Coil Bulb question uvb

[Bummblebee]

Ok all three of my tanks have a reptisun 10.0 coil bulb :shock: Im just reading these are horrible it can damage there eyes Im freaking out I have two 8 month olds and my 1yr old.

Why are these bad?

I didnt realize florescent was the way to go in tube form why is it so much better.

Im gonna switch or I will stress about it horribly but Im just curious as to why they are bad and why do pet stores sell them just like they sell those dumb heat rocks is it because there are no regulations.

 

[FBradshaw]

The coil bulbs do not provide enough UV to be beneficial. The tubes cover a larger area, so you dragons get the UV almost all the time the lights are on. The MVB basking lamps provide enough UV that you wont need a UV tube, but you're still better off with a tube.

 

[Bummblebee]

Thanx for the quick reply.
Im still confused as to why they are harmfull to the eyes though.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

The primary reason these bulbs have been harmful to the eyes are because of the type of wavelength emitted. There is a short wavelength of UVB & a long wavelength of UVB. The shorter wavelength tends to be below 290nm on the scale and that is starting to get into the UVC realm. These lights have been tested & shown to have spikes of low wavelength UVB with very little high wavelength UVB which make for a hazardous situation.
The UVB wavelengths at those levels are "stronger" & more intense, which have a tendency to cause more DNA damage to cells. The longer wavelength are above 290nm which are safer & more conducive to safer UVB & D3 synthesis. This is a better wavelength for them because it does not cause DNA damage such as short wavelength.
Another reason they can be harmful to the eyes is if not enough bright white light is used in conjunction with the compact/coil lights. These lights degrade pretty quickly anyway, but they simply are not strong enought for reptiles such as bearded dragons who have high UVB requirements.

I hope this helps out.

Tracie

 

[Bummblebee]

Thanx that is exactly what I needed to know :mrgreen:

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

You are quite welcome!


Tracie