The ReptiSun compact fluorescents have a ‘burn-in” period when the UVB output is greatest. This period lasts about 2 to 3 weeks and during this time it’s important to increase the distance between the turtles and the light. The instructions included with the bulb point out the recommended operating distances for the given lamp arrangement and terrarium setup. These distances range from 12” to 19”. Some of the bulbs did go out without the instruction manual and although we made every effort to get instruction manuals out to the new owners some were left out. Attached are the instruction manuals for the ReptiSun 5.0 and ReptiSun 10.0. If you know of anyone who can benefit from this instruction manual please let me know and I’ll get it out to them as well.

If the a turtles eyes appear swollen, turn off the light and let the eyes heal for about 3 days and then reposition the light and continue normal use.

You are correct in that the 10.0 are primarily for desert species or for very large enclosure where access to UVB from a 5.0 would not be sufficient. We have not changed the technology or manufacturing process of the linear fluorescents nor do we know of any production problems. I will definitely pass your comments along to our production department for further investigation. Please know that we take pride in making high quality products and take into consideration any comments that come our way.

Thank you again for your continued loyalty and support. Please let us know if you have any further questions or comments.

Regards,

Rita Zarate
Dir. Customer Service
Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc.
3650 Sacramento Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Toll Free 888-496-6633
Direct 805-542-9988
Fax 805-542-9295
www.zoomed.com

When I find a way to post the instructions I'll add a link to them from this thread (they're in PDF format).



***update: PDFs added***
Reptisun 5.0 859K
www.redearslider.com/downloads/reptisun ... ctions.pdf

Reptisun 10.0 857K
www.redearslider.com/downloads/reptisun ... ctions.pdf

[Starchick]

I talked to that same woman when I had a problem with the docks, zoomed seems like a really great, responsive company.

[overtheedge]

Wow, seems like they have really good customer service.

[DavidY]

I've always liked their quality. They tend to really put a lot into their products with the health and welfare of the animals having priority over sales and marketing. Other brands sometimes tend to skimp on quality in my opinion. I think these UV bulbs may be an unintentional result of their attempt to provide stronger UV lighting for reptiles at a more affordable price. It's been well known that the compact flourescents are capable of providing high levels of UV radiation. Perhaps Zoo Med was trying to maximize on this capability but somehow over did it or allowed a spike in a particular wavelength that is now damaging the turtle's eyes. I have confidence that they will correct this situation if there is in fact a problem with their product. In the mean time, exercise caution with these bulbs. Thankfully the damage caused does not seem to be permanent.

[SpotsMama]

Someone that knows about these things said the eye problem is the same as snow blindness in people. It's temporary unless it goes on too long or is too severe.

[steve]

I added the PDFs above.

The Reptisun 10.0 I started to use last July still puts out more UVB than my new Reptisun 10.0. That bulb caused swollen eyes right away, and was still able to the last time I used it (maybe 2 months ago?). I was leaving the bulb on for only 2-3 hours a day when I knew they could bask without interruption and there were no problems. When I accidentally left it on for about 8hrs, there was some minor, but noticeable swelling.

[DavidY]

Thanks Steve!

[steve]

Thank you and SpotsMama... at least we can get some answers and update our care information.

[grey goose]

17" to 19" when mounted horizontally????
I wish I had these instructions when I first started using these bulbs...Thanks for getting this info out DavidY!
Maybe the PDF should be made a sticky.....

[steve]

Good idea! Once SpotsMama gets her report, we'll definitely spread the word. Also... the last package I had said that the 10.0 lasts for 1 year, in the PDF, it says 6 months. So either the manufacturing is different or they have been changing their directions.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Thanks! That was interesting, DavidY!

[DavidY]

you're welcome!

[DavidY]

Hey Steve, is there a way to make this a sticky?

[steve]

The bulbs have been graciously sent off (thanks Spotsmama!). Once the report comes back, we'll probably make a huge sticky, that will include some of this info/files and as much info as we can to support the findings.

I'm eagerly awaiting the results...

[xsavingsaturdayx]

They should get to their destination on may 30, so we'll probably know around early to mid june.