Question about UVB fixture

[krolmariusz]

I bought a Reptisun 10.0 36" 30 watts t8, and I'm curious if I can use a fixture with a smaller wattage (such as 25 watts) because I'm having a hard time finding a fixture that's 36" and 30 watts.

 

[doe222]

you can but it will kill the life of the bulb. i just went through this with my 48in 36watt reptisun. standard size in america for t8 is 32. i ended up using a blacklight fixture from spencers gifts at the mall that was rated at 40watts. look for blacklights and things like that because i have found that most have the same ratings as the uvb bulbs we buy. the really hard part is finding a single bulb fixture. have fun, its bs i know. goodluck.

 

[Kajolic]

Some fixtures may advertise 25-watt max and they may actually support 30-watts. If you're at a Lowe's/Home Depot/Menards/etc. ask them if they would be so kind to open the package and check the ballast. As long as it reads T8 F17-25-32 (meaning is supports 17/25/32 Watt bulbs), you'll be fine.
If not, purchase and out it yourself, if not what you wanted, return it. Customer is always right.