Is There a DIFFERENCE Between Reptile Bulbs & House Bulbs???

[JayMac86]

Just curious if there is a difference between the bulbs they sell at pet stores and the bulbs they sell at say home depot right now i have 100w zoo med repti basking spot lamp bulb but now that hes in 40g instead of 20g i feel like i might need a 125w so can i just get one from homedepot like say this one http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical-Light-Bulbs-Flood-Spot/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbmh0Z1z11c9p/R-100031638/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[PuffPuff11]

The reptile bulbs are over priced spot lights. As long as you have a source of UV either a mercury vapor or a tube like the repti-sun, it is just fine to buy a spot light (like used outside by your garage) for their basking area.

 

[Dementeddogz]

For basking I just use normal 100-120 watt lights tied into a dimmer and achieve basking temps needed.

 

[BadCon]

Most reptile specific flood and spot bulbs will be full spectrum (the daylight ones anyways), which means they'll provide more "sun-like" light. This also means they'll be supplying more UVA as opposed to a standard soft white bulb. This can increase a dragons appetite and activity levels. However, there are usually "daylight" branded house bulbs that will be full spectrum. Its really a matter of convenience. A halogen flood bulb at home depot will cost $5. A halogen flood bulb marketed for reptiles will cost $10 online. If the money doesn't really matter to you, then you can get either or.

In my enclosures, I use 65w incandescent flood bulbs for heat. I also have "daylight" colored CFLs to increase brightness. Obviously, these choices have nothing to do with a dedicated UVB source...which you will still need.

 

[Awesome]

You can go ahead and buy the Home Depot ones. Just get a daylight-rated light.

The reptile basking bulbs are a ripoff. They're just relabeled and this allows them to jack up the price simply because it says "100W Reptile Basking Light." Same goes for many other things too.

I love DIY...

 

[FBradshaw]

I actually use day light rated incandescent bulbs like you would put in any lamp or light fixture in your house. The only real difference between the reptile marketed ones and the readily available at any local hardware store or Wal-Mart is the price.

 

[ziggy23]

I have only used "reptile" heat bulbs a few times, but I found them to be poorer quality. They all burned out 2-7 days after I got them. The halogens I got from walmart on the other hand, one lasted 13 months, the other 15 months and still going.

 

[Awesome]

I have only used "reptile" heat bulbs a few times, but I found them to be poorer quality. They all burned out 2-7 days after I got them. The halogens I got from walmart on the other hand, one lasted 13 months, the other 15 months and still going.

Same here. I got a halogen bulb and it lasted for a good 6 months at least. Beats the reptile bulbs from Petco anyday.

 

[Cocky]

thought you were supposed to change the bulbs after 6 months anyway?

 

[BadCon]

That's for the UVB bulbs, not the heat bulbs.

 

[Cocky]

I change both anyway, find that both bulbs dull after that period.

 

[diamc]

Moved here from General Discussion forum.