5.0 reptisun compact vs UVB tube?

[Novia]

What's the difference? I have the zoomed 5.0 reptisun but everyone says I should get the tube. What makes a tube better then a compact? What makes 10.0 better than 5.0?

 

[CooperDragon]

10.0 is a higher output bulb than a 5.0 (these are designed for shade critters mainly). The difference with the tube is that it provides a steady beam along a bigger area of the tank while a coil bulb has an intense beam right below the coil but the output dies off quickly as you move to the sides. It's better to provide a wide gradient to allow for self regulation which is better achieved with a tube style bulb.

 

[Novia]

Ohhhhh ok... But the compact is not dangerous, right?

 

[CooperDragon]

It's debatable. The compacts can be very intense in a narrow band. They have been known to cause eye problems. If you look into one you can probably get the idea. If you check my thread for bulb testing (Solarmeters) then you'll see that the compact coils have a very intense burst right below them but not at much distance and not far out in either direction.