Lifespan of UV light

[kimmyk]

I have a ReptiGlo 10.0 tube bulb and was wondering how often they need to be replaced? :?

 

[beardie parents]

The tube uvb's usually last for 4.5 to 6 months. We prefer the reptisun 10 tubes as their uvb has a better output then the reptiglo 10 does. This is my suggestion but from what I've read about what the effect some beardies have experienced under the reptiglo 10 I suggest you keep that bulb 10 inches from the basking spot with a bright white house bulb next to it and when time to replace it comes, get the reptisun 10 tube. The cheapest place I've found is at petmountain.com. They charge under $20 for them.

 

[herpfreak]

I agree with beardie parents; members on this site that have used ReptiGlos have reported damage to their beardies' eyes.

Fluorescent tubes should be replaced at least every six months (five months, to be safest). They will give off light long after they stop emitting UVB radiation; MegaRay MVBs can last over a year.

 

[diamc]

Moved here from General Discussion forum

 

[kimmyk]

MegaRay MVBs can last over a year

I actually had a Megaray and loved it but it lasted less than a year before it blew. I thought that the ReptiGlo 10.0 tube was supposed to be a good bulb to use :? Should I switch to the ReptiSun 10.0 :?:

 

[herpfreak]

I have heard so many horror stories about UVB bulb causing eye problems and whatnot, the only bulbs I have found that have not been associated with health problems in beardies (primarily eye problems) are the ReptiSun 10.0 and the MegaRay. If you want to, I guess you could try the ReptiGlo and see if it causes any problems...

 

[diamc]

Here's some info you should read about the Repti-Glo 10.0 fluorescent tube: viewtopic.php?f=34&t=101703&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=reptiglo+10+0 The best fluorescent you can buy in the US is the Repti-Sun 10.0 and in the UK and other areas is the Arcadia 12%. The best mercury vapor bulbs are the T-Rex and Mega-ray.

 

[kimmyk]

I actually have been using the ReptiGlo 10.0 for about 6 months. I had not heard about the health problems they can cause :x . A megaray is too hot for my viv so I guess I'll try the ReptiSun this time.

 

[kimmyk]

OK, just ordered my new bulb from petmountain.com. I ordered the ReptiSun 10.0 so hopefully I'll get it right this time. This UV stuff is so confusing I started with a coil found out how dangerous they were so switched to a MegaRay. It blew so I got a tube (the ReptiGlo) thinking that it was better and now I find out it's not. Ahhhhhhh. Looking at the bright side (no pun intended) Beardie doesn't have any adverse effects from the ReptiGlo

 

[herpfreak]

I know! It is very confusing. But your worries are over; the ReptiSun 10.0 is a great bulb. Gets awesome reviews. I've been using one for Budo, and it works great!

Just make sure it's within 6-9" of the basking spot.

 

[kimmyk]

Just make sure it's within 6-9" of the basking spot.

Why :?:

 

[zebraflavencs]

Just out of curiousity... what temps were the fixture you used with the Mega rated for ? I know that both of my Megas are in fixtures rated for 250* to avoid that very issue. If you still have that Mega, you can certainly raise the distance up to on top of the viv, so it sits outside, but the rays are directed straight down.
That is one more thought, was the Mega pointed down or at an angle ?
Janie.

 

[herpfreak]

Just make sure it's within 6-9" of the basking spot.

Why :?:

Any farther than 9" and your beardie won't receive proper UVB radiation; any closer than 6" and it will be too strong.

 

[kimmyk]

I'm not sure what temp the fixture was rated for :? , but I had the light pointed straight down. As for raising the Megaray, my viv is completely enclosed with a four foot door in the front and screened in sides. There is no way to raise the light. Thanks for the idea though.