Light Fixture Question

[AprilMayJune]

Good afternoon,

I finally found a ReptiSun fluorescent bulb! Woohoo There is reason to celebrate as they are very hard to find in Ontario without spending big big bucks on them. I found a local store that has some and bought one of their longest, 36".

Problem is I can't find a fixture for it. It's a T12 bulb and the only single fixtures I can find are for T8 bulbs. I have looked at 2 different Home Depot stores and neither one have what I need. They do have a double fixture that holds two bulbs.

My questions are...

Can I just use my ReptiSun bulb in the double fixture?

If not, can I just use the one ReptiSun bulb and an ordinary household fluorescent? If so, would this compromise the ReptiSun in any way?

Thanks.

 

[AprilMayJune]

Found some information but still need question answered.

I emailed my cousin, who's an electrician and he told me just putting one bulb in a two bulb fixture would shorten the life span of the bulb. He knows this for sure.

He is unsure if using a household fluorescent with the UVB would compromise the UVB output. He doesn't know anything about UVB so he could not answer. If anyone knows if it's ok and won't compromise the bulb please let me know.

Thanks again

 

[Twobeardieguy]

I already ran a single UVB bulb in a dual and never had problems. You can add another regular fluorescent bulb in it to help brighten it up but you still need a basking bulb. Just remember the reptisun needs to be changed out every 6 months anyways. Hope this helped.

 

[AprilMayJune]

Thanks Lance. I'm going to get a household bulb and put it in with the ReptiSun, just to be on the safe side.

Lance is my special needs Beardie's name... lol

I am only using the ReptiSun bulb for the hatchlings that are coming soon. I will record how long the bulb is in use and only use for 6 months. Our adults are on MegaRay bulbs because I don't have a problem locating those. I've been hunting somewhat locally for a ReptiSun for a year and a half now and just in time for the babies.

I'm hoping they hatch next Thursday then I can share my birthday with them all!! That would be a great birthday present along with the year old female I got already.

 

[Twobeardieguy]

Congrats and we will be waiting on them pictures. :wink: