Lighting question. . .

[Billy Quan]

A recent trip to the local home supply has revealed that incandescent spot bulbs are becoming less available due to the increased popularity of energy efficient lighting. I understand that compact fluorescent bulbs can damage a chameleons eyes and are not suitable for basking.
What about halogen, user friendly?
And what about the spot lights that look like spots, but actually have a fluorescent-coil inside?
OK, one more if I may. . . why are the CF bulbs so harmful?

 

[Zen Reptiles]

It's only some CF bulbs that are harmful, from what I understand.
I could be wrong, but I believe it's only some specialized brands
like Exo Terra and Zoo Med that made CF bulbs that emit WAY too much UVB.

I think the normal ones you get at the hardware store emit about 15-40 UVB
(I measured). And the 10.0 Zoo Med CF bulb that I got from a pal of mine
measured over 140.

That said, I use linear tubes for my reptiles, and CF bulbs for my dart frogs.
I also use incandescent bulbs for hot spots.

What exactly do you need this for? A basking spot or for UVB?

You can probably order any bulb you want online somewhere for very very cheap.

http://www.google.com/products?q=light+bulb+60w

 

[jojackson]

Thats an old can-o-worms mate. UVB compacts were originally manufactured by several brand names with higher than acceptable outputs of UVB wavelengths. As a result these damaged the eyes of reptiles, something akin to snow blindness, some went blind.
Photo keratin something or other its called, anyway, some have since been altered by the manufactures, but others remain in question and for this reason there seems to be a blanket response against their use in general.
Somebody will post a now famous link about uv guidelines published in the uk aftertesting done there.

Halogens are ok but tend to emit alot of heat and are not suitable for all reptiles.

You can probly assume spot look-a-likes with coils inside wont emit enough heat for basking, if they are Uv I cant see how they could be much good since UV dosent penetrate glass.

The emergence of energy efficient type bulbs is an issue for most herp keepers, sadly.

 

[Billy Quan]

I have a linear Reptisun 5.0 for UVB, I'm wondering if there are options other than incandescent that can be used to create a safe hot spot.

 

[CleanLineChameleons]

You know, I believe that all incandescence are going to be banned by 2012 (so stock up) and all fluorescents (yes even CFs) by 2014 (my years may be a little off, but legislation has been passed and I don't want to look it up right now). I honestly don't know what the reptile industry or fish industry will do for lighting. The reason these lights are being banned is because the amount of Mercury they contain (not green). Possibly they will come out with some LED UVB lights...lol which would be even cooler because they are more efficient than fluorescents. I think one of the only things us reptile people will be able to use for heat will be those ceramic heaters that plug into light outlets.

Who knows what lighting will bring, but it is surely to change in the next 5 years. I work in the lighting industry, we manufacture LEDs.

Also one other thought, our UVB lights are horrible and anyone with a UVB meter can second that.

My 2cents,

Chris