Lighting Help for Newbies (:

[Claudiusx]

I would just go the safe route. And use a bulb that has been known to be safe without question.

-Brandon

 

[Jess]

Although I get the ballast part of it, I still don't understand why a CFL itself can really be so bad for them. Like I said, I've never had issues. Hopefully Tracie and Frances come up with some more info on it soon...

 

[Slippers]

Just something to watch out for that I was warned of: Some CFLs say that they aren't meant to be used on a timer, because they have the wrong ballast for it. I guess there's some debate going on right now on whether or not they are safe to use, but personally I've been using them for a couple years without any issues. I turned mine off for now because of the ballast/timer thing, and I haven't noticed a change in Dud's behavior at all.

Jess, I have been an electrician for 19 years now and I can tell you a timer will not effect any type of light what so ever ballast or not. A timer is the same thing as plugging in a light or flipping on a switch. It just turns the light on or off. So no need to worry about a timer. But... a dimmer on the other hand will not work with certain type bulbs. The ones I have posted say right on the box will not work with a dimmer.
As fo rthe CFL's being safe I a can honestly say I have no clue/idea. Thats why I was asking here for everyones input.

Like I said I was just looking for an extra light to help light up the VIV.
I am new to Beardies so I will take any advice/input/ideas I can get. If your using something differnet let me know so I can look into that as well.
Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[Claudiusx]

Jess, I have been an electrician for 19 years now and I can tell you a timer will not effect any type of light what so ever ballast or not.

Sorry this is false.

GE's site (the company who makes the majority of CFL's) has said so themselves that you should not use CFL's with digital timers, as it could cause the CFL to blow up. I can link you to GE's webpage where they say this if you want. It has something to do with the circuitry of the CFL.

-Brandon

 

[Kajolic]

Adding a cite to the above post: http://www.gelighting.com/na/home_lighting/ask_us/faq_compact.htm#electric_eye

 

[Jess]

I am so confused! It does have a warning on the box not to use them with a timer...?

 

[Claudiusx]

Sorry, My source wasn't from GE's actual site, but here it is none-the-less.

http://www.techniart.com/education-faq.php#43

-Brandon

 

[Claudiusx]

Slippers,

Honestly to be safe for now, I would just go with a normal Bright White bulb with a lower wattage if all your wanting to do is add some light.

-Brandon

 

[Jess]

The result is that operating CFLs on controls can significantly shorten the lifespan of the product, though it should not pose a fire hazard.

It is possible for electronic controls to be designed to work with fluorescent technology, so check with the manufacturer of the electronic control device for compatibility.

Note that CFLs can be used with mechanical timers (those that do not use electricity to operate) without adversely affecting the performance

Well both sources said that timers affect the life span, not that they cause them to explode. It doesn't really matter to me what the life span of my bulb is, since I probably won't use the same one for 10 years anyways.

Is a mechanical timer the kind that has the little notches you push down?

 

[Claudiusx]

Is a mechanical timer the kind that has the little notches you push down?

I believe so.

-Brandon

 

[Slippers]

We do use them all the time in supermarkets and stores with timers with no problems at all. Not sure what name brand bulb. I will have to check when I get back to the office.

 

[Claudiusx]

Ok, maybe not explode, but here is another link from the same site:

http://www.techniart.com/education-faq.php#30

Which says in some cases, when a CFL reaches the end of its life, it will start to smoke and smolder. Although it should only be for a short time, it still isn't something I want to happen around my house. If a CFL's life is shortened by using a timer, that leads you to assume that it has a greater chance of smoking and smoldering since it will be dying faster.

In some cases a flashing arc internal to the fluorescent tube or ballast may occur and in some extreme cases, a deformation, significant distortion, or small breach of the plastic material may happen.

These bulbs have small amounts of mercury in them. I wouldn't want the bulb to be breached and have mercury leak out into my house.

-Brandon

 

[Slippers]

I have also seen ballasts in fluorescent fixtures catch fire as well. From smallT-5's up to large High Outputs

Just found out we are using special cfl bulbs in these applications at work. I will get my hands on few if I can. For now I am just going to use a nomal low wattage lamp.
Sorry for the confusion. Thanks again everyone

 

[diamc]

For now I am just going to use a nomal low wattage lamp.
Sorry for the confusion. Thanks again everyone

That sounds much safer.

I tried using a household CFL once with one of my dragons and after 1 day, his eyes looked very irritated, not only was he closing them a lot but he made sure he wasn't facing that particular bulb at all. After 2 days of using a standard low wattage household bulb, his eyes looked fine & he acted happier. His eyes may have been extra sensitive, I don't know but watching his reaction was enough for me to change back to the other bulb. Thought I would share my experience.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Sorry for the delay! I did get some reinforcement from Frances to confirm my theories & thoughts, also.
First though, to compile more data, I too, have used a regular CFL for extra brightness lighting in combination with a Arcadia MVB since the tank is a 4x2x2.
We used this on our water dragon. I don't remember how old the light was, probably a couple of years or so. We use timers also. This light was on a timer, too. One day, we noticed Esme, our water dragon, was not acting right & would not sit under her basking area. So we took out the MVB to test it to make sure it was not emitting something hazardous. That light was fine. Then as we were putting the light back in, we noticed that the light was not really smoking but had a strange smell. So I proceeded to take the light out & it virtually fell apart. That couldn't have been good!! :shock: No wonder Esme was flipping out, the light had gone bad. That was the last CFL we have used since then.
Now on to Frances & I's thoughts & her professional analysis.

Here is an exact quote from her: BEGIN QUOTE
"There is no problem with the
flicker from compact fluorescent lamps; they are all internally
electronically ballasted so the "flicker rate" is thousands per second,
totally invisible to all living things. Birds, but not reptiles or
humans, can see flicker from ordinary strip lights if they are run on
old-fashioned cheap magnetic fixtures, but not more expensive
electronic ballasts. Reptiles have quite slow flicker fusion rates,
like us, so even magnetic ballasts don't cause a problem.

The spectrum
from ordinary household compacts is not brilliant, but it's okay... the
"Daylight" or SAD bulbs are a bit better - but the bulb itself is very
large and glaring and should always be mounted horizontally above the
tank, never hung down inside so the poor dragon has to look at this
huge glaring object in front of its eyes. But no compact lamps produce
really good illumination over a large area, so for mimicking strong
daylight, I cannot recommend them." END QUOTE


I have personally never recommended them, either for the above mentioned reasons. I don't feel that they are really bright enough to simulate sunlight. The way that they are mounted most of the time also, directed straight down with the spiral pointing downward is very glaring for them to have to stare into all day & over time, can damage their eyes.
A household light bulb that is clear & non coated I have found, is probably the best light as well as a bright halogen, also is very good.

I hope this helps out! If you have any questions, just let me know.

Tracie