UVB Bulbs

symphonica

symphonica

New Member
What is the difference between these types, in terms of UVB output, and which is recommended?

-UVB fluorescent tube (T8s, are they?)
-T5HO (high output)
-MHs (halides)
-round bulbs (basic light bulb with round surface)
-R-types (bulb with flat surface)
-coiled bulb

I know you need different housing unit for each bulb, and I know the difference in the reef-keeping sense, but what does it mean for chameleons?
 
T8's and T5's are similar but the T5's are brighter (more light not UVB).. Unless they specify UVB they don't produce any.. Round incandescent bulbs and r-types do not produce UVB either. Some coiled CF bulbs do produce UVB, but again, if not specified they don't.. Mercury vapor bulbs produce UVB and heat, and are only recommended for very large enclosures since they produce A LOT of heat..

T5 HO bulbs designed for UVB are what most here will recommend. UVB bulbs will have a rating on them for how much UVB they produce.. most common is 2.0, 5.0, 10.0.. For a free range a 10.0 UVB is what I would suggest since it produces the most UVB from those three, and UVB dissipates very quickly at distance. Arcadia and Reptisun are the two brands that are recommended.

You will not be able to find a UVB bulb in a hardware store 99% of the time since it is generally only used for pet keeping
 
I'm using 5.0s right now because I've been told that 10.0s can actually cause more harm than good to chameleons due to their strength, and are more for beardies, but will switch to those if you think they'd be better in a free-range situation. But, my ficus is only 12" below the height of the ceiling at its highest point, where they usually perch. Would a 10.0 be too strong if they're always sitting that close to it, at the top of the ficus?

I've seen UVB bulbs in all of the above bulb types, and was wondering what the difference was in output.

For example,
ReptiSun would be your typical T8 fluorescent tube
ReptiSun also make the T5HO UVBs
Exo Terra's SunRay UVB is a MH
Zilla's Tropical or Desert UVB is a Coil
Exo Terra Solar Glo UVB is an R-type
 
The solar Glo is a mercury vapor bulb, they produce both heat and UVB, the sunray produces both as well.. The CFL coil lights are typically weaker and the UVB deteriorates very quickly..
The reptisun UVB T5 HO are usually what is recommended on this site.. at 12" from the UVB bulb you shouldn't have any problem with a 10.0 bulb.. I will be putting a 12% bulb in my 4 foot enclosure.
Todd from Lightmyreptiles.com is great for lighting information.. He's also a sponsor for this site..
 
I use Arcadia T5 HO 12% bulbs on my panthers in small and adult sized cages and they thrive under them. Personally I would never go back to using T8 bulbs.

The idea that a 10.0 bulb causing more harm than good is a load of rubbish really. No uv bulb available comes close to what the animals would receive in the wild so a 10.0 bulb will certainly cause no harm, especially if it is a T8 bulb.

If the cage is set up properly with areas of shade and light the chameleon can choose where it wants to be itself just as it would in the wild. :D
 
I use an Arcadia Forest Range T8 's for my chameleons and my daughter uses Arcadia's Tropical T8's for her bearded dragon - they last longer - I may go to T5's but I will not use the other brands or anything but a tube - I've had great service with "Light my Reptiles" and I've read about other brands not testing as well right out of the box-
 
You should (as others have said) be fine with either a 5.0 or 10.0. There is no one correct answer, but if you go with a 10.0 or 12% and are a bit unsure, you can always place a spare piece of screen between it and the top of your enclosure. This won't be easy if you are free ranging, but again, you will be fine with any of these. I highly recommend the Arcadia T5HO! They will last longer and are well worth the investment! ;)
 
Thanks to all for the informative responses. I may be making the switch to a T5HO. Do you need a different type of housing for these bulbs? I know T8s and T5s use different sockets in the fish world...
 
symphonica said:
Thanks to all for the informative responses. I may be making the switch to a T5HO. Do you need a different type of housing for these bulbs? I know T8s and T5s use different sockets in the fish world...
Click to expand...

Yeah they are not interchangeable. Check out lightyourreptiles.com. Very good selection of T5 bulbs and fixtures. Todd is very knowledgeable on this topic
 
Windex and Melissa, thanks for the links! I actually sent a PM to the author of the thread, and also will be purchasing from lightyourreptiles.
 
Just don't purchase the last 24" T5 HO quad :p I've been waiting for a month for him to get his shipment in :p
 
Only thing I could see that would improve it would be if it had a built in timer for each type of light, and one power cord
 
I have never had luck with timers. When I used to have a reef tank, my timers would always stop working on me, and lighting is so important to corals that I became paranoid of them failing on me. I've become so much more trusting of myself doing things manually. Any recommendations on good timers that aren't going to fail on me?
 
I have never had luck with timers. When I used to have a reef tank, my timers would always stop working on me, and lighting is so important to corals that I became paranoid of them failing on me. I've become so much more trusting of myself doing things manually. Any recommendations on good timers that aren't going to fail on me?
Click to expand...

Geez- after using timers for 20 years I'd really like to know a good brand too. Every single year I find failed timers and lights on in the middle of the night.

This year I had a timer fail right out of the box.

It seems like they are getting less reliable and less sturdy as the years go by, instead of more. Really- it seems like 20 years ago they were more sturdy and better made.
 
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