What are the best Energy Efficient lights?

[Reel]

What are the most energy efficient basking and uvb lights? I once knew a guy with a reptile shop who said his electric bill was only $80 a month... which is less then my monthly bill without any reptiles at all! I'm looking for lights that will last a while, not burn out after a months use. Especially if their expensive bulbs. The only thing I can find for an energy efficient basking bulb is the
Zoo Med Repti Halogen Bulb but its expensive and the reviews say it burns out quickly. Is there such thing as an energy efficient basking light out there? Anyone know? I'm looking to light up some chameleons and I want them good and healthy, don't want to cheap out on what they need. I want it efficient for them and for my wallet! Thanks

 

[Carlton]

What are the most energy efficient basking and uvb lights? I once knew a guy with a reptile shop who said his electric bill was only $80 a month... which is less then my monthly bill without any reptiles at all! I'm looking for lights that will last a while, not burn out after a months use. Especially if their expensive bulbs. The only thing I can find for an energy efficient basking bulb is the
Zoo Med Repti Halogen Bulb but its expensive and the reviews say it burns out quickly. Is there such thing as an energy efficient basking light out there? Anyone know? I'm looking to light up some chameleons and I want them good and healthy, don't want to cheap out on what they need. I want it efficient for them and for my wallet! Thanks

You don't need a fancy reptile bulb to provide basking heat. Any sort of household bulb that will warm your cage will work, so you can pick from various types of bulbs that are energy efficient. I've always liked the heavier duty halogen bulbs used for exterior porches. They don't seem to burn out or fail as early as other types. Just be careful how close you place the bulb to the basking site...measure the temps and adjust the distance so you don't burn your cham.

Now your UV bulb is a whole different thing. The most important aspect of this light is the UV spectrum it can provide...not its energy efficiency. If you choose a bulb because its cheap to run but it doesn't give the cham the UV it needs, what was the point? I don't know how the Arcadia tube fluorescents compare energy efficiency wise to ReptiSun 5.0s, but those are the two brands most of us trust and use. I'm sure someone here can tell you how they rate efficiency-wise.

 

[junglefries]

I want them good and healthy, don't want to cheap out on what they need. I want it efficient for them and for my wallet!

Unfortunately, with chameleons their is no shortcut. No cheap and easy solution. Carlton has it right. Either Arcadia or Reptisun for your UVB/UVA. For a basking bulb, I use a household clear 25w incandescent bulb. You can use halogen, power suns, flood lights, etc... just measure their temperature where your chameleon will bask. Make sure he will not burn himself. Trust me, been there done that, at first . Trying to save $5 one day, can cost you: the price of the original item, replacement item that you should have originally bought, and maybe your chameleon because you got the cheaper item.
NOT LECTURING, JUST STATING FROM EXPERIENCE. We were all new at this once. Good luck.

 

[Reel]

Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate your input. I was looking into the reptisun the other day, they seemed to have the best reviews. Whats the difference between the regular compact bulbs and the mini ones? Thanks again!

 

[jcarlsen]

Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate your input. I was looking into the reptisun the other day, they seemed to have the best reviews. Whats the difference between the regular compact bulbs and the mini ones? Thanks again!

Not a cham owner yet, but I've seen a lot of members mention that compact or coil bulbs should be avoided and that you should stick with the tubes so it covers the top of the enclosure.

 

[MelissaB]

Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate your input. I was looking into the reptisun the other day, they seemed to have the best reviews. Whats the difference between the regular compact bulbs and the mini ones? Thanks again!

You'd be better off with the tube style UVB light than the CFL. The CFL will work, but has a narrower area than the tube style. As far as the difference between the regular and the mini, I'm not sure. I've used the mini reptisun 5.0 CFL and it was fine. I do prefer the T5 HO setup I went with later. It really makes for a nice bright cage, and the plants do better, too.

I do still use the mini 5.0 CFLs on a few of my setups (pygmy chameleons and an anole). For my panther chameleons I prefer the tubes.