I currently have a ReptiGlo 5.0 in the compact lid.. I want to buy the right one this time and I'm actually physically going to this store in real life today!! SO I want to be armed with the right info!
My beardie is around 9.5 inches long, no idea how old, we'll find that out today.
Why not use the compact if they give the same output and the entire tank is bathed in light, as if it were one long tube? The compact is just one tube all curled up...
yeah easy to assume that, type CFLS in the search and read some of the related posts. The outputs aren't as high and effective. If you are going to go with a CFL and not tube, than go with the reptisun for sure, the reptiglos are garbage.
Also, the UVB rays are only effective within a certain distance, just because they light up the tank in all areas does not mean that the far end is any useful for UVB absorption. Ideally the bathing spot or where the beardie will spend most of the time should be within about 8-9 inches from the UVB source
Oh gee, I sure hope you didn't get a Repti-Sun compact or coil bulb because those are very dangerous and have actually caused some beardie deaths. It's very important that you read this info about those bulbs: [ Invalid URL Removed / p= t=65424 f=1 ] If you did get one of them, please turn it off and try to return it to the store as we don't want anything to happen to your beardie and know that you certainly don't either.
Read this web article - http://www.uvguide.co.uk/compactlamps.htm
Compacts have a burn in phase and initially can deliver something like 4x the required UV. So instead of having a glass of beer you having a glass of scotch.