Can you use fluorescent fixtures from walmart for the UVB?

[OhSleeper117]

I was just curious because I am not in the position to spend $30 in Petco, Petsmart, etc. Would it still work the same? Thanks for your help.

 

[Sita]

Yes, you can use any fixture for the light. The only thing "special" about the ones at the pet store is that it has a hood to direct the light downward, but as long as you follow directions for how close the light needs to be, it doesn't really matter.

I actually recently used a cheap under counter mountable fixture from Walmart and rewired it to fit into a hooded aquarium light I had that stopped working. Was a PITA, but worked out great.

 

[OhSleeper117]

How much did your fixture cost?

 

[Sita]

I can't find the specific one online, but it was a 24 inch under cabinet kitchen light, by all the bulbs and such. It was less than $15.

 

[OhSleeper117]

Can you use the bulbs included with the fixture, or do I use the specific uvb flourescent tubes from pet stores?

 

[ju5t1n]

Yeah, they are super cheap at Walmart just make sure you take the plastic cover off of the fixture so nothing will block the UVB light.
Yes, Unless your Walmart has a ReptiSun 10.0 fluorescent tubes (mine doesn't) you will want to get a UVB 10.0 from a pet store or online just make sure if it's a T-8 Fixture you get a T-8 Bulb or T-5 fixture get a T-5 Bulb with the same inches. I use a ZooMed Repti Sun 10.0 36" T-8.

-Justin

 

[OhSleeper117]

What is t8 and t5 and will the fixture say what it is?

 

[ju5t1n]

T-8 and T-5's are fluorescent tube sizes. It's like the diameter or where the sockets plug into the tubes. If you can't tell by looking at them (it's easy T-8's are a bigger diameter than the T-5's) It should say what type of fixtures they are on the box. The most common sizes are T-5s, T-8s and T-12s you want a T-5 or T-8.

-Justin

 

[OhSleeper117]

Thanks guys for all your help. Junior got a T8 reptisun 10.0 bulb and his eyes are getting better!