What's so bad about compact bulbs?

[poopdedoop]

So I've heard lots of people say the compact bulbs aren't good for chameleons. Why is that exactly? Everyone just says that the tube bulbs are better, but they don't really give a reason as to why.

I recall in another thread someone saying it could blind them. Well technically any bright light could blind them if they look at it long enough.

I don't see how having a compact floresent blub for lighting can be so bad, and having a regular house bulb for heat is perfectly fine? They're both bright, they both can blind.

Can someone please just clear this up for me? I'm really confused on the subject.

 

[Ryan123]

i also hear compacts cause blindness but i called my bulbs company and they said something about phosperous (sp??) and how theirs didnt contain it or something and that i suppose the reptium 5.0 bulbs are fine because they had a tech check this out but i was worried too because i bought compacts but they havent done any damage yet

 

[hallenhe]

This thread has a lot of info, and links to an in-depth discussion. Some compact fluorescents are okay, others have caused problems; read the linked thread for more info than I have at the top of my head.

 

[SS4Luck]

I was told you have to have a big 100w + to get good heat off of them where its only 40-60 for a house bulb

 

[SSimsswiSS]

I don't see how having a compact floresent blub for lighting can be so bad, and having a regular house bulb for heat is perfectly fine? They're both bright, they both can blind.

Can someone please just clear this up for me? I'm really confused on the subject.

Compacts put out a mega dose of UV in a wave length, similar to that of a UV sterilizer used in water treatment applications. As in sterilize and kill all life forms that pass through the light.

Going blind is just the first sign that something is wrong, after that frying up the outer layers of skins is next, then death.

 

[reyesjoshuacruz]

Never trust a compact bulb!!!

take it from me, you can never trust a compact bulb

i took in A COMPACT BULB off the street once upon a time.... it was a spiral at that.......

Everything seemed fine at first but them he asked for some cash for " cheese burgers ", i gave in, i mean come on, his body is in the shap of a spiral how can you not trust that, so i gave it up. to my dismay i found the bulb in the garage smoking......" cheese burgers " indeed, i guess thats what the kids are calling em these days.........

the moral of the story is.... use the search, this has been discussed many many times before


arrrgh, now for the useful information, you'll find that most care info on these forums (esp info that gets regurgitated by newbies ect... ) are all based off the "rule of thumb idea"

also remember it is always better to error on the side of caution