Blue 50W Zoo Med light - is this ok?

[momo4]

Hey all,

I just checked the light that came with the baby I bought the other day, it's a blue 50W Zoo Med - is this a UV light? I can't see anywhere on it that it states that and it came with the lamp and setup, so I don't know if it's actually a UV - the breeder I got it from said he's positive it is, but I can't see it written on the bulb, and he said they're only $5 at the store, but I know that's not right is it?

Thanks in advance! I did search the posts but couldn't find where it stated if this bulb is a UV or not...

 

[Timotea]

Ok

The 50 watt blue bulb may give off UVA which is from mostly all bulbs but not UVB, which you want. It is simply a heat bulb for a setup and sounds kinda weak wattage to get up to the higher temperatures you need for a bearded dragon (90+)
You are going to need a UVB ' strip ' light which is a tube form that runs the length of your cage. DO NOT GET THE COIL UVB BULBS, It has shown in many a persons experience to cause problems with sight of the bearded and the UVB output dies rather quickly.

You could instead of buying the tube light is to get a MVB bulb which is a basking light and a UVB light all in one and they are higher wattage so they may need to be put on a dimmer to get the perfect tempurature.

Hope this helps somewhat.

 

[momo4]

Yes, it lets me know I don't have the right bulb yet! LOL

Thank you! She's in a 15 gal tank right now as she's so tiny, so a tube light is too big at the moment... do they sell them in 2 foot lengths or just 4 foot? We'll be building her a larger enclosure once she's bigger that will support the 4 ft length, and our big guy Crack is getting his big enclosure soon which will sport the large tube bulb too.

What about the black lights? I have read those can work, but are they hard on their eyes? We have a 2ft black light that I can use for now, would it be better than the Zoo Med one?
I also have a 100W plain light bulb for the basking spot since the tank is so small, it's all the heat she needs in there.

 

[Timotea]

There are smaller sized tube lights, But you will have to buy the system as well because a 18" bulb won't fit in a 4 foot UVB outlet :mrgreen:

Black lights won't work do to they don't give off UVB and honestly, You shouldn't use colored bulbs in my opinion. Even if they say the reptiles can't see them even in night, Bearded dragons can see the color and it can impare with sleep and even daily functioning.

I'd say try to find a ReptiSun 10 in 18", There are so many different types and sized tube lights I bet you could find one that works!

And just to note, I have a normal 100 watt that heats my 40 gallon, Of course i'm in Upstate NY so room tempuratures differ :lol:

If you have any more questions ask away!

 

[LJean]

I too agree that colored bulbs aren't good for dragons. They need bright light (mimicking the sun). Also a good UVB light is a must. A black light or the blue Zoo Med are not good for UVB. You are better off just using the regular household bulb for light and heat only, and then add in your UVB light.
What are you using to check the temps in there? My dragons enclosures are pretty big and I can't use a 100watt bulb for heat in them. Just curious.

 

[Timotea]

Me?

I use a Zilla Thermometer with Probe. Small, Easy, and has a ton of battery life!

 

[momo4]

The 100W bulb is hanging over top of the screen lid, not directly on top of it so it's not baking them in there, there's space for the extra heat to escape. Having the lights right on the lids makes it hard for us to get in there, so we rigged up a way to hang them above the vivs instead, Crack's tank is the same too.
My husband borrowed a digital thermometer from our neighbour to check the temp, I don't know what kind it was, but he said it was at 110 on the basking log, which is about right isn't it?

 

[Timotea]

Ok.... 110 is the maximum for the basking spot right under the light but now i'm really worried.

10 gallon tanks don't give much room and if you only checked the basking site I think you need to check the cool side as well. Normal bulbs send heat in all dirrections and Its sounding like the whole cage is that temperature. Please check and get back to us because if thats the case there might be problems that you might not be able to see

And to check temps always use a thermometer with a probe or a temp gun, nothing else. =D

 

[diamc]

Hi, Timotea is right, the digital thermomter has to have a probe on the end to get an accurate reading. You also have to be sure to have the probe resting on (actually touching) the basking log or rock, then wait for about 45 min for the temp to stop rising until you get the final reading. Then you have to check the cool side waiting the appropriate time again. You also should keep in mind that the tank will be the hottest in the early afternoon so that's the best time to check the temps. If the cool side temp is over 82, then you might have to use a 75 watt to see what temps you get then.

 

[TheWolfmanTom]

Hey there,
As far as the 50 watt black light goes I use them off and on as night bulbs when temps dip due to ac usage or winter. I have been useing them now for 4 to 5 years with no bad effects, but it shouldnt be your primary heat source.